What makes Penderyn's Faraday still so special?
Most single malt whisky is distilled twice, in two separate copper stills. Penderyn does things completely differently: a single, unique still that handles the entire distillation process on its own — and with a purity that is virtually unmatched in the whisky world. This "Faraday still" is the technical core of why Penderyn tastes so different from a classic Scotch single malt.
In short
| Designed by | Dr. David Faraday, distant relative of scientist Michael Faraday |
| Installed | 2000 |
| Type | A single brass still that combines the function of wash still and spirit still in one step |
| Purity | Approximately 92% in a single distillation |
| Result | Lighter, fruitier, and more accessible spirit |
One still that does the work of two
Where a traditional Scottish distillery uses at least two stills — a wash still and a spirit still — Penderyn’s Faraday still performs this entire process in a single, continuous step. The still is constructed from a combination of a traditional pot still and a rectification column, allowing the spirit to achieve a much higher purity in a single pass than with classic double distillation. The result: around 92 percent alcohol in a single distillation, a level normally only achieved with grain whiskies from column stills, while the spirit still retains the fruity character of a single malt.
Why that high purity yields character after all
Higher purity during distillation typically means a lighter, cleaner spirit — often at the expense of character. With Penderyn, however, the result is different: the unusual shape and operation of the Faraday still actually produce a remarkably fruity, delicate, and versatile new make, with fewer of the heavy, oily notes that arise from classic pot-still distillation. This lighter base spirit proved ideal for combining with active cask aging.
The meeting with Dr. Jim Swan
When whisky chemist Dr. Jim Swan tasted the spirit from the Faraday still, he immediately recognized the potential of "a world-class spirit". Swan became Penderyns Master Blender and deliberately chose maturation in Madeira casks to further enhance the fruity, delicate base spirit — a combination that grew into Penderyns' recognizable house style, and which was later expanded with sherry, port, and peated cask finishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Penderyn's Faraday still unique?
It is a single still that combines the work of a traditional wash and spirit still, achieving an unusually high purity of approximately 92 percent in just one distillation step.
Who designed the Faraday still?
Dr. David Faraday, a distant relative of the famous scientist Michael Faraday. The still was installed in 2000.
Why is 92% purity so special for a single malt?
Most single malt whiskies are distilled twice to a lower purity, which gives them a fuller, oilier character. The Faraday still achieves a purity in a single step that is typical of column distillation, yet retains the character of a single malt.
What role did Dr. Jim Swan play at Penderyn?
As Master Blender, Swan recognized the potential of the fruity, light spirit from the Faraday still and introduced aging in Madeira casks, which became Penderyn's signature style.
