This Penderyn Portwoood Single Malt inspired another review coming up, after this Penderyn mini-run. It’s another port-finished single malt that came highly recommended by my digital buddies Nate and Joel. But that’s neither here nor there till tomorrow so let’s focus back on this.
I’m always a bit leery when it comes to port cask finished whiskies. The field is littered with examples of producers who either didin’t leave it finishing long enough and there’s no port to speak of, or they left it way too long and port is all there is.
It seems to be a tricky one to work with, but when people get it right… damn. It can be one of the most delicious additions to a whisky out there. Let’s get to drinkin’ and see where this one falls.
Penderyn Portwoood Single Malt – Details and Tasting Notes
Whiskey Details
Region: Wales
Distiller: Penderyn
Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
Cask: ex-Bourbon, ex-Port
Age: NAS (5+ Years)
ABV: 46%
Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color
Price: $100*
Tasting Notes
EYE
Purplish caramel
NOSE
Metallic grapey dark fruit, malty sweet, brown sugar, light spice and a touch of melon rind and leather.
This a touch dry and leathery but the fruitiness hits heavy, yet balanced, giving it an inviting profile.
PALATE
Metallic grapey dark fruit, earthy (mushroom like), malty sweet, brown sugar, and a bit of cinnamon and leather.
This is deeper and warmer than the aroma, but it feels a tad disjointed, like it hasn’t fully merged just yet, but it’s so dang close.
FINISH
Medium -> Grapey fruity, malty , brown sugar and a bit of citrus fade out tartly.
BALANCE, BODY and FEEL
Good, medium, soft and warm.
Penderyn Portwoood Single Malt – Overall Thoughts and Score
I’m enjoying this. It’s darkly fruity, slightly sweet and a touch tart. It moves through the senses with a weight that’s unique and alluring. It’s a warm and slightly earthy profile that stands out in the world of port finished whiskies.
There are so many poorly done port finsihes out there, so it feels like when one is done fairly well, or even excellently, it should be celebrated. And this Penderyn Portwoood Single Malt is definitely a finish worth celebrating… or at least sipping quite often.
SCORE: 3.5/5
*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.
Penderyn Portwoood Single Malt Review $100
Summary
A well-done port finish that enhances the whisky nicely and adds more than it detracts. A touch disjointed, but miles ahead of some of the others I’ve had.
Overall
3.5- Nose (3.5)
- Palate (3.5)
- Finish (3.5)
- BBF (3.5)
User Review
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