Penderyn debuts 10th Icons of Wales whisky

by Alice Brooker

Welsh whisky producer Penderyn has released Yma O Hyd, the 10th bottling in the Icons of Wales series.

The series was named after the Welsh patriotic anthem that has been adopted by Welsh football supporters, also known as the ‘red wall’. The whisky was produced in partnership with Football Association (FA) Wales as the official whisky for the Wales campaign at the World Cup this year. The 700ml bottling clocks in at 43% ABV, and was matured in American rye casks. Presenting notes of baking spices, toffee, caramel, baked apples and pears on the nose, the palate is described as smooth with flavours of caramel, sultanas, baked apples, cinnamon, ginger and clove. Meanwhile, the finish contains caramel sweetness with peppery spices. The new Icons of Wales Whisky Edition can be ordered for pre-sale, priced at RRP £40 (US$47.25). Penderyn also noted that the ninth expression, which was intended to be launched by now, has not yet been released. When Wales qualified for the World Cup, the distillery decided to produce Yma O Hyd first. Icons #9 will be released next month. The whisky producer recently revealed plans to open a third distillery in Swansea as part of a £1 billion (US$1.2bn) transformation programme by the local council. Last year, SB sat down with Penderyn's distillery manager, Laura Davies, who shared how she learned the ropes from the late industry legend Dr Jim Swan, and discussed the producer’s plans for expansion.