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Grand Slam

Being Chairman of Penderyn Distillery undoubtedly brings many benefits and having the honour and privilege of being the first to make an entry to our new blog is one of them. This is a strange time in Wales with everyone anticipating a second grand slam in three years tomorrow.

This is a strange time in Wales with everyone anticipating a second grand slam in three years tomorrow. It seems a little presumptuous but if we do it this team will be on track to go down with the great teams of 70’s etc. Wales is a small country and such things make a big difference to our national confidence.

Last night I was at a dinner in aid of a charity which supports ex-Welsh internationals who need medical care or have generally fallen on hard times. It was an amazing night with a host of stars honoured including Derek Quinnell, Scott Gibbs, Ray Gravell and others. These greats were entered into the Honda Hall of Fame which was initially conceived some four or five years ago by JJ Williams and a great friend of mine, Mark Davies, who hails from Aberdare. Mark now runs Honda motor bikes for all of Europe and Africa. It’s amazing where you can find Welsh people in all walks and levels of life where you wouldn’t necessary expect.

In support of the dinner, Penderyn presented a bottle of our WRU Special Edition to the French great Philippe Sellar as well as donating one of our increasingly rare club memberships for auction. It raised several hundreds of pounds.

None of the current team was there which is probably just as well as I suspect Warren Gatland’s discipline would be swift and severe.

On another note, I have managed to make contact with Olivier Humbrecht, who for those not familiar with Alsace wines would rate as many people’s finest maker of sweet white wines. I was trying to elicit a barrel from him to do an experimental finish as I think his wines in particular would be robust, complex and sweet enough to make for a very interesting whisky. Due to Penderyn’s unique still process I think its delicacy is particularly suited to pick up the nuances of such profound wines.

On Sunday I am taking the family off to France skiing for a week so fingers, legs and toes are crossed and hopefully I will be wearing a Welsh jersey down the slopes.

Nigel

On 20 January 2010 Ann Davies said:

Hi Alyn How things change. Living in such a green country does mean that we get our fair share of rain but it has its compensations especially when the distillery is situate in such a beautiful location as the Brecon Beacons. It also means a plentiful supply of wonderful Welsh water to make a premium quality whisky here at Penderyn. Well done on completing your tour of central Europe on your bike! What a great way to travel. It’s a shame that you were not able to visit the distillery but perhaps the next time you visit Wales you will be able to call to the distillery. Our distributor in Australia is Barmania and I suggest you contact them. Their web site is www.barmania.com.au or you can telephone them (various numbers on their web site). They also stock our Merlyn Cream Liqueur which is well worth tasting! I’m sure they’ll be able to help you.

On 17 January 2010 Alyn Vincent said:

Being an exile in Australia is a lonely business. In 2007 I was introduced to Welsh Whisky by a generous guest. He had with him a bottle of Penderyn AC and a beautiful box that contained a beautiful bottle that contained 700 ml of Peated Single Malt!!!! When I was a child playing in the sands of Llanbedrog I never dreamed I would be drinking whisky from Wales, in Wollongong!! While the beaches are probably better for surfing than Llanbedrog, nothing is more evocative than the smells that bring back your childhood. In 2008 I returned to Llanbedrog beach to scatter my Mother's ashes. It was a filthy day with heavy rain & strong winds. Any thoughts of riding my motorcycle to the distillery were quickly dashed. There was flooding throughout North Wales and all across the Midlands (my destination) so it was with a stiff upper lip & a determined frame of mind that I rode into the maelstrom. I was successful & completed an epic tour of central Europe on the bike (by myself), taking in some epicurean delights on the way. SO.......... where can I get my hands (lips, tongue, glottis etc) on your whisky in Australia????????

On 06 August 2009 theredbladder said:

Thought you might like to see this. Posted earlier elsewhere:

We'll keep a welcome at the barside
IF YOU should be visiting the Principality, or even if you happen to live within it, there is a sure-fire way of avoiding, and even curing, swine flu. Drink lots of the local whiskey – and that’s official.
Alexander Shprygin, the head of Russia’s football supporters association and a member of the executive of the local FA had entreated those travelling to Wales for next month’s World Cup qualifying match "We urge our fans to drink a lot of Welsh whisky as a form of disinfection. That should cure all symptoms of the disease."
Mr Shprygin, you’re my kind of man. Oh that we had a few like you in the higher echelons of our establishment.
Now I must admit that I’ve never actually tried Welsh whisky but apparently it is increasingly popular and is tipped to become an extremely popular and fashionable tipple in the near future. Perhaps, and only in the interests of scientific study, of course, I may well track some down and give it, what we serious researchers describe as, a belt.
When I asked Bert, along at the Goat and Compasses, for a bracing slug of the nostrum he got all sniffy about and tried to fob me off with the excuse that "there’s no demand for it". No demand for a distillation that can prevent and cure the greatest single threat to our civilisation? The man must have been sampling his own stock to excess.
I shall be forced to break my own rule and have a look in a supermarket for the elixir.
I’ve had another shufti at the leaflet the government sent round about this modern-day plague to see if they gave the same advice. Not a sausage. Isn’t that just typical? Why do we, in this country, always seem to lag behind others when it comes to plain common sense?
I begin to despair. Still I expect I’ll feel a lot better once I’ve taken my new medicine.

