Penderyn Distillery Unveils "Copperopolis" - A Tribute to Swansea's Industrial Heritage

Penderyn Distillery, Wales' premiere whisky producer, is proud to announce the launch of its latest addition to the Icons of Wales series: Copperopolis. This 12th edition pays homage to Swansea's rich industrial past, when the city was known as the copper capital of the world.

Copperopolis went on sale to Penderyn Club members on 1st March, St. David's Day, and will ship at the end of March.

Stephen Davies, CEO of Penderyn Distillery, says: "Copperopolis is more than just a whisky; it's a liquid embodiment of Swansea's illustrious history. We're thrilled to connect our craft with the industrial heritage that shaped this region." 

Copperopolis is a 46% ABV single malt whisky, matured in sweet red wine casks, resulting in a complex and flavourful profile. The nose offers a floral and fruity bouquet, with notes of orange blossom, peaches, cherries, and orange peel, complemented by sweet vanilla and honey with a hint of dried fruit spice. The palate presents a luscious mouthfeel, rich with caramel and honey sweetness, alongside a bouquet of dried fruits including raisins and figs, balanced with light oak spices. The finish leaves a lingering impression of dry oak, citrus sweetness, and a subtle cocoa dust. It’s been produced at the Breacon Beacons distillery.

Priced at £65.00 for a 70cl bottle, this limited-edition release is not just a collector's item for whisky enthusiasts, but also a celebration of Welsh industrial prowess. The whisky is selling at a record pace, demonstrating the high demand for this unique expression.

The name "Copperopolis" harkens back to Swansea's golden age of copper smelting. From 1720, the city processed 50% of the world's copper and 90% of the UK's copper, earning its moniker as the copper capital. In a fitting tribute to this legacy, Penderyn's new Swansea distillery is housed in the Powerhouse of the old Swansea copperworks building, bridging the gap between industrial past and artisanal present.

Davies says: "Our Swansea distillery is a testament to the regeneration of this historic area. With Copperopolis, we're not just creating exceptional whisky, we're bottling a piece of Welsh history."

Penderyn continues to garner international acclaim for its innovative approach to whisky-making, utilising unique copper pot stills to create its distinctive spirits. The Icons of Wales series has become a flagship range for the distillery, celebrating significant Welsh figures, events, and now, industrial milestones.

The Icons of Wales series has been a cornerstone of Penderyn's offerings, with each release paying tribute to a significant aspect of Welsh culture, history, or achievement.

The series now includes 12 remarkable expressions:

• Red Flag: Commemorating the first use of the red flag as a symbol of social protest during the 1831 Merthyr Rising.
• Independence: Honouring the signatories of the Declaration of Independence.
• Dylan Thomas: Celebrating the centenary of the birth of the famed Welsh writer, poet, and broadcaster.
• That Try: Recognising Gareth Edwards' legendary try for the Barbarians against New Zealand in 1973.
• Royal Welsh: Commemorates the original Welsh Whisky distillery at Frongoch, near Bala, which closed over 100 years ago.
• Rhiannon: A powerful enchantress and horse goddess from the ancient Welsh folk tales, The Mabinogi, which were written in the 11th century and are some of the earliest writings in Europe.
• Hiraeth: Capturing the Welsh concept of longing for homeland, heritage, and being.
• Bryn Terfel: Honouring the renowned Welsh opera singer.
• The Headliner: The only Welsh Prime Minister, David Lloyd George (1863-1945), was a social reformer and accidentally established the premium whisky industry.
• YMA O HYD: Created in partnership with FA Wales as the official whisky of Wales' 2022 World Cup campaign.
• Patagonia: Penderyn's first blended malt whisky, produced in collaboration with La Alazana Distillery in Patagonia.
• Copperopolis: The latest release, celebrating Swansea's copper industry heritage.
• Yma O Hyd, The Headliner and Copperopolis are still in stock.

Stephen Davies comments on the series, "The Icons of Wales collection embodies our commitment to Welsh culture and history. Each bottle tells a unique story, and Copperopolis is no exception. It's a testament to the industrial spirit that built Swansea and continues to inspire innovation in Welsh whisky-making."

Copperopolis is expected to appeal to both whisky connoisseurs and history enthusiasts alike. Its rich flavour profile and historical significance make it an ideal gift or addition to any whisky collection. As Penderyn continues to expand its reach globally, the Icons of Wales series serves as an ambassador for Welsh culture and craftsmanship.

For more information about Copperopolis and other Penderyn products, visit www.penderyn.wales.