Penderyn Madeira Finish

A fantastic whisky at a fantastic price!
This is a smooth whisky throughout, smooth on the nose and on the palate. It’s a low smoke whisky and smoky whiskeys is something I’m not a fan on they hold back the true flavours of the malt and cask. Penderyn Madeira Finish is the smoothest single malt I have ever come across at a modest 46%abv. Compare this to a glenfiddich or glenlivet and it’s in a different league. Smooth from start to finish with no water needed. On the nose it’s hints of caramel and toffee with a long lasting smooth finish, on the palate I’m getting a rich oak taste leading to a very fresh clean finish with no aftertaste or burn. Absolutely fantastic! Gives a good ol’ scotch a run for its money!!

26th October 2020

To be honest, I found this disappointing.
I'm not into the herbal/ginger/resin/slightly musty type flavours. I tried it neat, with a touch of water and my old backup in 7up free.
Nothing really seems to help.
Back to the drawing board, Penderyn!

7th October 2020

Well I have to say this is my first Welsh Whiskey. Flip me what a smooth tipple so pleasantly surprised. On holiday in Dolgellau and thought why not go for it “while in Wales”. The equivalent smoothness I can compare is a 25 year old Glenfiddich which my bottle only by the way. Will be looking at add other Penderyn. Top draw Wales I’m converted

2nd October 2020

Oh my giddy aunt! I never expected this!

First Welsh whiskey I've ever tasted and I can genuinely say I'm shocked to the core.

I've drunk every kind of whiskey I can find over the last two years and this has just taken top spot. Incredible smooth and unbelievably strong.

Beautiful

29th September 2020

Intense aroma of British (or perhaps Welsh) summer fruit and aromatic wine, as you would expect from a madeira finish.

Palate is sweet, smooth and medium-heavy, revealing of its bourbon cask aging, but with a presence of spices. The higher alcohol content than average also makes itself known in the taste.

Finish is refreshing and spicy.

I don't know if this is a coloured whiskey, but it's a beautiful light to medium gold.

This is quite far from a scotch, so this might not please some. The smoothness and rich fruit may make this whiskey more paletable for those who don't usually drink much whiskey.

I recogn the only Welsh distillery has a winner on their hands.

26th September 2020

I like trying different whiskies, and i was honestly surprised by the quality, taste and aroma of this whisky. My wife bought me this for my birthday and its that nice I couldn't put it down.

25th September 2020

Suprised at negative reviews . We polished off a bottle between a small group of people some non whisky drinkers and it was very well received.

23rd September 2020

This is honestly the only whisky over £15 a bottle that I've disliked, I'd go as far as saying it doesn't taste like whisky, reading a few reviews below reminded me of its hairspray aroma and taste. If I hadn't bought it from a major supermarket I'd have thought it was a fake version.

14th July 2020

Very fresh and a little perfume on the nose for me with vanilla and grape. Better on the palate nice thick sweetness more vanilla and green grape followed by floral ginger. Give it a chance but just not my dram

5th July 2020

But it probably wasn’t this gem

29th June 2020

I got this one for £26. For this price I would say overall it is O. K. On the nose it has something really off-putting. I do understand some of the reviews about cheap alkohol. It has a bit of painstriper smell. If you leave it to sit in a glass in gets better. The best part is taste. It has great amount of vanilla, honey and freshness. Really decent ex-bourbon flavours. Don't feel much of Madeira though. Finish is quite poor. You can find a faint Madeira fart but it mostly dominated buy honey and followed again with strange bitter flavour. I do get that there should be European cask bitterness but this is something different. For £26 tasted worse. 6 out of 10.

15th June 2020

A really good whisky. I’m relatively new to whisky drinking but have tried a few from Penderyn the Madeira finish is a great whisky and very moreish. The sherrywood is also excellent but I’d give the bland legend a miss.

11th June 2020

I have two bottles a year (I've kept every box and empty bottle for many years) but I must admit the new bottles must taint the whisky as it does taste different. It changed slightly different when the 'Finish' was added to the bottle but not as much as this time. I think with just Madeira it tasted a lot, lot better.

