TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Welsh Beverage Types
Traditional Welsh cider is made from the first-pressed juice of cider apples grown in Wales. The apples used in the process can be of one or a mixture of different indigenous and non-indigenous varieties. The cider is light to dark gold, and it can be clear or cloudy.
The flavor is fruity, acidic, and citrus-like. The finish can be either very dry or sweet, and its alcohol content ranges from 3% to 8.49%. It's made under strict rules, so the only additives used while making this cider are cultured yeasts, sulphite, and calcium chloride salt.
Metheglin is an ancient mead variety that was typically flavored with herbs and spices. The first written evidence of the name stems from the 16th-century Wales, but the drink was probably a mainstay in other regions as well. The honey-base of metheglin could have been spiced with many ingredients, but it usually included various herbs and plants such as fennel, marjoram, ferns, rosemary, liverwort, borage, and many more.
Spices such as cinnamon, cloves, or nutmeg were also sometimes added. Metheglin was more expensive to produce than cider and beer, and it somewhat fell out of fashion. These days, people brew it at home, and a few producers make a contemporary version of this old beverage, though they often label it merely as mead or spiced mead.
This is a traditionally made perry from Wales' best and naturally ripened pears and their first pressed juice. The pears used in the process can be of one variety or a mixture of different varieties. It is pale yellow to dark gold in color andcan be clear or muddy.
The flavor is light, fruity, sweet-acidic and citrus-like. The finish can be either crisp dry or sweet, and its alcohol content ranges from 3% to 8.49%. It's made under strict rules, which is why the only additives that can be used while making this perry are cultured yeasts, sulphite and Calcium Chloride salt.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Welsh Beverage Producers
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
BEST Templeton Distillery Spirits
AWARDS
World Gin Awards - Country Winner
2022
BEST In the Welsh Wind Distillery Spirits
White Hare Distillery is a gin distillery located in the town of Usk, Monmouthshire, Wales. Founded by Christos Kyriakidis, who brings over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, the distillery features tasting rooms, a gin bar, and produces handcrafted small-batch gin.
Their signature product, White Hare gin, is a London dry-style gin infused with locally sourced botanicals, including pine, rosemary, and pink grapefruit, reflecting the flavors of the region. The distillery also offers gin masterclasses, providing visitors with the chance to create their own gin and learn about the distillation process.
AWARDS
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Gold
2024
World Gin Awards - Country Winner
2022
BEST White Hare Distillery Spirits
AWARDS
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2022
BEST Wrexham Lager Beer Company Limited Beers
AWARDS
The Gin Masters - Gold
2022
The Gin Masters - Master
2022
The Vodka Masters - Master
2022
BEST Eccentric Spirit Co Spirits
Celtic Spirit Company is an England-based producer of traditional liqueurs. They specialize in creating premium alcoholic beverages that often incorporate historical recipes and local ingredients. Notable products include Merlin, a cream liqueur, and Black Mountain, a herbal liqueur.
They emphasize heritage and artisanal craftsmanship in their production process.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2023
BEST Celtic Spirit Company Liqueurs
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2023, 2022
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2023, 2022
BEST Hive Mind Mead & Brew Beers
Penderyn Distillery is a renowned Welsh whisky producer located in the village of Penderyn, near Aberdare in the Brecon Beacons National Park. Known for its award-winning single malt whiskies, Penderyn combines traditional distilling methods with innovative technology, including a unique Faraday still, to create smooth, distinctive flavors.
Their portfolio includes a range of whiskies, gins, and other spirits, often featuring flavors inspired by Welsh heritage. The distillery offers guided tours, allowing visitors to explore the production process and enjoy tastings of their finely crafted spirits.
AWARDS
The World Whiskey Masters - Gold
2023, 2022
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Gold
2024
The Rum & Cachaça Masters - Master
2022
BEST Penderyn Distillery Spirits
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2022
World Gin Awards - Country Winner
2021
BEST The Gower Gin Company Spirits
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Welsh Beverages
Hive Mind: Big Smoke - Smoked Honey Porter is a unique brew from Hive Mind Mead & Brew Co. This porter combines the rich, dark flavors typical of a porter with a distinctive smoked honey infusion. The result is a robust beer with a complex flavor profile, featuring notes of chocolate and coffee from the roasted malt, complemented by a subtle smokiness and a touch of sweetness from the honey.
This craft beverage exemplifies the brewery's innovative approach to traditional styles.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2022
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
AWARDS
The Gin Masters - Master
2022
Siddiqui Brown Rum is a distinctive spirit produced by Penderyn Distillery in collaboration with California-based Siddiqui Rums. Bottled at 40% ABV, it offers a unique flavor profile that "sips like a whisky and parties like a rum." The rum features a whisky-like smoky and oaky note, complemented by a smooth finish typical of quality rums.
Tasting notes highlight its incredible smoothness, with both fresh and rich dried fruit flavors, a delicate sweetness on the palate, and a hint of refreshing bitterness. The finish is characterized by a long aftertaste reminiscent of Madeira cake and sultanas.
AWARDS
The Rum & Cachaça Masters - Master
2022
AWARDS
The Vodka Masters - Master
2022
AWARDS
World's Best Contemporary Style Gin - Winner
2024
AWARDS
World Liqueur Awards - Country Winner
2024
AWARDS
World Gin Awards - Country Winner
2022
AWARDS
World Gin Awards - Country Winner
2022
AWARDS
World Gin Awards - Country Winner
2022
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