On 28 June 2009 Laura said:

Yesterday I attended, with five members of my family the official opening of the visitor centre. I have only one word to summarise it...."outstanding!" We became aware of the Penderyn Whisky when my boyfriend was purchased a bottle one year by his father. We haven't looked back. After taking the brand 'down south' to Hampshire, to introduce it to my Grandad (born and bred in Newport), we were sold! I was delighted that on a visit to the online shop one day, Penderyn had just launched an opportunity to become a member. "This is a piece of history in the making" was what went through my mind, so we purchased membership for my boyfriend, his father and my Grandad as surprises. We were so proud to attend yesterday. Not only is it wonderful to be part of history in the making, but to support an independent business is extremely important. The word 'passion' clearly summarises the team behind the four fantastic brands produced and you have helped my family make a lovely memory of a fantastic day. Thank you!

On 12 June 2009 John Cardy said:

I was always impressed with that lotus carlton owned by Nigel Short, now I've matured a bit I'm even more impressed by his blend of malt. Keep up the good work Ms Howells (Penderyn's nose) you've had me putting the world to rights many a night.

On 06 June 2009 Elaine Williams said:

Although not a whiskey drinker I had the great pleasure of visiting the Penderyn Distillery last Wed 5th June with a group from Pembrokeshire. We had a very enjoyable, informative, tour and talk with a lovely lady who's name I forget.
Then came the 'Tasting Time' which was enjoyed by many, the Merlyn was delicious and lots of purchases were made. Thank you for such a lovely visit, a very modern distillery in such lovely countryside.

On 14 April 2009 Ingrid said:

Am still logging on to see when the new 2008 Grand Slam edition will be available. I am proud to have the 2005 edition (untouched - which is the way it will remain)so any hints as to when it will be ready yet please?????? Proud to be Welsh & a rugby fan.
Regards
Ingrid

On 16 March 2009 Brian said:

I would firstly like to congratulate you all on one of the finest whiskies i have had the pleasure of drinking and i look forward to trying out a few more of your products in the near future as i have my eye on your Welsh Cream Liqueur.

I am also wondering if you have any free promotional items such as pens or a keyfob as when i try to recomend this fine Whiskey I keep forgetting its name (my memory isnt what it once was).  I would appreciate anything you could spare and if you can would be happy to send stamps to cover any postage costs.

On 05 March 2009 Paul Smith said:

when on holiday last year i visited you at your distillery. first of all i did not even know that wales had any whiskey distillerys and so made a bee line for you to find out more i had the full tour & tasting and realey enjoyed the visit. i bought a bottle of your fine whiskey aftre the tasting!! and have enjoyed the whisky a few time since!! i also bought 2 bottles of merlyn as i enjoyed it so much at the tasting !! i have give some to my family & a few guest all have liked it very much and asked where it came from so i have told them and will continue to spread the word!! i am glad to find you on line as my supplys where running low so i will now be able to buy more wow !!! a realy great product thank you all very much !! i will be back!!

On 03 February 2009 Charles said:

Hi there,    I have today received a bottle of your whisky. It arrived promptly and in good condition. Even better It tastes just like whisky should. I like it lots and will
recommend it to all.  Thanks for an excellent product.Yours  Charles.
P.S. Its as good as if not better than many scottish whiskies in my
opinion.

On 31 January 2009 Kieron Wright said:

As a Yorkshireman & a whisky lover, i was delighted to receive a bottle of Penderyn for Christmas from my wife (a fine Welshwoman!). It has to be the best whisky i have ever tasted and i can't wait to try the Sherrywood!
All the best for the future
Kieron

On 26 December 2008 Clive Templar said:

Hi,
As Christmas present from my Mother-in-Law I was given a bottle of Penderyn Whisky and ever so grateful I was and today (Boxing Day family get together)my Son gave me a WRU Grand Slam bottle and wow what a present - My total of Penderyn bottles to date is 4 plus two miniatures and a Penderyn glass we plan to visit the Penderyn distillery in the Spring as we live not too far away.

