Penderyn Peated

Score: 65

Penderyn Peated is a Welsh single malt that leans into subtlety rather than smoke-show theatrics. Bottled at 46% ABV, it’s finished in casks that previously held peated Scotch, giving it a gentle, aromatic smokiness without overwhelming the palate. The nose opens with sweet, fragrant smoke layered over vanilla, green apple, and a touch of citrus zest. On the palate, it’s light and delicate, more a whisper than a roar, with soft fruit, hints of oak, and a lingering trail of smoke and vanilla on the finish. In the club’s tasting lineup, though, it didn’t quite rise to the occasion, landing 5th out of 6. It’s not that it was bad, just... forgettable. The peat was too polite, the fruit too restrained, and the overall impact too muted to spark much excitement. It’s the kind of dram that might work better in quiet contemplation than in a room full of opinionated palates. Respectable, yes. Memorable? Not quite.