30th May 2020

I won’t beat about the bush using pretentious terms in an attempt to indicate sophisticated expert analysis. I’m just a person who enjoys an occasional tipple, and this wasn’t one. Sorry and all that, but it was harsh with no great flavour. Perhaps it’s just too young.

30th May 2020

Don't try to hide what you are. If you don't like this it's not for you but if, like me, you love it, then fine, accept what you have found! This is just great, what a gorgeous honey flavour with fruit and relaxation! You taste the difference. I love Talisker and Laphroaig and I love Penderyn, what a wonderful world. Well done Wales!

15th May 2020

Tuath glass showing moderately intense notes of round sweet port wine - dried figs and raisins.

The palate is creamy with dry notes of light fig and raisin. Hints of sweet raisin on the finish. There seems to be a light bitterness that masks the flavors. Feels it could have used a bit more time in the barrel.

4th February 2020

Glad I only tried the sample. Doesn't quite work for me. For this price there is so much more on the market.

For the higher reviews I'd be inclined to say they are beginners with whisky.

18th January 2020

Very marmite reviews of the Madeira but for me, it’s holds up well against similar types of whisky such as Cardhu Gold Reserve. Very smooth despite the alcohol content and it’s due to this you can pour a triple over a medium ice ball and it doesn’t taste watered down.
The honeyed sweetness it leaves behind makes it incredibly moreish, if that’s the type of whiskey you’re into. Comparing it to Laphroaig or Tallisker is pointless as they’re on opposite ends of the spectrum and the Madeira doesn’t claim to be similar to those whiskies in any way.

5th January 2020

More than I expect. Just spend time with family in Pembrokeshire. Celtic see view and PMF taste

4th May 2019

Kept an open mind with this one as it had the obvious mixed reviews on here. Smell is unusual. Not unpleasant but a hint of cheap alcohol to it. The taste is.....urgh. First the sweetness but then that dissipates to practically nothing, justa slight spice hint but it's hardly there. Reminds me of an extremely young scotch. It all ends with a sour aftertaste. Its almost like you sense a sour flavour but their is no flavour as the pay off. Will not be buying this again. Surprised it has so many positive reviews!

2nd March 2019

Surprisingly poor. Penderyn Legend is one of my favourite whiskies, beautifully smooth and mellow, this in the other hand is very abrasive with a horrible bitter aftertaste. Just about ok for mixing. Go for Legend...

19th February 2019

One of My work Mates introduced Me to this as I had never tried a Welsh Whisky before and wow I was amazed and have not forgotten how good it is. Superb in every way with a fantastic sweet raisin and honey taste and to Me no after burn especially at its higher 46% strength.I now look out for this Madeira Finish whenever I can especially if it is on offer at My local Supermarkets. This is My treat Whisky and I have now got one for Christmas and can't wait to open it. A unique Whisky and well worth its price especially if it is on offer.Well worth a try.

10th December 2018

One of the smoothest and positively sweetest single malts I've quaffed. Scotch/Irish purveyors maybe overly critical. Smooth nose, lots of raisin, no afterburn.

1st November 2018

it's all about individual taste. I like this, it has a real good after taste after an initial bitterness but I'm an ale drinker so what do I know.....I know I just like it and am enjoying it.

28th October 2018

Not great.
First smell that hit was of cheap alcohol reminded me of cachaca or bad grappa, this overpowers the nicer notes of vanilla and apple.
On tasting some caramel and vanilla but overpowered by a strong green sap-like taste.
Not worth its moderate price tag for such a young whisky.

20th September 2018

All 5 of us tasting did not like this at all. Medicinal, turpentine, no peat or smoke, none of the raisins or tasting notes mentioned. Tasted like something out of my medicine cabinet.

9th July 2018

Smooth,fresh .slightly sweet

22nd June 2018

If you like bananas you could well like this. Banana is all it tastes of. Disappointed!