Regards Clive Templar

On 25 December 2008 Gary said:

To the Distillers and Staff at Penderyn:

Greetings from the Colonies!!

This year, my expatriated daughter and Welsh son-in-law gave me a bottle of Aur Cymru for the Holidays. So on this Christmas Eve I am enjoying your spirit, and the Spirit of Christmas.

I look forward to returning to the “Land of My Fathers” again, in 2009 (I’m a 5th generation Welsh/American). When I do, I plan to visit your distillery, take your Masters Course, and learn an even greater appreciation of your excellent whiskey.

But now, I raise my glass of "Welsh Gold" to you all at Penderyn, and say iechyd-Da! And I wish you all a most Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Gary in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin - USA

On 15 December 2008 Douglas Pugh said:

Suzie - I am in Charlotte, NC and was able to find Penderyn at a liquor store only a few miles south of here, just across the South Carolina line. I am anxiously waiting for the opportunitiy to open a bottle a enjoy by very first taste.

On 11 December 2008 Suzie Morris said:

I took my most precious bottle of Penderyn to the 2008 Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina Highland Games and passed the flask and bottle around. It was a huge hit with the many Scots who tried it. Everyone asked where they could get some. Unfortunately, it is not available in North Carolina yet, but I am anxiously awaiting the day it is. I received my first bottle as a present from a relative. Hope they decide I've been a good girl this year and send another.
Merry Christmas (Nadolig Llawen).

On 03 December 2008 Paul said:

Fortnum & Mason have one millenium cask in its original presentation box available for £350. Available on the website www.fortnumandmason.com

On 17 October 2008 David Wright said:

Hi Mandy I am selling my millenium cask bottle with miniature in presentation Box for £499 if interested call me on 07704186469

On 26 September 2008 Ann Davies said:

Hi Mike

Unfortunately due to the licensing laws we are unable to sell on line outside the UK. However, I am pleased to tell you that we have several stockists in South Africa. If you go to our "Where to Buy" section and select Other International and then South Africa, you should be able to see a list of stockists. We are not sure where in South Africa you live but if there isn't a stockist near to you please contact our importer email address universalbev@iafrica.com who I am sure will be able to help you.

On 26 September 2008 Mick Jones said:

can I buy online?I live in South Africa.I am originally from Swansea.

Regards
Mick

On 21 September 2008 Mandy said:

We have a millenium cask bottle and miniature in a presentation box, does anyone know if there are any more available to buy and at what price?

Many thanks
Mandy

On 08 August 2008 Jill Duffy said:

On reading other peoples reviews on this great welsh whiskey I'd like to add my own. My husband Steven had his first taste of Penderyn whiskey after the two blocks of Hirwaun flats were demolished ( I think it was May 2002? ) I bought him a bottle for the following Christmas. Since then he has had all the editions and different bottles of miniatures bought for him for special occasions by different members of the family. Last year for his 50th birthday I bought him a batch of six of the 125th special editions. We have drunk one and kept the remaining five for investments and extra special events WOW what a fab whiskey. To the team that makes all the different products in Penderyn I would like to say congratulation's and we will look forward to the grand slam edition in 2011.

Regards Jill Duffy from Glynneath

On 06 August 2008 Gavin said:

Thank you Keith and co-workers for a great day on Saturday. Hope to visit you again soon. Keep up the good work and save me a seat at the bar.
Many thanks
Gavin

On 30 July 2008 Rhiannon Bell said:

I just wanted to pass on my thanks on behalf of my father, mother, husband and myself following our visit to the distillery last Friday. We were all very impressed with what we saw and had a thoroughly enjoyable couple of hours. 
 
Gillian was fantastic, and I would appreciate it if you please pass on our sincere thanks for a lovely afternoon.  She is clearly very passionate about her whisky and the company and this came across during our tour.  We had a small get together in the house the following day and dad took great delight in sharing his different whiskies with his friends and talking about the differences in how they are produced!  We all learned a lot, not just about the whisky, but the company itself and very much feel like ambassadors for Penderyn now!  I can't wait to bring other family members and friends to the Visitors Centre- even if it's just an excuse to come again myself.  I found myself feeling very proud of the company, and proud to be Welsh.  I look forward to watching the company expand and develop and will be supporting at every step along the way.
 
I couldn't have picked a better gift for my dad's birthday.  Thanks again for all your hel

On 25 July 2008 Sian Whitelock said:

Dear Rod,

Thanks so much for your note. We are delighted that you had a nice time at the opening. We really wanted to welcome our guests with something special, so its wonderful to read such warming and heartfelt comments about the day.

