Penderyn Distillery has expanded its Welsh whisky portfolio with the launch of Serpent’s Tears, the first single malt peated whisky produced at its Llandudno distillery in North Wales.
The landmark release is the first peated whisky of its kind made in Wales since the closure of Fron Goch Distillery in the north of the country over a century ago.
Inspired by the Great Orme headland, the expression (46%ABV) features a smoky, fruity profile and marks a milestone for Welsh whisky.
Representing innovation and ambition in North Wales, the Llandudno facility at the heart of the Victorian seaside town employs a distinctive production method, including distillation on the Faraday Still at an industry-high 92% ABV.
The result is a delicate spirit that forms the foundation for the Serpent’s Tears complex character.
Penderyn Distillery Chief Executive Stephen Davies said, This is a proud moment for our team and for Welsh whisky as a whole,” he said.
Serpent’s Tears has evolved from Llandudno’s Great Orme. Davies said: “From the Viking Longships, the brooding North Wales headland emerging from the fog and mist resembled a terrible and fearsome beast.
“The Great Orme, derived from the Old Norse meaning ‘Great Serpent’ had survived volcanic eruptions, dinosaurs and the Ice Age, so no wonder it created dread in the minds of these seafarers, many of whom foundered in the tears of the Serpent.
“Nestling in the shadow of The Great Orme, Penderyn Llandudno Lloyd Street distillery has crafted and matured this lightly peated whisky, reminding us of the adventurous spirit of past explorers and the natural beauty of our home.”
Penderyn Master Blender Aista Phillips added: “Serpent’s Tears has the nose of an autumnal day in a glass. Dry leaves, orchard fruits, wood smoke – dry logs on the crackling open fire. Some creamy notes in the background and heavy toasted bread.
“On the palate, sweet peat, soft vanilla cream, sugared pancake with burnt edges. Baking apples with the hint of malt and a touch of peppery spice and clove, and a finish of warming soft peat that lingers in the mouth with a barley sweetness.”
Enhancing the Penderyn portfolio
Serpent’s Tears is the second of two Penderyn releases this year, both of which spotlight Welsh whisky innovation. It builds on the release of Icons of Wales #12, Copperopolis, which honours Swansea’s industrial legacy as the world’s copper capital and marks Penderyn’s presence at the Hafod Morfa site.
Phillips added: “Copperopolis is matured in sweet red wine casks, and presents a vibrant bouquet of floral and fruity aromas – orange blossom, peaches, cherries and orange peel – layered with sweet vanilla, honey and a gentle spice of dried fruits.
“The palate delivers a luscious mouthfeel, rich sweetness of caramel and honey, and a bouquet of dried fruits – raisins and figs – culminating in a finish of dry oak, citrus sweetness and a dusting of cocoa.”
A year of strategic expansion and partnership
Penderyn’s growth extends beyond new releases, with Wales Business Insider naming it one of the fastest-growing food and drink producers in Wales, reflecting an increasing presence at home and in over 50 international markets.
The distillery reaffirmed its commitment to aligning production closely with evolving market demand, despite ongoing challenges.
Davies said: “The drinks industry is very challenging at the moment and we expect that to continue for the rest of this year. We are looking to keep production in line with sales, so we’ll keep a close eye on market performance.”
To drive continued innovation, Penderyn is strengthening its brand through high-profile collaborations, including a partnership with renowned Welsh opera singer Katherine Jenkins and her husband Andrew Levitas.
The initiative aims to highlight Swansea Copperworks as the home of premium Cygnet Gin, uniting two of Wales’s most recognisable names and strengthening Penderyn’s role as a hub for craft spirits and Welsh cultural heritage. ✈
