UK. Halewood Artisanal Spirits has introduced Aber Falls Single Malt Welsh Whisky to UK travel retail in partnership with Avolta.
The ‘proudly Welsh’ whisky is featured at London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Cardiff, Bristol, Manchester, Birmingham and London Stansted airports. Its launch is being supported by sampling activities, with further activations in the pipeline.
Aber Falls Single Malt Welsh Whisky has a 40% ABV and it retails at £19.99 (US$25.43) for a 1-litre bottle. This full-bodied whisky features an aroma of vanilla, toffee, candied citrus fruits, fig and sultana – balanced with a hint of clove.
On the palate, sherry notes blend with dried fruit and spice, along with forest fruit flavours, creamy malt, nuts, dark chocolate and espresso.
Halewood Artisanal Spirits Global Travel Retail Director Eamon Prunty said: “This launch with Avolta is a key one for us. Not only does it put Aber Falls in a prime position in UK travel retail, but it will also pave the way for the extension of the brand’s global network.
“Aber Falls has huge potential in travel retail. Apart from its great taste and competitive price, it’s different, with a good story to tell. It is sure to attract whisky lovers and newcomers to the category through its quality and Welsh heritage.
“To date, Aber Falls has been exported to 45 countries. It has proven popular with consumers and has already established itself as a sought-after whisky.
“As a strategically key brand for us, we see so much opportunity for Aber Falls globally. We are looking to expand our current global distribution as well as extending our global travel retail listings at pace.”
Avolta Category Manager for Liquor UK Aisha Dad added: “Avolta is committed to providing an exceptional experience to travellers – a diverse portfolio that not only delivers global brands but also celebrates regional craftsmanship and heritage is equally important.
“We were delighted to discover the Aber Falls Distillery which truly represents the spirit of North Wales.
“No whisky offer would be complete without the award-winning Aber Falls and we’re delighted to be extending our relationship with Halewood to introduce the range to our customers.”
From source to spirit
A recent addition to the Halewood Artisanal Spirits portfolio, the Aber Falls Whisky Distillery is one of only four in Wales and the first in North Wales since the early 1900s.
It is located in the village of Abergwyngregyn, which translated from Welsh means ‘mouth of the river of white shells’. The distillery uses locally sourced ingredients and water from its own borehole, which runs down from Rhaeadr Fawr waterfall (or Aber Falls).
After fermentation, Aber Falls whisky is distilled in large copper stills, which remove the sulphur from the liquid and help in the formation of esters to give the spirit a refined, fruity character.
Once distilled, wooden barrels including American oak bourbon, virgin oak and Spanish sherry enhance the flavour profile of the whisky during the maturation process.
Aber Falls Distillery has been embraced by the local community and is working to establish strong links and partnerships with other Welsh businesses, with the goal of improving sustainability and driving local economy and tourism trade.
Aber Falls Distillery General Manager Carole Jones said: “We believe that our whisky should put in as much as it takes out.
“Our work with Welsh farmers on growing the finest Welsh barley strives to not only ensure our ingredient is authentic and of the highest quality, but also improve the economy of Wales.
“Aside from growing our ingredients, we don’t let anything go to waste. Leftover pot ale is given to local farms for use as fertiliser, while spent grain can be recycled as cattle feed.
“Working with Bangor University’s grain research centre, and in partnership with other local businesses, we developed and grew premium malted barley for use in our single malt whisky.”
The distillery’s whisky offer also includes a limited-edition Aber Falls Rye Whisky and Whisky Glass Gift Box, featuring two whisky glasses.
Aber Falls Rye Whisky, unveiled in December 2023, combines 51% malted rye and 49% Welsh malted barley. It has been matured in a virgin oak cask for just over three years.
Non-chill filtered and with a natural colour, the release offers notes of Christmas cake candied fruits, marzipan, chocolate and vanilla.
The palate delivers a taste of rye bread with hints of apple and malt. The finish is long-lasting, reminiscent of spiced ginger biscuits.
Aber Falls Distillery also produces dry and flavoured gins, as well as liqueurs and offers a range of gift boxes.
Aber Falls Single Malt Welsh Whisky secured a gold at The Drinks Business & Spirits Business Spring Tasting 2022. In the same year, it won a silver at both the World Whiskies Awards, 2022 London Spirits Competition and World-Spirits Award. ✈