19th June 2018

Really bizarre plasticky tasting dross. Has a strange chemical flavour, and not in the pleasant, Laphroaig sense. I doubt all of their whiskies are as bad as this, as I'm sure I've had some nice Penderyn in the pst, but the Madeira finish is terrible. I've bought it more than once to see if it was just a bad batch, but found the results were consistent.

26th May 2018

I spotted this (Penderyn Madeira) in Heathrow duty free last week and being an expat Welshman just had to try it. I live in the Far East so good whisky is expensive. This is the nicest single malt I have ever sampled so I was pleasantly surprised taking in my first drop. Do not try to compare to Scotch as this whisky has a unique ness of it's own.

24th May 2018

I have been drinking malt whisky for 40 years now and I can safely say this is the best value malt I have ever bought for under £30. Macallan like bouquet followed by a beautifully delicate floral taste that defies its 46 percent proof. I can only assume that there is a fake version around that’s getting the bad reviews - or the distilleries quality control is poor ... if it is the latter, it’s no different from Chateau Musar that carries a cult status that it doesn’t deserve when your paying £30 for a bottle of wine and 30% are corked ...

28th April 2018

Quite unique if a little abrasive. Enjoyable in the right mood but not a go-to.

6th April 2018

Just fantastic..not like any other whisky except for Penderyn 'legend' which may even be more awesome?
It seems from the previous comments that all the superlatives have been used..so suffice to say..it's brilliant!

2nd March 2018

I have received a sample from a friend. First time having a go at Penderyn Madeira Finish. I am pleasantly surprised, in that it's quite different from most of the scotch whisky I have had before. Definitely young, in my opinion but there is some complexity and it's easy drinking whisky for sure. I'd buy if it is on special somewhere.

9th February 2018

A little medicinal early on the palate but sweetening to late vanilla tones. Not bad

5th February 2018

unusual taste but very pleasant, needs water to really enjoy

26th December 2017

A really nice drop this.
Light colour which belies its taste with lovely fruit on the tongue.

29th November 2017

Aroma: banana, rum raisins, toffee

palate: young whisky hotness gives away to a mild sweetness. Medium body with notes of peach, raisins and vanilla. After about 10 minutes, a lovely wood shaving nose emerges from the glass.

aftertaste: vanilla, slight bitterness, nutty dryness reminiscence of 2015 Compass Box Flaming Heart.

I like this one without water.

9th October 2017

Without doubt the worse bottle of whisky I have ever bought.. just awful... I really had high hopes and wanted it to be great as I've a soft spot for all stuff Welsh..
Someone described it as tasting like a poor grappa, I'd have to agree... tried it a few times and it gets worse every time.. the First time I've ever poured a bottle down the sink...

6th June 2017

Semi-smooth but with few flavors. The flavors both on the nose and palate are mostly hidden by the spice and alcohol. With bourbon and wine barrel finishes expected more complexity.

30th April 2017

Truly terrible. It is very silky and disperses over the tongue unbelievably well. But it has such a strong chemical/paint thinner body with cognac-like thinness and cheap sweetness. Will never buy again. I swear that Johnnie Walker Red Label is far superior to this

3rd March 2017

An absolute winner. Exactly what I want from a single malt. I know many whiskey enthusiasts from all over the world that would approve as I do. This beats glemorangie hands down for me and steers me away from all the johnny walkers I've tried over the years. Really good work, makes me proud to be a bit Welsh.

5th November 2016

Fruit, floral, herbaceous silky whiskey, light but complex, ginger spice on the finish

11th August 2016

I enjoyed a litre of this over a period of a number of months. To begin with I found the flavour a little too provocative. I expected the 46% to need a bit of water but even with that the intense sherry, spice and ethanol flavour was a little too punchy until I got the bottle down a little. I have found the same thing with intense Islay Malts - if the first glass or two seem too harsh a few weeks latter everything is much more settled. I don't know why, perhaps a little air visited into the spirit settles it? If so, this settled into a tremendous drink. What had been a little too intense developed into strong flavours of fruit and butter sweetness. This is a complex and enjoyable product. I'll be getting another one soon.
An important point that should be obvious: This is not a Scotch made in Wales. This Welsh Penderyn Malt has a unique character from the Welsh water, slightly warmer climate, unusual still design etc. Some people say it doesn't taste like a Malt Whisky. I'll half-agree: it doesn't taste like a SCOTCH Malt Whisky. Perhaps that simply be because it isn't trying to be a Scotch Malt Whisky? It is something different. I recommend trying it.

