A Welsh distillery is looking to push the boundaries of the nation’s whisky industry as they prepare to launch what is believed to be the world’s first Welsh blended malt whisky.
In The Welsh Wind have recently unveiled Brychan - the first in a proposed trilogy of Welsh blended malts. Though the exact make up of the blend is unknown, it is crafted from single malt whiskies from across the country and contains spirit previously matured in bourbon, sherry, and port barrels.
The whisky takes its name from a character created specifically for the distillery by local printmaker Marian Haf. Two other characters, Meirion and Ceredig, will be used for the subsequent releases, each with their own flavour profile.
In terms of flavour, Brychan opens with a malty, porridge-like richness on the nose, alongside apples, pears, and cinnamon spice. The palate is rich and oily with honey, subtle spices and more malty notes leading to a long and oaky finish.
In The Welsh Wind was founded in 2018 on the Ceredigion coast and has produced award-winning gin, vodka and rum, as well as single malt whisky.
After two limited edition single malts were quick to sell out, the team at the distillery decided to work on a blend to create whisky that could offer their customers a consistent and accessible product. And with that Brychan and the first Welsh blended malt whisky was born.
Ellen Wakelam, founder and CEO of In The Welsh Wind, said: “bringing a blended Welsh whisky to life has been a privilege. We have been entrusted with liquid from other Welsh distilleries that we really respect and brought that together with our own single malt Welsh whisky.
“We are incredibly excited with the result and can’t wait to bring the second and third blends in this series to life over the next few months.”
Brychan is available from today (Wednesday 1st October) through In The Welsh Wind’s distillery and online stores, as well as through selected retailers, with an RRP of £45.
Back in April, Compass Box released Scot Free - what was believed to be the world’s first vatted English whisky. For more on that release and the story behind it, check out our previous article “Outside the Box: Blenders Reveal English Whisky.”
