Penderyn Bad Wolf leads Christmas toasts
Penderyn Distillery’s new Icons of Wales No.13, “Penderyn Bad Wolf”, steals the spotlight this winter, headlining the Welsh single malt’s festive range while bringing together icons from television, Welsh business, and the entire Penderyn team in a landmark Christmas celebration of creativity and craft.
At the recent 10-year commemorative celebration for Bad Wolf Studios – producers of his Dark Materials and global TV hits – national treasure Russell T. Davies, the creative mind behind Doctor Who, hoisted a dramatic bottle of Penderyn Bad Wolf centre-stage. Meanwhile, Penderyn’s COO Neil Quigley spoke with Jane Tranter and the original founders of Bad Wolf, uncovering the inspiration behind a decade of storytelling that has transformed Cardiff into a creative hub of the UK and beyond.
This special edition is a symbol of Welsh innovation, shaped by the collaboration between two of Wales’ most recognisable contemporary exports. For the first time, Penderyn’s craft and Bad Wolf’s cinematic spirit have bridged industries, linked in story and spirit by the Tregenna siblings – Jon and his sister Cath – whose family connections lie at the heart of both companies, exemplifying the power of homegrown Welsh exploration and accomplishment.
The whisky itself is a tale in a glass: a 10-year-old single malt, fully matured in Tawny Port pipes that previously held port wine for six decades, personally selected from Penderyn’s cellars by Bad Wolf CEO Jane Tranter and her team. It offers a sensory journey in true Welsh drama fashion – florals of orange blossom and rose petal unfold into fruitcake, fig jam, and stewed dark fruits on the nose. The palate delivers waves of marzipan, bittersweet marmalade and sea-salt caramel, leading to a long finish of dried apricot and gentle spice.
This elegant, collector’s piece showcases the very best of Penderyn’s innovative distilling, with packaging depicting the legendary Bad Wolf in mid-howl – a bold tribute to Welsh creative energy.“The ‘Bad Wolf’ release is the most exciting bottling Penderyn has ever produced,” said Stephen Davies, CEO of Penderyn. “It fuses the dynamism of Welsh television with the subtle complexity of Welsh whisky, honouring both our team’s artistry and the explosive imagination of Bad Wolf Studios.
To dedicate a 10-year-old whisky to mark ten years of storytelling feels absolutely right”. Behind the scenes, the making of Penderyn Bad Wolf was a labour of love for the entire distillery team.
From master blender Aista Phillips – whose expertise shaped the spirit’s layered complexity – to design lead Lauren Tutssel – who conjured the dramatic bottle and packaging – every department contributed ideas, hours, and heart. Distillery staff say the project represents “everything they love about working for Penderyn: innovation, collaboration, and the ambition to put Wales on the global map.”
Over a dozen behind-the-scenes interviews, the team shared stories of tasting trials, creative spark sessions, and meticulous cask selection, reflecting the project’s roots in both drama and distillation.
The Icons of Wales series, now on its thirteenth edition, has celebrated the likes of Bryn Terfel, Dylan Thomas, and Rhiannon, but staff say Bad Wolf is unique in uniting two living, vibrant Welsh companies and generations of creative talent.
“Great things come to those who wait,” said Jane Tranter, who described how the whisky and studio matured together in parallel – a story in which both patience and passion paid off.
Available to order online for £65 and set to headline Penderyn’s Christmas range at major retailers and partner stores, Penderyn Bad Wolf is anticipated to be one of the season’s most sought-after bottles – a must for collectors, fans of Welsh arts, and lovers of world-class single malt whisky alike.
