Penderyn Madeira 41

The only other Penderyn I've had was a cask-strength SMWS (now very difficult to find), whereas this one is a more readily-available distillery bottling. Unfortunately, I didn't note enough information from the bottle when I collected this sample - I see now in my research that there are many releases of the 41 Madeira, and I don't know exactly which one this is.

The Madeira was the flagship release of this distillery, coming out into the world on March 1 2004. It is matured in first- and second-fill bourbon barrels (from Buffalo Trace and Evan Williams), and then finished for a few months in Madeira barriques. Note that the general Penderyn Madeira is bottled at 46%; whereas the 41 variant is bottled at, well, 41%. Thank you to Ross Allen for this sample.

The colour is a pale, creamy gold. On the nose, quite malty with hints of apricot, ginger, toffee and nutmeg. Some anise there too. Quite floral. Very light and refreshing - I almost get a note of "fresh air." Actually, I really do, which is accentuated by a drop of water (as well with the anise).

That lightness continues on the palate: some gentle tannins, brine, vanilla and peaches - lots of peaches. Very easy to drink - this would be a good introduction for the whisky novice. Water seems to do little to the taste and mouthfeel.

The finish is much deeper than you might think, with a lot of spices and vanillas. I certainly detect many notes that were found in the SMWS Penderyn, though as you can imagine, this bottle is gentler and more refined (where the cask-strength was punchier but no less delicate, somehow). Definitely worth seeking out!

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