The Welsh Whisky Co. has been honored as “The Microdistillery of the Year” for Penderyn, its highly regarded single malt whisky, by Malt Advocate, a magazine dedicated to promoting the growing microdistillery industry. The magazine will publish a list of the honorees in its January 2009 issue.
“There’s an explosion of new, relatively small, passionate distillers internationally who are making whisky,” said John Hansell, editor of Malt Advocate. Hansell presented the award to Gillian Howell, distiller of Penderyn, at The New York Whiskyfest at The Marriott Marquis in New York’s Time Square earlier this month.
“This was a difficult decision, given that there are some very impressive whiskies being distilled,” Hansell added, “but the product that most impresses us is Penderyn Welsh Whisky.”
To be eligible, a distillery must have been distilling whisky for no more than ten years and must be independent (i.e., a new company, not just a new facility for a company that’s already making whisky). The product must be sold in the United States.
Welsh Whisky, located in Penderyn, Wales, started operation in 2000 and delivered its first whisky in 2004. Penderyn is distilled in a specially designed still before being aged in used bourbon barrels and then finished in Madeira casks. Penderyn is available in 31 states (http://www.welsh-whisky.co.uk).
”It is surprisingly mature for its age;” Hansell said. “It’s a soft, pleasant whisky, with layers of creamy sweetness (vanilla, toffee), delicate fruit (coconut, blueberry, black raspberry), and almond. Penderyn is proof that new distilleries can produce a quality product and get it to market successfully within ten years.”
“We are very honored to have received this award,” Howell said. “Our success and the emergence of other microdistillers are proof that there is a demand for well crafted, delicious products such as Penderyn.”
Geraint Jones, head of Americas for International Business Wales, which has assisted the company since it was founded, said that the award is another sign of the creativity of Welsh businesses and their ability to succeed in very competitive markets.
About International Business Wales
International Business Wales is the economic development arm of the Welsh Assembly Government with the responsibility of helping international corporations locate operations in Wales, and with promoting international trade by Welsh businesses. IBW can assist businesses in finding suitable properties in Wales for their operations, help them in finding employees and in obtaining financial assistance from the Welsh government, when appropriate. For more information, visit www.ibwales.com
Contacts:
John Mulqueen, 212-620-7100
