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Penderyn Brecon Beacons Distillery – Welsh Whisky in the Heart of the Mountains

Discover the home of Welsh whisky in the Brecon Beacons – tour the original Penderyn Distillery, see the Faraday still, and taste award-winning single malts.

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Nestled in the foothills of the Brecon Beacons, Penderyn Distillery is Wales’ first whisky distillery in over a century. Explore the original home of Welsh whisky, where traditional craftsmanship meets modern innovation. On an hour-long tour, discover the unique Faraday still, learn how Penderyn’s award-winning single malts are made, and sample a range of spirits in the tasting bar. The visitor centre and shop are open several days a week, offering a warm welcome to whisky lovers and curious visitors alike.

A brief summary to Penderyn Brecon Beacons Distillery - Visitor Centre and Shop

  • Pontpren, Aberdare, Pontbren Llwyd, CF44 0SX, GB
  • +441685810650
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Mixed
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9:45 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Book your tour in advance online to secure a spot, especially on weekends and during holidays, as tours are limited to 20 people and can sell out.
  • Arrive at least 10 minutes before your tour starts to explore the small display area with information about Penderyn’s history and the Brecon Beacons National Park.
  • If you’re driving, remember that only miniatures are available for drivers; plan accordingly if you’d like to enjoy a full tasting.
  • Check the distillery’s website before visiting for any temporary closures, production schedules, or changes to opening hours, particularly during maintenance periods.
  • Combine your visit with a walk in the Brecon Beacons National Park or a stop at a nearby pub or café to make a full day of it in the Welsh countryside.
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Getting There

  • By car

    From Aberdare, follow the A4059 north towards Hirwaun, then take the B4275 towards Penderyn. The distillery is clearly signposted from the village. Allow around 15–20 minutes from Aberdare town centre. There is parking available near the distillery, but spaces can be limited on busy days.

  • By train and bus

    From Cardiff Central, take a Transport for Wales train to Aberdare (about 1 hour). From Aberdare station, walk to Aberdare Bus Station and take bus 8 (Glynneath) to Penderyn Garage, which stops a short walk from the distillery. The total journey takes around 1h 45min–2h, depending on connections.

  • By taxi

    From Aberdare town centre, a taxi to Penderyn Distillery takes about 15 minutes. From Cardiff, a taxi takes around 45–60 minutes and costs roughly 60–80 GBP, depending on traffic and time of day.

  • On foot

    From Penderyn village centre, the distillery is a 5–10 minute walk along a quiet country lane. The path is mostly flat and well-surfaced, suitable for most walkers, but can be muddy after rain.

Penderyn Brecon Beacons Distillery - Visitor Centre and Shop location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Wales’ First Whisky Distillery

Perched in the scenic foothills of the Brecon Beacons National Park, Penderyn Distillery holds a special place in Welsh history as the country’s first whisky distillery in more than 100 years. Founded in 2000, it revived a long-dormant tradition and has since become synonymous with high-quality Welsh single malt. The distillery’s location in the village of Penderyn, near Aberdare, places it in a landscape of rolling hills and fresh mountain air, which plays a subtle but important role in the character of its spirits.

Inside the Distillery Experience

The visitor experience centres on an engaging, hour-long tour that takes guests through the story of Penderyn and the whisky-making process. You’ll see the mill, mash tun, and the distillery’s signature Faraday still – a unique single copper-pot design that produces a notably pure, light, and fruity spirit. Knowledgeable guides explain how Penderyn’s whisky is distilled and matured, highlighting what sets it apart from other single malts. The tour is designed to be accessible to both whisky enthusiasts and those new to the world of spirits.

Tasting and the Visitor Centre

At the end of the tour, guests are invited to sample a selection of Penderyn’s award-winning whiskies and other spirits in the tasting bar. Non-drivers can enjoy a more generous tasting, while drivers are offered miniatures to take home. The visitor centre and shop are open several days a week, offering a wide range of Penderyn products, including single malts, gins, gift packs, and whisky accessories. It’s a great place to pick up a distinctive Welsh souvenir or a gift for a whisky lover.

Planning Your Visit

The distillery is open several days a week, with tours typically running Thursday to Sunday. It’s advisable to book in advance, especially during weekends and peak seasons, as tour numbers are limited. The site is relatively accessible by car, with parking available nearby, though public transport options require a combination of train and bus. The distillery is family-friendly for older children and teens, but under-14s are not permitted on tours for safety reasons. Facilities include restrooms, seating, and information displays about the distillery and the surrounding national park.

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