We have been waiting for a very long time to have such a facility for visitors, we are very proud and look forward to welcoming our customers for many years to come. Once again, many thanks and regards from all at Penderyn.

Sian

On 25 July 2008 Rod Pughe said:

What a pleasure it was to attend the official opening of the new visitor centre. The welcome and hospitality was top class as was the range of whisky offered. Congratulations to you all for a super day where it was obvious that each and every one of you who have a part to play in the development and manufacture of such wonderful products not only have a passion for the business but genuinely portray a “family sense of belonging” to the Penderyn brand.

It was also a delight to meet Jim Murray at the opening having bought his “Whisky Bible” every year for his expert opinions in my search for whisky to add to my collection. I came away with the Grand Slam and two other bottles of whisky and one gin to add to my Penderyn Welsh Rugby Union 125th Anniversary Edition. I gave the gin to my son who thankfully had volunteered to drive me to Penderyn from Merioneth and I must tell you that both he and his wife declared that “the gin is the best they have tasted”.

Keep up the good work!

On 24 July 2008 Ralph Williams said:

I and two colleagues from work recently visited the Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh (they are from Moldova and the Czech Republic and hadn't tried whisky before) and they asked me whether Wales produced any whisky. To be honest I didn't know but I checked Google, found your web site and purchased a bottle. I just thought I'd let you know that the verdict is very positive.

On 04 July 2008 Brian Tomlinson said:

Just a short note to thank you for your outstanding service. I was worried that the whisky I ordered yesterday might be some time coming as it was needed as a last minute gift. I was astonished and delighted when it arrived at 9 am today. Please pass my thanks to all concerned.

On 13 June 2008 Cymro said:

Recently on holiday in Porthmadoc I was offered a taster Penderyn gin and tonic as I was going into Tesco at 10am!! Somewhat reluctantly I tried it and immediately made for the wines and spirits section. That gin was the smoothest I have ever tasted. I bought one then for the holiday and I've taken one home with me. I will never buy any other gin. Diolch yn fawr.

On 08 June 2008 Danny from belgium said:

Penderyn lovers, every time i drink my Welsch whisky i smell the spirit off the area,( vacation 2006) keep growing in the spirit, greets from belgium

On 06 June 2008 Heerb Silverman said:

please send an e-mail address re your whiskey so that I can forward my article -cheers Herb Silverman

On 27 May 2008 Stephen Davies said:

We are currently looking for more distribution in Australia so do keep an eye on our website.

Unfortunately it is not legal for us to export alcohol direct to you and we cannot guarantee that the delivery would get through. We will see if there is a way and let you know as we are keen for you to have our brands.

On 13 May 2008 Stephen Davies said:

Hi Jonathan - As you live in New York then you should have no problem in obtaining Penderyn as we are well distributed through the whole State and we will be in town for the Whisky festival in November this year.

Unfortunately it is not legal for us to sent alcohol products direct to customers in the USA - we have to go through the legal three tier system from importer to distributor and then retailer. The US laws relate of course way back to the repeal of prohibition in the 1930's. Its much the same in other countries so web based sales have to be limited to the UK.

Our website has a list of retailers in our "Where to Buy" section but if you have any problem in getting a bottle of "Welsh Gold" then do let us know and we will be able to help you. There are a small number of websites in the US that do sell direct and they are referenced on our web pages as well.

Thanks for your interest and keep checking our blog!

On 12 May 2008 Gavin Hansford said:

To whom it may concern,
I thought I would let those of you who are waiting for the 2008 grand slam edition know that it has been released. I confirmed this by ordering over the phone.
Many Thanks
Gavin

On 09 May 2008 Jonathan said:

Very interested in the blog!! I reside in upstate New York born and breed in Pontlottyn. On your post of the anoymity of welsh folk!! i too found many people with Welsh heritage, unfortunately, not many know where from either. How about exporting your fine product oversea's via the internet!!

On 09 May 2008 Martin Saunders said:

The Maidenhead RFC U14 Rugby Team toured West Wales over the weekend and the Head Coach as well as and Tour Chairman were presented with a Bottle of Pendryn Whiskey to say thank you for their efforts and to remember that they were in Wales. Both were absolutely delighted and have taken the bottles home to enjoy with friends ....we are all now awaiting the invite !!