6th August 2016

As noted this has a very strong flavour, but don't be put off! When drunk with ice, or a splash of spring water the delicacies of this whisky really shine. I don't often rate things five stars, but the different layers of sweetness make it a pleasant experience that's rarely topped. Anyone complaining that it's too strong is treating this like a cheap and cheerful whisky, it does not do to gulp this one down.

Definitely in my top five whiskies of all time, quite possibly my top five spirits of all time, certainly a go to favourite to share with friends.

4th June 2016

It was a bit strong at first, but seemed to have some pleasant notes, a dash of water to dilute it down to about 80 proof, was a revelation. It has nice toffee and vanilla note with an over ripe grape background. The finish was short leaving hints of the vanilla and toffee on the palette, it's really a rather pleasant whiskey, after it's tamed. Normally I prefer my whiskies neat but a bit of water really helps this one.

22nd May 2016

Certainly not to my taste - I enjoy many single malts, but this one is worse than a cheap value blend - tastes like a mix between paint thinners and fuel - with an overly sweet after taste - some of their whiskys are good, but this one and expensive shelf space filler in a cheap bottle

6th May 2016

WOW and wow again - I am in South Africa - if I could afford it, it would become my nightly *((knightly applies here)tipple

15th March 2016

Picked this up last week in the UK on my way back to NY. I really love it.

11th February 2016

For those of you who enjoy a good grappa, you will enjoy this unusual single malt. It has a distinctive nose reminiscent of grappa and a hot mouth-feel with honey and vanilla finish.

1st February 2016

A real strong attack in the mouth, my eyebrows fell down and I can't ear anything since, but the pleasure is there after this spicy start and the taste lasts several minuts (3-4 caudalies) : to me a good rendering of wales : Strong and so rich of sensations. A great experience ( except for my eyebrows)

2nd January 2016

How can anyone give this a rating? Its horrible....like trying to drink petrol. Nasty.

1st January 2016

I received a bottle for my birthday and was pleasantly surprised actually, I found it very easy to drink and fairly sweet on the palate very much a sitting by my wood burner in the winter kind of dram.

4th December 2015

Oh dear. I am from a Welsh background and really wanted to believe. I even visited the distillery. It tastes like a cheap toffee liqueur. All buttery, vanilla, toffee. Too sweet. No oak, no smoke, no finish. Can't believe they can pass this off as premium spirit. I have a litre to give away if anybody wants it.

1st December 2015

We were just driving through Penderyn this summer after a visit to the Beacons, and stopped by at the distillery; it was love at first sip. Very potent, but I just had to come away with a bottle. Come to think of it, I didn't know till then that a Welsh single malt existed.

17th July 2015

El Madeira finish , es un néctar genial, donde puedo comprarlo en Barcelona

29th June 2015

Tried it with ice. Tasted like cough syrup. Never again

27th June 2015

Hughly enjoy this whiskey and it has become my "go to" outside of traditional Scotch's

10th December 2014

Quirky and different in the best way. Very easy to drink and not a hint of sulphur, which is ruining far too many Scottish whiskies these days IMO.
A lovely, cakey, Winter dram.

18th November 2014

Those who found it too "burnt" on the way down should either add a splash of good water or use little sips. [Note that it's 92 proof. For me, it's the best sipping-whiskey I know of. (Though I also like the peated version once in a while.

