Welsh distillery Penderyn has unveiled Serpent’s Tears, marking the first peated whisky produced in North Wales since Fron Goch Distillery closed over 100 years ago. The 46% ABV single malt represents a significant milestone for the Llandudno facility and the Welsh whisky industry.
North Wales Whisky Makes Historic Return with Penderyn Release
The launch of Serpent’s Tears signals a new era for Penderyn Distillery, which opened its Llandudno facility in 2021. Named after the Great Orme headland’s Viking-era nickname, the new whisky combines smoke and fruit flavors through the distillery’s unique Faraday Still, which operates at 92% ABV.
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“In July this year, we will release our very first whisky from our Llandudno distillery – Serpent’s Tears – and it will be a smoky, fruity peated single malt. This is a proud moment for our team and for Welsh whisky as a whole,” said Stephen Davies, Chief Executive of Penderyn Distillery.
The official tasting notes from Master Blender Aista Phillips describe “an autumnal day in a glass” with aromas of dry leaves, orchard fruits, and wood smoke. The palate features sweet peat, vanilla cream, and baking apples with hints of malt and peppery spice.
Penderyn North Wales Whisky Portfolio Expands Despite Industry Challenges
Serpent’s Tears joins Penderyn’s 2025 lineup alongside Icons of Wales #12 – Copperopolis, which honors Swansea’s copper industry heritage. The Copperopolis release features maturation in sweet red wine casks, resulting in what the official tasting notes describe as floral and fruity aromas with orange blossom, peaches, and cherries.
Wales Business Insider recently recognized Penderyn among Wales’s fastest-growing food and drink producers, despite broader industry headwinds. The company exports to over 50 international markets while maintaining production discipline.
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“The drinks industry is very challenging at the moment and we expect that to continue for the rest of this year,” Davies acknowledged, adding that the company plans to “keep production in line with sales.”
The distillery has also partnered with Welsh singer Katherine Jenkins and her husband Andrew Levitas to produce Cygnet Gin at the Swansea Copperworks facility, diversifying its portfolio beyond whisky.
Penderyn’s emergence 25 years ago sparked a Welsh whisky renaissance after a century-long absence. The Serpent’s Tears release reinforces North Wales’s return to whisky production, offering consumers a distinctive peated expression that reflects both regional heritage and modern distilling innovation. Pricing details for the July 2025 release have not been announced.
