Penderyn will launch its Llandudno distillery next Monday as they help bring back the spirit of Frongoch to North Wales.
Commercial whisky production ceased in Wales in 1910 with the closure of the distillery at Frongoch, near Bala.
But nearly 20 years ago Penderyn launched a new generation of Welsh whisky and will now make it a truly national affair with a distillery opening next week in Llandudno.
It comes at a time when Aber Falls in Abergwyngregyn, Gwynedd, is also launching their first whisky.
Penderyn's new home in the north is the Grade II listed Old Board School. It was built in 1887, and latterly in the Conwy Council archive, which became available in 2020.
A £1.4 million Welsh Government grant from the ‘Tourism Investment Scheme’ and the ‘Food Business Investment scheme’ has made the vision of Penderyn’s new £5m distillery a reality.
A new Faraday still (unique to Penderyn) has been installed and has been readied for production by Penderyn’s commissioning distiller Bethan Morgans, which will focus, for the first time in Welsh history, on peated barley single malt whisky.
Whisky, by law, has to be in a barrel for three years and a day, so we will have to wait quite a while to taste it, but, even though it’s a peated whisky, it will have Penderyn’s characteristics – light, fruity, flavoursome whiskies.
The new distillery in Llandudno will be managed by local man Dafydd Pesic-Smith.
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Penderyn’s director of operations Neil Quigley has been pivotal to getting the new Llandudno distillery open on time.
He said: "Since its inception 3 years ago, this has been a hugely exciting and challenging project. I'm pleased to have kept this remarkable renovation on time and on track."
Mold-based MPH Construction have added the modern glazed extension to the back of the building, while Michael Kavanagh, Development Director of Short Bros Homes, has been critical in supporting the renovation as project manager.
Penderyn Distillery’s CEO Stephen Davies said: “Penderyn has always had a loyal following in North Wales.
“But with the south separated from the north by mountains and lakes, Penderyn has finally brought the country together.
“By opening in Llandudno, visited by 9.6 million tourists every year, we’re saying ‘Welcome home to Wales and to Penderyn’.
Tours of Penderyn's new distillery in Lloyd Street, Llandudno will commence from June 1 and the booking system will be live by the middle of May.
These will initially be restricted to eight visitors per tour, rather than the usual 20, due to social distancing. The annual estimate of 60,000 tourists is currently being restricted to 20,000, until the restrictions are lifted.
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“Penderyn's distilleries have brought together north and south Wales, from our Brecon Beacons headquarters to this new Llandudno Lloyd St distillery,” says Mr Davies.
“We look forward to taking Penderyn to even newer heights when Penderyn opens a third distillery in the Swansea Hafod Copperworks development. The finest spirit rises to the top, and at Penderyn we are always continuing to innovate and develop our business.”
Owner and director of Penderyn Distillery Nigel Short said: "‘From the very start of our journey at Penderyn over 20 years ago we have received great support from the people and businesses of North Wales.
"It is with huge pleasure that we are opening our new distillery and visitor centre in the heart of Llandudno. Our special thanks go to all at Conwy Council who were so welcoming and instrumental in helping to deliver a very special building restoration and attraction, one we hope will make everyone proud."
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