13th September 2014

I work in a whisky bar and I've been asked about Penderyn several times (always by Welsh customers) but we never used to stock it. I happened to stumble across this stuff in Asda and thought "Why not...". i bought it for purely educational purposes but wow... It's a very interesting drop. I have to admit, I was pretty underwhelmed when I first poured it. It's VERY pale in colour and has a slightly unusual smell - the "over-ripe raisins" description is very accurate - maybe the Madeira cask?? My first sip converted me though. this is definitely a unique whisky and doesn't try to imitate its Scottish or American cousins. It reminds me of Indian whisky in that way - there is absolutely no attempt to replicate anyone else's style or flavour profile. it is what it is and you'll either love it or hate it. Have an open mind with that first sip though and it might just reward you.

23rd July 2014

Hi there! Unfortunately, we are currently unable to ship to the Tenerife islands. However, we are always trying to find ways in which to make sure everyone can get their favourite tipple, no matter where they are in the world, so please check back. --The Chaps at Master of Malt

6th May 2014

What will be the price to send to Tenerife?Do you hace people from héroe buying the Welsh wiskey? Km Welsh and come from Pontypridd....look forward to hear from you.

4th May 2014

the whiskey is awesome massive fan. coming from south wales and being to the Brecon distillery. I now live in Virginia beach and have bottles sent over when I can - and my USA team I work with think its great and are getting there own keep it wales your doing epic

19th April 2014

what a beautiful full bodied whiskey to sit and enjoy. was bought for me as a present and put off opening as I wasn't too sure it was going to be good but how wrong was I. take it straight WOW

19th April 2014

Poppers.

15th April 2014

Great neat, with water or ice. I hope the new stills have come on line now so more Aur Cymru will be available to all unbelievers worldwide.

27th March 2014

Mmm - the marmite of whisky. love it or hate it. it's an odd nose and flowery after taste. Ice please !

6th March 2014

I tried a bottle and it is not to my taste - a little sweeter than I normally prefer and the taste was strongly overshadowed by a very pervasive undertone in the bouquet which evoked the urine of a male cat!
I suppose it could be the bottle I bought however I won't be trying another....

4th March 2014

I've just tried this straight! A friend of mine bought it for me because I'm Welsh and thought I would enjoy it. Gawd, it burned all the way from my teeth to my stomach. Don't think I'll be finishing this bottle. Might try it with water then pass it on to my Scottish neighbour if I get the same result.

11th February 2014

Excellent whiskey - fresh but complex. Much better than the average Speyside in my humble

3rd January 2014

This was such a surprise. Being a whiskey snob I bought it for a laugh..

I was so wrong....

25th December 2013

A Welsh whisky? Can't be any good! How wrong I was! There are many good things coming out of Wales (including my three Grandchildren) and this is certainly one of the best.

23rd November 2013

There are whiskies, then there are whiskies,and this can live with any of them. I was interested in the view that some (perhaps most) of the negative comments are from Bell's drinkers. This is a very valid argument. I have long held the view that Bell's is what they use to disinfect the operating tables in Guy's Hospital.

30th September 2013

Great whiskey up there in my book

21st September 2013

Loved whisky for 30 years now and drink it quite a bit. This is as good as any of the Single Malt scotch whiskeys. I think some of the negative comments may have come from Bells drinkers.

7th September 2013

Not as smooth as some of the best cheaper single malts but most definitely worth a try

17th August 2013

This is very good, a little sweet for my taste, but if you like sweeter whisky you should enjoy this. It very well made and good quality.

12th August 2013

The Madeira really cuts into the taste. Might not be the smoothest but an excellent malt. Always going to keep one in the cabinet for me

12th July 2013

Being a Balvenie double wood (12 year old) fan I stumbled across the Penderyn distillery by accident this weekend. Purchased the 'Maderia' as a lets see. So full of flavour and unbelievably smooth. Sorry to admit I cut with ice but still just WOW!!

1st July 2013

Loved it,in fact we all did.!!Iechyd da!!

28th June 2013

Very agreeable dram..Sweet smooth and too moreish

17th June 2013

And my score...

