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, launched on 19th July 2025 at all three Penderyn distilleries across Wales. It rolls out to specialist retailers and, from October, entering UK supermarkets for the first time.
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
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About Penderyn’s Llandudno Distillery:
The Penderyn Llandudno Distillery in North Wales officially opened on 17 May 2021. It is located in the historic Old Board School building on Lloyd Street, Llandudno—a Grade II listed Victorian structure dating back to 1887. This site marks Penderyn’s second distillery, expanding their production beyond their original Brecon Beacons location.
The Llandudno distillery is notable for focusing on peated barley single malt whisky, a first in Welsh whisky history, while maintaining Penderyn’s signature light and fruity style. The facility includes a distillery room, tasting bar, exhibition space, and masterclass room, and offers guided tours and visitor experiences.
About the Legend behind the Great Orme and Serpent’s Tears:
The legend connected to the Great Orme in Llandudno, and referenced in the name Serpent’s Tears, is rooted in the area’s ancient association with sea serpents. The headland’s name, “Orme,” comes from the Old Norse word ormr, meaning “sea serpent” or “worm.” Early sailors and coastal communities saw the Great Orme’s long, winding shape rising from the sea and imagined it as a gigantic serpent or dragon guarding the bay.
A particularly enduring tale recounts how Viking invaders, approaching Llandudno Bay in poor visibility, mistook the looming silhouette of the Great Orme for a monstrous sea serpent. Terrified by what they believed to be a supernatural guardian, the Vikings reportedly turned back, leaving the area unpillaged. This myth contributed to the local belief that the Great Orme protected Llandudno from seaborne threats, its presence warding off danger from the sea.
Thus, the legend of the Great Orme as a “serpent” is directly tied to its Norse name and its dramatic, serpentine appearance from the water, inspiring both ancient awe and modern stories like “Serpent’s Tears”.
About Serpent’s Tears by Penderyn:
Serpent’s Tears by Penderyn is the first peated single malt whisky produced at Penderyn’s Llandudno distillery in North Wales, marking a significant milestone for Welsh whisky. It is bottled at 46% ABV and is described as embodying a delicate balance of smoke and fruitiness, characteristic of Penderyn’s style.
Tasting Notes
Nose:
- An autumnal day in a glass
- Dry leaves, orchard fruits, wood smoke (dry logs on a crackling open fire)
- Creamy notes in the background and heavy toasted bread
Palate:
- Sweet peat, soft vanilla cream
- Sugared pancake with burnt edges
- Baking apples, hint of malt, peppery spice, and clove
Finish:
- Warming, soft peat that lingers in the mouth
- Barley sweetness
Price
Serpent’s Tears by Penderyn is retailing at £80 for a 70cl bottle at 46% ABV.
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