I’ve been a Penderyn fan for a while and so this small run of reviews has me pretty excited, especially because I get to try this Penderyn Rich Oak Single Malt. To make this whisky they employed both ex-Bourbon and “rejuvenated” (STR) casks in the hopes of bringing more depth to their delicious spirit. If you’re not familiar with STR, it stands for shaved, toasted, re-charred. It’s a method pioneered by the late great Dr. Jim Swan to bring life back to a cask and maturity to a younger whisky.
For me, the Penderyn Madeira is the best expression they’ve ever done, so when I taste anything from Penderyn I always compare it to that release. Not really as competition though, more along the lines of using it as a guidepost. Like how I use Wild Turkey 101 as a guidepost for all Wild Turkey and, actually, all ryed bourbon in general. If there was more Welsh whisky on the market I’d be using the Madeira in the same way.
Circling back to the Rich Oak, this is something I’m eager to dig into. The Penderyn Peated wasn’t all that great, so this one has some make-up work to do. I’m hoping it’s up to the task and, as always, there’s only one way to find out. So let’s get to drinkin’ and hope it redeems the distillery.
Penderyn Rich Oak Single Malt – Details and Tasting Notes
Whiskey Details
Region: Wales
Distiller: Penderyn
Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
Cask: ex-Bourbon, STR casks
Age: NAS (5+ years)
ABV: 46%
Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color
Price: $85*
Tasting Notes
EYE
Honey
NOSE
Tropical and orchard fruit, vanilla taffy, fruit gems, honey and cinnamon with a touch of oak.
This is a lovely aroma that comes through soft but heavy.
PALATE
Exact carbon copy, but a tad richer and deeper.
I’m enjoying the overall profile of the Penderyn Rich Oak Single Malt. It’s warm, bold and expressive. It’s awesome.
FINISH
Medium -> Tropical fruit candy, vanilla taffy and some malty sweetness dissolve to turn a tad metallic and oaky.
BALANCE, BODY and FEEL
Good balance, med-full body, and a velvety feel.
Penderyn Rich Oak Single Malt – Overall Thoughts and Score
This is lovely. The aroma rolls out with a deep fruitiness that’s a lot of fun to explore. The palate goes even deeper with the fruit and sweet notes and even offers up some hints of oak while the finish glides out nicely. All-in-all, it’s just a well-structured dram.
Penderyn Rich Oak Single Malt is a whisky I could drink any time and be completely happy with it. It fits any mood and time, it’s warm, has depth, and delivers across the senses. This goes up with the Madeira as one of my favorites Penderyn releases.
SCORE: 3.5/5
*Disclosure: The sample for this Welsh Whisky review was graciously sent to me by the company without obligation. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.
Penderyn Rich Oak Single Malt Review $85
Summary
This is a solid whisky with a complex, fruity, delivery through the senses. There’s not much to complain about.
Overall
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Nose
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Palate
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Finish
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BBF
User Review
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