Penderyn reveals multi-million-pound distillery plans

Welsh whisky producer Penderyn has revealed further details of its new multi-million-pound distillery and visitor centre in Swansea, which is expected to open in 2021.

An artist’s impression of the new Penderyn distillery in Swansea

Penderyn, based in Aberdare, first revealed plans to build its second distillery in Swansea in 2016.

Swansea City Council has secured £3.5 million (US$4.5m) in funding from the National Lottery for the redevelopment of the historic Hafod Morfa Copperworks building, where the second Penderyn site will be located. Dating back to 1808, the site is based over 12.5 acres on the west bank of the River Tawe.

The new distillery will include offices and a VIP bar, a visitor centre with a shop, tasting bar, an exhibition space and a new barrel store. Once open, it is expected to attract up to 100,000 visitors a year.

It will also be home to the Penderyn Experience whisky tour, which will give visitors the opportunity to learn about the site’s history and global significance.

Penderyn owner Nigel Short added: “Penderyn wants to be a part of the regeneration of the Copperworks and to repeat the success we already have with our Welsh single malt whisky and other products. These plans are incredibly exciting for us as a business and for Swansea as a forward-thinking city.”

Baroness Kay Andrews, chair of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Wales, said: “This will be a monumental change for this historic site. The Hafod Morfa Copperworks, once a thriving industrial centre, will be given a chance to return to its former glory thanks to National Lottery players.

“It will further conserve the Copperworks site by making use of historically significant buildings in a sensitive and sustainable way, while playing a vital role, once again, in the fortunes and history of Swansea and its community.”