#8 Hiraeth

The story behind Hiraeth: 
The Welsh language is one of the oldest in Europe and one of the most evocative Welsh words is ‘Hiraeth’, which Penderyn celebrate with the next Icon of Wales edition.

So what does this word ‘Hiraeth’ mean? Well, it’s not easy to translate into English, which means it has a sort of magical quality.

Some definitions include, ‘belonging’, ‘homesickness’, ‘regret’, ‘nostalgia’, ‘wistfulness’ or a ‘yearning for a home to which you cannot return’, or indeed ‘for a home which may have never been’.

Another definition is ‘A sense of loss for an ancient land,’ as Wales was a dynamic and flourishing country in medieval times. Penderyn is proud to be a Welsh company and part of the renaissance in Welsh manufacturing in a country which is increasingly becoming more optimistic.

Hiraeth is a powerful word, especially to the Welsh people around the world.

This single malt whisky is a vatting of mostly double distilled, ex-bourbon matured whisky with a smaller proportion of single-distilled, STR cask-matured single malt, bottled at 46%. This is the first Penderyn release mostly based on single malt from the set of double stills that were first fired up back in 2014.. n over 45 countries it seemed a perfect ‘Icon’ to celebrate Wales and ‘Welshness.’

Tasting Notes:
Nose: Elegant and floral with light oak notes, vanilla, raisins, toffee apples, citrus peel and a hint of lime.

Palate: A delicate smooth single malt with honeyed fruits, vanilla, cinnamon spice and a hint of nutmeg

Finish: Soft honey and vanilla notes fade to a malty finish.