Whisky With Notes of Nuts and Hay? Discover Penderyn Faraday in this Review

It’s time for a new review. This time we’re talking about a whisky that might be at its best with a few extra drops of water. Welcome to the Penderyn Faraday review.

Penderyn has two other distilleries (in Swansea and Llandudno), but Faraday comes from the original site, set in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (the ‘Brecon Beacons’ in English). Two styles of single malt are made here: the approachable ‘Dragon’ whiskies, and the richer ‘Aur Cymru’ (Welsh gold) whiskies.
Faraday is one of the special single malts.

Penderyn is known for Welsh single malt whiskies. In the Welsh language, Welsh whisky is called ‘whisgi Cymraeg’. ‘Single Malt Welsh Whisky’ is now a protected designation in the United Kingdom.

Faraday is available exclusively to travelers. The whisky first matured in ex-bourbon casks, then took on color and flavor from Ruby Port casks. As a result, it has a fairly dark hue for a whisky that’s likely on the younger side. There’s no age statement, and no coloring has been added.

The name ‘Faraday’ comes from Penderyn’s stills; a unique invention that combines rectification columns with traditional pot stills. These rare stills are a crucial part of the signature character of every Penderyn single malt: light, sweet, and buttery.

So how does this particular whisky taste? Penderyn describes it as having ‘light fruitiness’ with aromas of raisins and vanilla, flavors of very floral honey and dried fruits, a refined and creamy mouthfeel, and a medium-soft finish with a nutty dryness.

Time to dive in ourselves! You’ll find aromas from the Port casks, with spicy plums. Strawberry and vanilla notes also emerge, with a pleasant sweetness anchored by nutty, woody tones. It’s not as deep as Penderyn Portwood, but certainly in the same vein.

Keep nosing and the aromas grow bolder,which is very welcome! Light and heavy notes mingle in a way that’s hard to pin down. There’s perhaps buttery hay and apricot. This is typical of the classic Penderyn style, tied to the Faraday stills. You’ll also find these notes in the house-style single malt matured in Madeira casks.

On the palate, there’s an initial sharpness, likely a sign of youth. That bite melts into Penderyn’s buttery house style, along with some savory wood tones. There’s also a hint of dry hay and grapes.

If you enjoy Penderyn Portwood, you’ll find Faraday a touch less opulent, but still thoroughly enjoyable. It’s also a whisky that shines with a few drops of water. The aromas become more defined and the oak less heavy. Every flavor softens, especially the red fruit and vanilla. The mouthfeel remains lively, so you don’t lose any punch by adding water.

Faraday is something special for existing Penderyn fans, and easy to recommend to any whisky lover. If you spot it at an airport, it’s a great one to pick up! Penderyn doesn’t bottle at cask strength, so Faraday’s assertive edge suits anyone who finds Penderyn Madeira a bit too gentle. You only need one thing to enjoy this Welsh whisky: the Welsh word for ‘cheers’: iechyd da!

+ Powerful, rich aromas and flavors from bourbon and Port casks

+ Something unique for Penderyn enthusiasts

- Not as soft or refined as Penderyn Portwood