On 07 May 2008 Mary Austin said:

need to aquire stocks of whisky,cream liqueur and gin. The only outlet in Australia is the other side of the country (3000 miles). Why can we not buy on line at all, and why are the products restricted. Love coming to visit but can't bring enough back to last.
Mary

On 28 April 2008 Ingrid said:

Any news yet pelase? Waiting patiently.

On 17 April 2008 Marc said:

Following on from the American theme - I've had the great pleasure to be present at the 'Wales Week in New York' celebration for the last two years. The Welsh Whisky Co's hospitality and friendship was fantastic and was certainly well received by new found American friends and ex-pats who attended the various events put on by Welsh Whisky and the WAG. Wales is certainly developing its brand in New York and Penderyn is right at the forefront of this good work. Keep it up and lets hope there are many more Grandslam Editions!

On 16 April 2008 Nigel Short said:

I’ve just been to the US for a week with our intrepid Managing Director, Stephen Davies. Spending a week on the road and visiting Cincinnati, Louisville, Indianapolis and Chicago was all fairly tough going.  We visited our importer for the US plus a number of distributors and retailers.  All was made worthwhile when on the last evening at the Chicago Whisky Fest I met a lady who had named her dog Penderyn!  I also believe we have a greyhound named after the distillery so if nothing else we are famous in the doggy world.

I have always been bemused as to why Welsh communities tend to blend in when they emigrate quicker that the Scots and certainly the Irish.  There are large Welsh communities in countries such as the US, Australia etc. but they seem to be less visible than our Celtic cousins.  I now have a theory as to why.  It is all to do with the difficulty in pronouncing the names.  I met no end of people claiming Welsh descent but when I enquired as to where their families were from I was met with an embarrassed stare and, unless they were from Cardiff, an inability to recall the name.  It is clear that if you have emigrated from Wales and were from Llanelli, your children and grandchildren will lose the ability to pronounce that name fairly quickly.  It is just a theory and I would be interested in anyone else’s view.

Nigel

On 15 April 2008 Stephen Davies said:

Well, with all this talk about rugby don't forget to raise a glass of "Welsh Gold" to Swansea City FC - newly promoted to the Championship in the English football league - well done Huw, Roberto and the team - I'm sure they will go up as champions. And to cap a truly great season of Welsh sport - good luck Cardiff City in the FA Cup final - who would have predicted that?? Stephen Davies MD at Penderyn

On 15 April 2008 Sian Whitelock from Penderyn said:

NOT LONG NOW!
John, Ingrid, Steve,
Its great to see that you are looking out for the 'Grand slam Edition', thanks for the support.
Whilst the previous Grand Slam wins will now occupy one side of the presentation carton, we really wanted to include the signature of 'Warren Gatland' underneath the highlights of the deciding game, Warren has recently been out of the country but the good news is that I have today received his signature for inclusion on the Carton. The design work is now complete and the labels and presentation cartons can now be produced. The 'Spring Bottling' dedicated to this edition has been selected and is due to be bottled next week in readiness for receipt of the newly developed packaging.

All going to plan, we expect that this edition will be available around 1st / 2nd week of May. Thanks for all the interest, please be assured I'll keep you posted on progress via the blog!

Regards, Sian.

On 11 April 2008 John Harding said:

As a a proud member of the Penderyn 200 club and a welshman in exile I am also looking forward to the 2008 edition and my invitation to the opening of the visitor centre along with a tasting of the amber nectar ! may you go from strength to strength. John, Rochdale, Lancs

On 11 April 2008 Steve said:

I logged on to see if Penderyn were going to produce a 2008 Grand Slam whisky and I am very pleased to see Sian's comments. I am a true whisky fan (not an expert) I just enjoy a good whisky and being a proud welshman I do enjoy drinking these fine welsh whisky's. I now have 2 sons - one born in 2005 with my second being 2008, so my 2005 Grand Slam edition whisky is stored and it is only right I should persue a 2008 Grand Slam edition to present to the boys later in their lives. Long Live Welsh Spirit,
cheers
Steve

On 09 April 2008 Sian Whitelock from Pendery said:

As anyone Welsh will now know - Wales did in fact Achieve the Grand slam this season, 100 years since we won the first Grand slam back in 1908 . We produced a limited edition back in 2005 to commemorate this great achievement, which was extremely popular, in fact we still get asked for this product now!

I hope you will be pleased to hear that I am currently working on the branding and development for a Grand slam 2008 Edition (which means that I am knee deep in drawings, label samples, pantone colours, etc., etc.,.) We will be following a similar style to the 2005 edition but thought that it would be good to include the previous Grand slam Wins since our first , way back in 1908.

Watch this space, its all going well and I hope to have this developed by Mid May.
Sian.