Penderyn Distillery, the home of Welsh whisky, proudly announces the release of Serpent’s Tears by Penderyn -the first peated single malt whisky crafted in Wales for over a century, and the inaugural whisky distilled at its landmark Llandudno site.
This 46% ABV single malt, inspired by the legendary Great Orme headland, launches on 19th July 2025 at all three Penderyn distilleries across Wales, before rolling out to specialist retailers and, from October, entering UK supermarkets for the first time. A trade launch occurs on the 17th July.
A Bold New Identity for Welsh Whisky
Serpent’s Tears by Penderyn marks the first time Penderyn has created a stand-alone identity for a new bottling, distinct from its acclaimed GOLD, DRAGON, and Icons of Wales ranges.
This release is the first peated whisky produced in Wales since the closure of Fron Goch Distillery over 100 years ago, making it a true milestone for the industry.
Stephen Davies, CEO of Penderyn Distillery says:
“We have such a wide range of Penderyn titles – from the GOLD range, to DRAGON, to Icons of Wales – but we wanted to give the output from our Llandudno distillery a distinct, unique personality. We’re still ‘by Penderyn’, but Serpent’s Tears stands apart as the first of its kind from our second distillery, which opened in May 2021 just after the Covid-19 pandemic”.
Inspired by the Great Orme’s Myth and Majesty
Nestled in the shadow of the Great Orme, the Llandudno distillery draws on the headland’s Norse legend – where sailors mistook its silhouette for a fearsome sea serpent. The whisky’s name, Serpent’s Tears, pays homage to this myth, embodying both the adventurous spirit of past explorers and the natural beauty of North Wales.
Tasting Notes & Production
- Nose: Autumnal, with dry leaves, orchard fruits, and wood smoke—reminiscent of dry logs on a crackling fire.
- Palate: Sweet peat, soft vanilla cream, sugared pancake with burnt edges, baking apples, malt, peppery spice, and clove.
- Finish: Warming, lingering soft peat and barley sweetness.
Only 3,000 bottles are available in this First Reserve, with 700 bottles sold exclusively online. A further 3,000 bottles are for export. The recommended retail price is £80 per 70cl bottle.
The Llandudno facility utilises Penderyn Llandudno’s unique Faraday still, producing spirit at an industry-high 92% ABV, yielding a delicately balanced, smoky-fruity character that defines Serpent’s Tears.
Expanding the Penderyn Portfolio
Serpent’s Tears by Penderyn leads a year of innovation for Penderyn, which also recently released Icons of Wales #12 – Copperopolis, matured in sweet red wine casks and celebrating Swansea’s copper heritage. The distillery’s three sites (Brecon Beacons, Llandudno, and Swansea) now produce up to 2.3 million bottles annually, exporting to over 50 countries and amassing more than 140 international awards.
A New Era for Welsh Whisky
This launch underscores Penderyn’s commitment to Welsh whisky’s renaissance, with Serpent’s Tears representing not only a technical and creative achievement lead by Master blender Aista Phillips, but also a celebration of regional identity and innovation.
Stephen Davies says:
“This is a proud moment for our team and for Welsh whisky as a whole. With Serpent’s Tears, we’re inviting whisky lovers everywhere to experience a bold new chapter in our story – one rooted in tradition, but looking firmly to the future.”
Serpent’s Tears by Penderyn will be available from 19th July at all Penderyn distilleries, followed by specialist retailers, and in supermarkets nationwide from October 2025
