Penderyn – Serpent's Tears (46%)

Serpent's Tears is a lightly peated Welsh single malt from Penderyn, made at its Llandudno distillery on Lloyd Street. It is the first peated single malt from that distillery, distilled in Faraday stills and bottled at 46% ABV. The name looks back to the Great Orme, the headland above Llandudno. Its name comes from Old Norse and means great serpent, and Viking sailors found it a fearsome sight rising out of the mist. The whisky pairs gentle smoke with the fruitiness typical of Penderyn. The nose is autumn leaves, orchard fruit and soft wood smoke with creamy notes and toast. On the palate, sweet peat sits alongside vanilla custard, baked apples and sugared pancakes, with a touch of pepper and clove. The finish is warm, soft peat with barley sweetness.