Penderyn Distillery is shining the spotlight on the remarkable role and accomplishments of its Head Distiller and General Manager of Distilleries Laura Davies to celebrate International Women’s Day (8 March).
Davies, the leader of the all-women distilling team, is described as a trailblazer who continues to shatter glass ceilings in the traditionally male-dominated world of spirits.
She’s much admired for her passion, dedication and excellence in her craft.
Fresh out of university, Davies began her whisky journey in 2012 as a Trainee Distiller at Penderyn, the home and birthplace of Welsh whisky. It did not take long for the company to discover her finely tuned senses and natural ability for nosing and tasting whisky.
During the interview process, Davies completed a comprehensive sensory assessment, evaluating the brand’s new make spirit, maturing whisky and finished products. This allowed her to demonstrate her skills and vast potential, marking the beginnings of what would become an illustrious career.
Part of her success was attributed to her mentor and world-renowned whisky expert, the late Dr Jim Swan, who guided her first five years at Penderyn. Swan taught her every facet of whisky production from the intricacies of malt intake and mashing to distillation, maturation and finishing.
This deep technical knowledge and her sensory talent enabled her rapid rise in the company.
In 2016, Davies was promoted to Distillery Manager, overseeing all operations at Penderyn’s main distillery in the Brecon Beacons National Park.
For the next five years, she continued refining her skills while leading the distillery team, ensuring the best quality, safety standards and efficient production. Her commitment to her craft helped Penderyn strengthen its status in the industry, the company noted.
Davies took on a critical leadership role in 2021 when she was named the General Manager of Distilleries for Penderyn’s three distillery sites in Brecon Beacons, Llandudno and Swansea.
She is now responsible for the complete oversight and strategic direction of all distillery production and operations across Wales. Her areas of management encompass health and safety, technical operations, staffing, quality management, supply chain, and logistics, as well as distillation innovation and experimentation with new spirit expressions.
Davies said: “What I find most rewarding is overseeing our entire process from malt intake to spirit draw and getting to assess the spirit quality at every stage to ensure it meets the exceptional Penderyn standard.
“By having quality at the forefront of everything we do, I can rest assured that the whisky we produce is of the absolute highest calibre.”
She added: “Yet as rewarding as the technical distillery work is, I also love the brand ambassador aspect of my role. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be able to get out from behind the scenes and host whisky dinners and events, meet with customers at trade shows and engage with business visitors and VIPs who are eager to learn about our unique Welsh whiskies.
“The whisky industry is truly one-of-a-kind, full of so many passionate individuals who share my fascination for this craft. That vibrant sense of community and camaraderie makes every day an adventure.”
Penderyn said that Davies’ deep expertise and visionary leadership not only contributes to the company’s success but also inspires a new generation of women distillers, blenders and whisky makers worldwide. ✈
