Diary of a whisky enthusiast 2025 - Episode 4
Whisky Lover and Advisor at Le Comptoir Irlandais, I invite you to join me at the start of each month on a journey through the world of spirits.
In these monthly features, I share my impressions, favourites, and the knowledge I’ve gathered over time about these exceptional beverages. You'll also discover captivating distilleries and learn about the secrets behind their unique craft. A must-read for whisky lovers and curious minds alike!
Episode 4 : Penderyn : From the Welsh Valleys to the Glass: A Meeting with a Passionate Brand Ambassador
Nestled in the heart of the Welsh mountains, where Celtic mist meets modern innovation, Penderyn crafts whiskies that resonate far beyond the borders of its homeland. And who better to introduce us to this one-of-a-kind distillery than a former colleague at Le Comptoir Irlandais, now proud ambassador for the brand?
A Welsh Distillery Making Waves
Located in the village of Penderyn, on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park, the distillery revived a long-lost Welsh whisky tradition in the year 2000—one that had vanished for over a century. In just a few years, Penderyn has become a defining name for Welsh spirits on the global stage.
A Remarkable Welsh Revival
When Penderyn was founded, it took on an enormous challenge: to resurrect a whisky tradition lost for more than 100 years. At the time, few believed in the comeback of Welsh whisky. But Penderyn quickly proved the sceptics wrong. Thanks to a passionate team and production methods that are both cutting-edge and distinctive, the distillery has restored Wales’ place on the world whisky map.
Key Figures and a World-Unique Technology Behind Its Success
When Penderyn first set out on its adventure, the country had lost all traces of whisky-making: no local knowledge, no active traditions, no production infrastructure.
To bring their dream to life, the team turned to a remarkable expert: Dr. Jim Swan.
A scientist fascinated by the chemistry of ageing and the purity of distillates, Swan helped reshape quality standards at craft distilleries worldwide (such as Armorik in France). For Penderyn, he designed a unique process based on technical innovation and sensory precision. He introduced the revolutionary Faraday still—a hybrid between a traditional pot still and a column still—which produces an exceptionally smooth, aromatic spirit.
Swan also played a major role in shaping the maturation process, favouring American bourbon and Madeira casks that enhance the distillate’s complexity while preserving its natural freshness. Thanks to him, Penderyn adopted a modern, elegant signature that stands apart from traditional Celtic profiles.
His influence extended far beyond technique—he left behind a legacy of precision, elegance, and curiosity. A philosophy that still infuses every drop of Penderyn whisky today.
The Breath of the Brecon Beacons
The setting is just as important as the skill behind the scenes. Penderyn draws its water from pure mountain springs, and its rugged natural surroundings inspire every creation. A second site has since opened in Llandudno, on the northern coast, allowing for expansion while preserving its authentic Welsh soul.
Tales and Legends in Every Bottle
The red dragon on Penderyn bottles is more than a symbol of the Welsh flag—it echoes ancient myths that live on in the distillery’s spirit. Old stories tell of enchanted springs hidden in the hills, and heroes spellbound by the magic of whisky… Coincidence?
In the Brecon Beacons, where the hills ripple like frozen waves and the morning mist clings to the peaks, the locals still whisper an old legend. One that seems to linger in the mysterious atmosphere surrounding Penderyn.
They say that long ago, a golden dragon—Y Ddraig Aur—slept deep in these mountains, guarding a sacred well whose waters could reveal truths to those brave enough to drink. This dragon was no creature of fire or chaos, but an ancient spirit of wisdom and renewal. When storms rolled through the valley, some claimed they could hear his breath echoing through the cliffs...
A solitary healer, fascinated by nature’s mysteries, is said to have discovered this crystal-clear spring, its taste almost mineral. Using it, he created a strange herbal infusion that stirred the senses and warmed the soul.
Over time, the drink became part of forgotten rituals, believed to awaken memories and imbue those who drank it with the dragon’s strength. No one knows what became of it—but some say the mist clinging to the hills still guards its secret...
A Talented Brand Ambassador—and a Familiar Face!
It’s impossible to talk about Penderyn without thinking of Clara, now Brand Ambassador for the distillery in France. If you’ve ever visited our Rouen store, her face will likely ring a bell — Clara started out at Le Comptoir Irlandais, where she developed her passion for fine spirits and connecting with whisky-loving customers. Her journey is impressive: she even took part in the prestigious “Meilleurs Ouvriers de France” competition, in the mixology category!
So it’s with great pride and emotion that we meet her again—this time on the other side of the counter, passionately representing a brand we’ve long held dear. What a joy to see her thrive in the inspiring world of Penderyn!
Interview with Clara, Brand Ambassador for Penderyn
Hi Clara,
You're now the ambassador for a brand we love. How did you join the Penderyn team?
It was actually quite simple. I was looking for a job that would allow me to refocus on spirits—and also let me travel. I found the job posting on LinkedIn. Since I had a background in mixology before working at Le Comptoir Irlandais, they really appreciated the versatility I could bring.
How would you describe Penderyn’s style? What makes it stand out in the whisky world?
I love Penderyn’s original distillation method, which creates a fruity and approachable distillate. What really delights me is seeing someone who claims not to like whisky change their mind after tasting Penderyn. There's also a clear desire to innovate with the cask finishes. We rarely mention age, but focus on exploring unique flavour profiles through finishing.
