A quick note before anything else. This week, four of my Penderyn reviews were done with industry samples provided free of charge and without any pesky strings attached; this message precedes each of those reviews. As ever, I am unsure if that led me to grade harder or easier, but I prefer ant entanglements to be upfront. For more, check out the ethics statement we use on Maltrunners.com.

Whisky: Penderyn 11 Year (2012), LMDW Ex-Libris Cask S77

Country/Region: Wales

ABV: 59.7%

Cask: Oloroso Sherry

Age: 11 Years (Distilled 2012, Bottled 2023)

Nose: Tinned fruits, ginger biscuits, molasses, birthday cake frosting, mustard seed, olive brine.

Palate: Medium to full-bodied, tinned fruits, ginger biscuits, molasses, mustard seed, caramelized onions, touch of youthful spirit and pepper.

Finish: Medium-length with pepper, tinned fruit, and ginger biscuits.

Score: 7 (85)

Mental Image: Gingerbread Competition Sausage Vendor

Narrative & Notes: Tinned fruits and ginger biscuits arrived with a dollop of spiced molasses and a freshly cracked can of birthday cake frosting— clearly we were well underway constructing a massive planned gingerbread community for the holiday competition. On the savory side, caramelized onions, mustard seed, and a hint of an olive brine developed with a mild meatiness that contrasted nicely with the fruity arrival. Medium to full-bodied with a similar rollout of tinned fruits, ginger biscuits, and molasses, leading to tangy mustard seed and caramelized onions. The finish was medium-length with a touch of youthful pepper, tinned fruit, and ginger biscuits.

I love a unique and slightly bizarre flavor profile, and this absolutely delivered with a fascinating mustard seed, almost vinegar, tanginess alongside the sweetness of sweated and caramelized onions. It was an odd match for the tinned fruits and ginger biscuits that came first, but the flavors were structured enough that they rarely clashed or fought for control. The spirit was well-integrated with just a touch of youthful prickle on the palate. Water brought out more fruits while pushing some more eccentric qualities toward toasted holiday herbs and spices.

Overall, unusual and delicious fare.