Penderyn Peated Single Malt Review

To kick off a quick Penderyn mini-run, we’re digging into the Penderyn Peated Single Malt. This is one I’ve been looking forward to trying for a while because of how much I enjoy Penderyn’s Celt release from the Red Dragon series. Next to the Penderyn Madeira, the Celt is my favorite in their core series… well, at least it was till this week.

Buuuuut, you’re going to have to wait a few days to see which one(s) supplanted Madeira as my favorite. As you can probably tell, the Peated didn’t surpass the warm fruity goodness of the Madeira, but there is something going on in this whisky that isn’t entirely terrible. To see just how not entirely terrible we’ll need stop yakking and jump into the review.

Penderyn Peated Single Malt – Details and Tasting Notes

Whiskey Details

Region: Wales

Distiller: Penderyn
Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
Cask: ex-Bourbon
Age: NAS (5+ Years)
ABV: 46%

Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color

Price: $70*

White background tasting shot with the Penderyn Peated Single Malt sample bottle and a glass of whiskey next to it.

“This whisky has a delicate spirit with a medium peaty character and a light golden tone.” – Penderyn

Tasting Notes

EYE
Pale hay

NOSE
Spirity vanilla, fruit, smoke, SweetTarts and minerality.

The spirity character pops at first, followed by the peat and then doubles back to become very prominent as it opens.

PALATE
Spirity vanilla, fruit, smoke, SweetTarts and minerality with a bit of melon rind and banana taffy.

It’s a tad more complex, but the Penderyn Peated Single Malt is still dominated by that spirity profile.

FINISH
Medium -> Spirity, vanilla and banana taffy fade to minerally smoke.

BALANCE, BODY and FEEL
Not fully balanced, med-thin body, and a thin watery feel.

Penderyn Peated Single Malt – Overall Thoughts and Score

I like the Celt more, it has more to offer and presents a deeper, warmer, profile while still pulling in the peat. This comes through rather spirity with very little oak or maturity to speak of. Net-net… I’m just not getting a ton out of this one. It’s super light under the peat.

Of all the Penderyn I’ve had, I have to say this Penderyn Peated Single Malt is my least favorite. Which is unfortunate, because I was really looking forward to this release. But that’s why I like tasting before buying. Wish it was something we could all do more easily.

SCORE: 2/5

*Disclosure: The sample for this Welsh Whisky review was graciously sent to me by the company without obligation. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.