You know our customers well. How do whisky lovers in France respond to Penderyn?
Penderyn has a broad appeal—it’s very accessible. The two exclusive editions for Le Comptoir Irlandais are especially well loved.
What challenges do you face as a brand ambassador? And what do you enjoy most?
My biggest challenge is making sure Penderyn has strong visibility—being featured alongside big-name Scottish, Irish, or even French distilleries in wine shops. We also want to develop our presence in bars and restaurants, especially through mixology. (Though Brecon Gin is already very popular with bartenders!)
Do you see a connection between your time at Le Comptoir Irlandais and your role today?
Absolutely. My time at Le Comptoir really helped refine my knowledge of spirits, especially whisky. I also discovered Penderyn at the shop!
Do you have a favourite memory from a distillery visit or a Penderyn event you’ve hosted?
I’ve visited two of our three distilleries—Brecon and Swansea. Of course, the original Penderyn site was amazing, but I was especially impressed by Swansea. It’s built inside a former copperworks, which has deep symbolic meaning for a distillery. It opened in 2023 and is incredibly modern and informative—rich not only in whisky culture but in the history of the city itself. If you get the chance, it’s well worth the visit.
What’s your personal Penderyn favourite? One you’d always recommend?
No hesitation: the Rye & Amontillado Small Batch. It has an aromatic complexity I adore. It really shows a different side of Penderyn.
Let’s Dig Deeper…
Penderyn’s signature relies on its Faraday stills. Can you explain how they work and how they shape the whisky’s flavour?
They’re a cross between a pot still and a column still. This hybrid system allows for continuous distillation, reaching around 92% ABV at the output—compared to 72% for a pot still. That high purity gives us incredibly delicate and fruity whiskies.
Does the Welsh climate affect whisky maturation in a particular way?
The UK isn’t known for big seasonal swings. Winters and summers are both fairly mild. Our angel’s share is around 1 to 2% per year. Most whiskies mature between 4 and 6 years. The stable climate helps ensure consistent ageing conditions.
Penderyn now operates several sites. What makes each one special?
Brecon produces the full Penderyn range. Llandudno (launched in 2021) focuses on peated whiskies. Swansea’s profile is still being developed—surprises ahead!
Has the Penderyn range seen any major recent changes or exciting projects you can share?
I love our Icons of Wales series. One edition—Hiraeth—is available at Le Comptoir Irlandais. Each bottle tells a story from Welsh history, paired with unique cask finishes. For example, Headliner pays tribute to the only Welsh prime minister, who helped introduce the 3-years-and-1-day ageing minimum.
This May, we released Copperopolis, a nod to Swansea’s 19th-century nickname. The city once produced 90% of the UK’s copper—and over 50% worldwide! This bottling blends casks from Tokaji, Recioto, and STR.
For more upcoming releases… you’ll just have to visit me at Whisky Live in Paris! We’ve got some amazing things coming.
How do you see the future of Welsh whisky?
I think it’s very bright! Just like in France and other countries, more and more distilleries are opening in Wales. It promotes the country and creates healthy competition.
A Range for Discerning Palates…
Over the years, Penderyn has won over seasoned whisky lovers with remarkable releases. The Gold series—matured in bourbon, Madeira, or sherry casks—stands out for its finesse and flavour intensity. The Icons of Wales collection honours Welsh heritage with bold, limited-edition bottlings full of character.
But the connection between Penderyn and true whisky fans is something we also experience at Le Comptoir Irlandais. We’re proud to offer exclusive small batches created just for us—rare bottlings selected in close collaboration with the distillery.
Among them :
- Penderyn Rum Finish Small Batch : A sunny release matured in ex-rum casks, bringing notes of flambéed banana and sweet spices.
- Penderyn Small Batch Édition 2022 : A bold, elegant single malt bottled at 50%, perfectly balancing fruity sweetness and oak-driven power.
These bottles reflect our shared passion and trust with the Penderyn team. For us, it’s more than a partnership—it’s a joint adventure in flavour and discovery.
…And the Perfect Way to Get Started
Mais Penderyn sait aussi parler au quotidien. Le Penderyn Legend ou Myth, disponibles au Comptoir Irlandais, offrent une belle introduction à l’univers de la distillerie : fruités, accessibles, gourmands. Une manière simple de goûter au savoir-faire gallois sans se ruiner.
And Tomorrow?
Penderyn continues to expand, with new sites, bold single casks, and international collaborations. But at its heart, the mission remains the same: to be a unique voice in whisky—proud, innovative, and deeply rooted in its land.
Events :
Come along to the shop and meet Clara at one of our free Penderyn tasting evenings (booking required)!
- Bordeaux le 03 juin 2025
- Clermont-Ferrand le 20 juin 2025
- Dieppe le 12 juin 2025
- Dijon le 18 juin 2025
- Lyon le 19 juin 2025
- Nantes le 10 juin 2025
- Paris 13 le 11 juin 2025
- Pau le 04 juin 2025
Written by Philomène B.
With heartfelt thanks to Clara P., Penderyn Brand Ambassador France—
Meet her at the Whisky Live international show at La Villette in Paris, September 2025!
