Wales has an official Welsh Whisky Society!

 We launched on the 2nd November 2024 at the St George’s Hotel (dating back to 1854) in their splendid Wedgewood room, filled with Victorian grandeur, just a stone's throw away from the pebble-swept beach of North Shore.

 Our stand was a small part of a bigger picture, as the occasion also marked the historical launch of the world’s first Whisky Festival in Wales, under the aptly named Wales Whisky Fest (WWF). The WWF team have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring together this event and if you are interested then next year they will once again be holding this event at the St George's Hotel on 1st November 2025; with more info at - www.waleswhiskyfest.co.uk 

 So doors opened for the festival at 12:30pm sharp for session one (which ran until 3:30pm) and a throng of whisky enthusiasts soon turned this quiet spot of Wales into a room buzzing with activity and a barrel of laughs. 

 Our stand was awash with requests for WWS membership, exchanging of information on Welsh whisky and, of course. indulging the palettes of those curious enough to try Welsh whisky (of which more in a bit). 

The WWS Founders also had the delight of shaking hands and warmly greeting our first ‘Legacy Member’!  

 So, our stand wasn’t dry, oh no! We were lucky enough to showcase this year's release of Myrddins Distillery’s 5-year-old single malt, which is located in Barmouth. Anyone who was not able to attend the stand/Festival can purchase one of their last few bottles at - https://www.myrddinsbrewery.com/product-page/myrddins-wisgi-mawddach-5-year-old-single-malt. (Or join as a member for a discounted members only rate).

 Another delight for us at the WWS stand was to allow curious whisky enthusiasts a chance to enjoy a taste of maturing cask strength (18-month-old) expressions from Hensol Castle Distillery's cask numbers 1, 2, and 5.  A sneak-peak was given and was a real teaser of an experience, as the company doesn’t plan to release their first whisky until 2026. More info on them can be found at - https://www.hensolcastledistillery.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorDJENx4mHPlI0ktQBHZtt2a3cfGq_TxZRsmy5eJn-TN1LM_900

 From our personal view it was so satisfying when whisky enthusiasts, who have explored the world of whisky, got their first chance to try the sweet nectar of Welsh whisky and discover what all the growing excitement is all about!

 Our stand was, of course, kept in good company and flanked by a fantastic array of Welsh whisky stands including Anglesey Môn, Da Mhîle, Aber Falls and Penderyn (who also graced fans of Welsh whisky with a limited edition bottle exclusively produced for Wales Whisky Fest).   

 Another exclusive bottle of Welsh whisky was made available by the dynamic team behind ‘Malt Mates’, which received a brilliant reception.

 Fans of Welsh whisky snapped up the new inagrurial range of Gwyr single malt whisky - a 4 year old Penderyn Bourbon Cask whisky finished in Mor Ladron Rum Casks - https://www.cheerswinemerchants.co.uk/products/gwyr-single-malt-welsh-whisky-rum-cask-finished

At the second session (4:00pm - 7:30pm) we were in equally high spirits with a queue of whisky fans waiting outside the door for opening, and a wave of questions from enthusiastic whisky drinkers, tastings and even more subscriptions to the WWS. 

 It was incredible to see so many people from across the globe having travelled far and wide to try Welsh whisky, including those attending our stand from the Netherlands, Germany, Poland and USA, to name but a few. 

 We are lucky as a Society to work with the best of the best and have support from the majority of Welsh whisky distilleries. It is through our mutual partnership with these distilleries that we are able to bring so many fantastic goodies to give to our Society growing members.  

 All that is left to say is a sincere thank you to all our new WWS members, the endearing Welsh whisky distillery teams and the Wales Whisky Fest for allowing us to host.

 We should be back soon with another update so watch this space. 

 Please consider sharing news of our WWS membership with friends/family who might equally be interested to enjoy Welsh whisky and, in the meantime, keep safe and together we will continue to enjoy exploring the growing world of Welsh whisky together. 

 Cheers, 

 Sean, Sion, Nathan