Penderyn Moscatel Finish & SMWS 128.7 Penderyn 5yo

Penderyn Moscatel Finish

Region: Wales

ABV: 60.5%

Price: £85.00

This release was matured in ex-Bourbon casks before being finished in Portuguese Moscatel (sweet wine) casks. 1,456 bottles were made available.

Nose

We're getting some poached pear in white wine, along with some fresh peaches. Behind the fruit it's incredibly herbal, we're getting woody rosemary and crushed mint. We're also getting the typical creaminess that we usually get from Penderyn akin to cream soda, but it's a little more hidden away than we're used to. There is a note here that we're not enjoying too much, it's like a faint mould that's obscuring the lovely fruity, creamy aromas, but as we leave it in the glass to get some air, it seems to recede somewhat.

Palate

We've got a fruit salad laced with spicy chili peppers, we're getting raspberries, blueberries and mint again, but with a real fire behind it. The spirit is quite punchy here, and follows into your chest as you swallow. The ABV is high, but you're still able to get the lighter, fruity notes too. There's some lemon zest here and some vanilla ice cream that coats the mouth nicely. The finish has a nice length showing a little leather and vanilla sweetness.

Nose (with water)

The slight mould has intensified quite considerably and the herbal, woody notes are also much more prominent. We're looking for some fruit but we're not getting any, the water has really changed this, and not for the better. The wine cask finish really starts to show after a little air, and we're finally getting a little apricot and honey.

Palate (with water)

Mellow, rich and syrupy. There's more apricots, grilled pineapple and honey but the spice from pre-dilution has disappeared. The water has done wonders to tame the high alcohol burn and turn it into a nice warming sensation that works well with the richer flavours coming through. There's still a slight mouldy flavour in the background though. The finish is still lengthy and pleasant.

Conclusion

This is an interesting dram that changes massively with water, both for good and bad. It does mean that it has something for everyone, but for us, it's still a little hot with high alcohol and a few off notes. A solid dram but not one we'd be clamouring to come back to.

Score: 7/10

SMWS 128.7 Penderyn 5 Year Old

Region: Wales

ABV: 61.1%

Price: £75.00

This society release spent 5 years in a first fill Ex-Sauternes Barrique before being bottled at 61.1%.

Nose

Lots of brandy aroma on the nose, maybe a little ginger and some maple syrup. There's a pleasant woodiness that gives the dram some real richness, in addition to old leather and toffee. There's also a little roasted hazelnut aroma here, but it's primarily brandy and sugar.

Palate

A burst of sweet vanilla cream poured over a tropical fruit cocktail. There's guava, mango and pineapple in their ripest forms, with a strong alcohol warmth in the background. Going back we're getting some elderflower cocktail and sponge cake, accenting the vanilla in the form of fondant icing. There's a deep, rich, syrupy mouthfeel that is sticky but balanced nicely against the alcohol. The finish is a good length, but maybe could be a little longer.

Nose (with water)

Water mellows the brandy aromas, bringing more fruit to the forefront. There's a slight menthol note that's appearing, but a very pleasant custard creaminess can be found throughout. There's also a cashew and almond nuttiness that we find in the background.

Palate (with water)

We're getting some deep chocolate notes, dried fruits, raisins and some toasted malt. A lot of the fresh, ripe fruits have disappeared but the deeper, richer flavours are really quite delicious. We're getting some cinnamon and maple syrup, and maybe a little toasted brioche. The finish remains a good length but is a bit drier than before the water was added.

Conclusion

The deep, rich and dried fruits flavour profile that the society attributes to this cask sums up the dram incredibly well, both with and without water. Fruity, sweet, rich, it's got a bit of everything. Incredible to think that is only 5 years old. It's maybe a little too high alcohol but even saying that, you wouldn't think it was 60%+ ABV. Highly recommended.

Score: 8.5/10

• 10 - Perfection. A whisky that we’ll remember forever.
• 9 - Amazing. We’d pay through the nose for a bottle.
• 8 - Great. Pick this up at RRP.
• 7 - Good. Happy to have a dram or two but wouldn’t buy a bottle.
• 6 - Passable. Would accept a dram, but wouldn’t seek it out.
• 5 - Poor. Would drink if it was the only option.
• 4 - Bad. Maybe it can be saved by ginger beer?
• 3 - Awful. It can't be saved by ginger beer.
• 2 - Pour it out
• 1 - We’ve never tried a whisky rated this low and hopefully never will.

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