7th June 2013

One of my favourites that I tasted on World Whisky Day 2013 (and I tried A LOT). Smooth, sweet and a sublime finish.

7th June 2013

I absolutely agree with the reviewer above, even though I am from the land o' the pipes and the haggis. I visited Penderyn distillery (well worth a visit, very interesting indeed) and sampled this and the Peated expression. What I think people are forgetting is that this is not a Scotch whisky, nor does it pretend to be. It's a whisky in its own right, with its own identity, as different as Kentucky bourbon is to Speyside single malt. The Madeira finish is an absolute masterpiece, with the fruity flavour of the spirit melding beautifully with the influence of the madeira cask. On first tasting it, I was immediately reminded of a high-end small-batch white rum, full of rich flavours derived from the conditions in which the raw materials were grown. Penderyn's new make spirit, made with pure Welsh water as the reviewer above points out, has a strong character all of its own, and what Penderyn then does with it makes it even more unique and striking. So, my fellow Scotch drinkers, put aside your preconceptions and prepare to meet a totally new dram!

6th April 2013

I am guessing that the majority of negative feedbacks on here about Penderyn are written by those from the land of tartan and wild haggis! The fact is this whisky is quite simply outstanding for the price and is comparable to scottish whiskies of 2-3 times the price. It's thick, sweet and very easy on the palate. The pureness of the well water that has been used and the single distillation process make this whisky unique and triumph. I strongly recommend it and a visit to the distillery if you are ever down their way.

25th January 2013

This really is a first class whisky, wonderfully clean and easy to drink. Fantastic value at the price offered and I am sure that in years to come Penderyn will be globally recognised, a superb whisky.

20th December 2012

Didn't enjoy this drink at all; I don't even think it tasted like whisky. I bought a bottle and will not be drinking anymore of it. Might be one that grows on you but I won't be giving it the chance to.

3rd December 2012

I've had two bottles of this now, bought a couple of years apart. I bought the first one after tasting because it was, and remains, one of the nicest whiskies I have ever had the pleasure of drinking - particularly at this price point. The second bottle still had the same flavour, but was much more harsh, less subtle and with a slightly strange after taste. It was still a decent whisky but clearly not in the same league as the batch from a couple of years previously. I'd give the first bottle five stars and the second perhaps three. It may simply vary from batch to batch (or I may simply be imagining things!)

10th July 2012

Like anything to do with food and drink, everybody's taste is different. Ordered this today after my lunch out of curiosity more than anything else. As a lover of single malt from scotland such as glenlivet and glenkinchie I was convinced that this would not impress. How wrong I was. I'm no expert, but in my opinion, if you like a soft, smooth single malt, you'll struggle not to enjoy this. Try it and see for yourself!

7th May 2012

Absolutely gorgeous. One of the best drinking whiskies around. Delightful taste, lovely and smooth and under £30, there is no downside.

28th April 2012

Not wanting to be a Scotch snob I thought I'd try this when it came up on offer. I thought it had a very strong acetone aftertaste which overshone the subtle flavour. I ended up mixing it with Ginger Ale to finish it off, but others like it so worth a try.

6th March 2012

Superb introduction to wisgi drinking, absolutely superb.

3rd February 2012

This whisky is in a word - perfect. This is the most delicious whisky that I have ever tried.

11th January 2012

We, on the other hand, couldn't stand it! Came last out of 10 on our recent (blind) tasting. Too much Raki and Saki overtones (mixed with raisins) for our palates... but, hey, it was popular for the tasting because everyone agreed it was the least appealing! Have a go - sounds like a love it or hate it thing.

30th November 2010

The Welsh have cracked it! A very pallatable smooth whisky, one of which newcomers to the whisky world would thoroughly enjoy, an excellent entry level drink. The hardened whiskey connoisseur may find it a little new but very refreshing, it's a rewarding, very drinkable evening snifter and we love it.

22nd January 2010

AN EXCELLENT WHISKY TO COMPETE WITH ANY OTHER WHISKY ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS

16th December 2009