Penderyn Distillery, renowned for its exceptional Welsh whiskies, proudly embraces the historical significance of the Hafod Morfa copperworks and the visionary contributions of John Vivian. In an exciting twist, Penderyn are delighted to reveal an extraordinary connection between Michael Faraday and Penderyn’s distillery, through his relative, Dr. David Faraday, who designed Penderyn’s famous copper still. (The pic is of the two Faraday stills in Swansea Copperworks Distillery.)
Established by John Vivian in 1809, the Hafod Morfa copperworks became a beacon of industrial success. Operating an impressive array of 95 reverberatory furnaces, the copperworks produced copper of unparalleled purity, solidifying Swansea’s position as a prominent centre for copper smelting. Remarkably, nearly 90% of Britain’s copper smelting occurred within a mere 20-mile radius of Swansea, reflecting the region’s unrivaled expertise in this industry.
However, the prosperity of the copper industry was accompanied by significant challenges. The process of copper smelting released sulphur dioxide, leading to the notorious “black smoke” and pollution that plagued the valley and caused poor air quality in the area.
In a determined effort to address these environmental concerns, John Vivian sought the assistance of the renowned scientist Michael Faraday. Vivian’s invitation to Faraday resulted in a pivotal meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, hosted in Swansea in 1842. This collaboration aimed to find innovative ways to repurpose sulphur dioxide in the production of sulphuric acid, a groundbreaking approach to mitigating the harmful effects of pollution.
Fast forward to the present day, and Penderyn Distillery proudly celebrates its association with the Faraday family. Dr. David Faraday, a direct descendant of Michael Faraday, has made an indelible mark on the distillery’s legacy. Dr. Faraday, an accomplished scientist in his own right, has contributed to the creation of the remarkable copper stills employed by Penderyn to produce their renowned, multi-award winning single malt whisky.
These exceptional copper stills, designed by Dr. David Faraday, embody the fusion of heritage and innovation that defines Penderyn Distillery. They serve as a testament to the pioneering spirit passed down through the generations, reflecting the commitment to excellence and the relentless pursuit of quality that underpin our distilling process.
As Penderyn Distillery pays homage to the captivating history and visionary minds of Swansea’s copperworks, they remain steadfast in their dedication to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. Inspired by the collaborative efforts of John Vivian and Michael Faraday, Penderyn continues to strive for excellence in their craft while safeguarding the natural beauty of their surroundings.