We are delighted to announce the 7th in our Icons of Wales Series. ‘ **Rhiannon**’ is a Sherrywood Grand Cru finished whisky at 46% abv. You can order online [here.
Written in the Welsh language in the 11th century, The
Mabinogi are the earliest prose work in the history of Britain. They were
transcribed from the oral tradition and have since been translated into many
languages. The Mabinogi is generally agreed to be a single work in four parts,
or ‘Branches.’ The interrelated tales deal in mythology, history, political
themes, romances and magical fantasies.
_The stories feature strong women characters, and none are_
_stronger than **Rhiannon** – an enchantress and a horse goddess who could_
_‘out-run any pursuer even whilst riding slowly’. She was famed for being_
_intelligent, generous, strong-willed, otherworldly, adept at strategic planning_
_and gifted with both supernatural and physical powers. On her journey **Rhiannon**_
_uses magic to rid herself of a suitor, is falsely accused of infanticide, and_
_later becomes one of only four survivors of a magical thunderstorm. **Rhiannon**_
_in Welsh means ‘Great Queen’ or ‘Divine Queen.’ Her parents were the Fairy King_
_and Queen of Gwent (in reality a sizeable Welsh Kingdom of ancient Britain),_
_who educated her to handle sovereignty and governance. **Rhiannon** also_
_possessed a number of magical birds who could soothe the living into a deep_
_slumber, or wake the dead from eternal sleep._
**Rhiannon** later became the subject of Stevie Nicks’
song on the eponymous Fleetwood Mac album (1975): ‘She rules her life like a
bird in flight…’ More recently **Rhiannon** has turned up in modern fantasy
novels.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Spicy
sweetness with the hint of vanilla; oak tannins, red berries, blackcurrants,
hazelnuts, pears, sultanas and sweet marzipan
Taste: Smooth
velvety sweetness; creamy caramel, figs, red berries, delicate frangipane,
chocolate ganache and a touch of coffee
Finish: Sweet and
dry with long lingering oak tannins
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Wales is a mystical and mythical nation, and some talk of
Penderyn’s ‘magical powers’, but it’s certainly true that Wales has a long
story-telling tradition and Penderyn Single Malt Welsh Whisky is the perfect
accompaniment to any good story.