A Guide Wales' Best Distilleries

Recently, the number of Welsh distilleries has exploded. Lots of exciting new facilities have opened, and spirits are very much in fashion. Whether your drink of choice is gin, vodka or whisky, Wales is the perfect place to discover new favourites.

Whisky has been distilled in Wales for hundreds of years. In the 4th century, the monks of Bardsey Island are said to have distilled chwisgi, a spirit similar to whisky, however it was only in the late 19th century that commercial Welsh whisky started making a name for itself within the industry. The Welsh Whisky Distillery Company, historically the last notable distillery, opened in 1887. However, it was not successful in part due to the prevalence of the temperance movement, which encouraged people abstain from alcohol.

After several failed attempts—including one company that bottled Scottish whisky in Wales and called it Welsh whisky—the possibility of a true Welsh distilled whisky was again explored. In 2000, the now iconic Welsh Whisky Company was founded, and the first real Welsh whisky hit the shelves in 2004. Now known as the Penderyn Distillery, located on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, they produce rather excellent whisky and, more recently, Brecon Gin. The luxury Icons of Wales range celebrates some of Wales’ most famous sons, including the Bryn Terfel special edition, which was inspired by the opera singer’s character in Verdi’s Falstaff, famous for his love of strong drink. Matured in bourbon casks for an intense flavour, this decadent whisky with its theatrical red bottle is offered in a limited edition. The Merlyn Welsh Cream Liquor is Wales’ answer to the Bailey’s Irish Cream and is perfect for the festive season.

Other smaller distilleries have followed suit. The Dà Mhile Distillery, near Llandysul in West Wales, started distilling in 2012. The Aber Falls distillery in Abergwyngregyn, Gwynedd, North Wales, announced it would market its first whisky in 2020. Good things must come to those who wait.

Whichever part of Wales you visit, it’s easy to find a good distillery, many of which offer tours and tastings and have delicious seasonal variations. Other smaller artisan spirits makers are to be found in the country, and all are committed to securing Wales’ place on the spirit map.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.