Penderyn Unveils First North Wales Whisky: Serpent’s Tears, a Smoky Fruit Single Malt

Penderyn Distillery, the home of Welsh whisky, has announced the launch of Serpent’s Tears – the first single malt peated whisky to be crafted at its landmark North Wales distillery in Llandudno, inspired by Llandudno’s landscape of the Great Orme headland. This is a 46% abv bottle and a ‘first release’. This highly anticipated release marks a new chapter for Penderyn and for the Welsh whisky renaissance, offering enthusiasts a unique smoky, fruity profile that reflects the spirit of the region. This will be the “first of its kind” peated whisky to be made in Wales since Fron Goch Distillery closed over 100 years ago.

A Milestone for Welsh Whisky

Penderyn’s Llandudno distillery has stood as a symbol of innovation and ambition in North Wales. Now, after meticulous distillation and maturation, the team is ready to unveil its inaugural whisky from the site. Serpent’s Tears is a peated single malt, embodying the delicate balance of smoke and fruitiness that has become a hallmark of Penderyn’s craftsmanship.

Stephen Davies, Chief Executive of Penderyn Distillery, commented:“In July this year, we will release our very first whisky from our Llandudno distillery - Serpent’s Tears - and it will be a smoky, fruity peated single malt. This is a proud moment for our team and for Welsh whisky as a whole.”

The Llandudno facility, situated in the heart of the Victorian seaside town, leverages a unique production process, including distillation on the Faraday Still at an industry-high 92% ABV. This approach yields a delicate spirit that forms the foundation for the Serpent’s Tears complex character.

The Serpent’s Tears has evolved from Llandudno’s Great Orme: “From the Viking Longships, the brooding North Wales headland emerging from the fog and mist resembled a terrible and fearsome beast.  The Great Orme, derived from the Old Norse meaning ‘Great Serpent’ had survived volcanic eruptions, dinosaurs, and the Ice Age, so no wonder it created dread in the minds of these sea-farers, many of who foundered in the tears of the Serpent. Nestling in the shadow of The Great Orme, Penderyn Llandudno Lloyd Street distillery has crafted and matured this lightly peated whisky, reminding us of the adventurous spirit of past explorers and the natural beauty of our home.”

Aista Phillips, the Master Blender, revealed that “Serpent’s Tears has the nose of an autumnal day in a glass. Dry leaves, orchard fruits, wood smoke - dry logs on the crackling open fire. Some creamy notes in the background and heavy toasted bread. On the palate, sweet peat, soft vanilla cream, sugared pancake with burnt edges. Baking apples with the hint of malt and a touch of peppery spice and clove, and a finish of warming soft peat that lingers in the mouth with a barley sweetness.”

Expanding the Penderyn Portfolio

The distillery is set to introduce two new bottlings in 2025 to showcase the breadth of Welsh whisky innovation. The launch of Serpent’s Tears, following on from the successful release of Icons of Wales #12 – Copperopolis – which pays tribute to Swansea’s rich industrial heritage as the world’s copper capital and celebrates Penderyn’s distillery in the historic Hafod Morfa copperworks powerhouse.

Aista Phillips, the Master Blender, stated that “Copperopolis is matured in sweet red wine casks, and presents a vibrant bouquet of floral and fruity aromas – orange blossom, peaches, cherries, and orange peel – layered with sweet vanilla, honey, and a gentle spice of dried fruits. The palate delivers a luscious mouthfeel, rich sweetness of caramel and honey, and a bouquet of dried fruits – raisins, figs – culminating in a finish of dry oak, citrus sweetness, and a dusting of cocoa.”

A Year of Growth and Collaboration

Penderyn’s momentum extends beyond new product launches. The company was recently recognised as one of the fastest-growing food and drink producers in Wales by Wales Business Insider magazine, reflecting its expanding footprint both at home and in over 50 international markets.

Despite ongoing challenges in the drinks industry, Penderyn remains committed to aligning production with market demand. “The drinks industry is very challenging at the moment and we expect that to continue for the rest of this year,” Davies noted. “We are looking to keep production in line with sales, so we’ll keep a close eye on market performance.”

Innovation also extends to partnerships. Penderyn is collaborating with renowned Welsh singer Katherine Jenkins and her husband, Andrew Levitas, to establish the Swansea Copperworks distillery as the home of premium Cygnet Gin – a move that brings together two of Wales’s most celebrated brands and underscores the distillery’s role as a hub of craft spirits and Welsh heritage.

A New Era for Welsh Whisky

Penderyn’s pioneering spirit has been central to the resurgence of Welsh whisky over the past 25 years. With the launch of Serpent’s Tears, the distillery not only cements its presence in North Wales, but also reaffirms its commitment to innovation, quality, and the celebration of Welsh culture on the global stage.

As the world raises a glass to Serpent’s Tears and the stories behind Copperopolis, Penderyn invites whisky lovers everywhere to experience the evolving landscape of Welsh spirits – a journey defined by bold flavours, rich history, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.