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The Essential Gateway for Wales’s Liquid Gold 🍯

  • Writer: The Drink Edition
    The Drink Edition
  • Jul 30
  • 3 min read
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As Wales reclaims its place in the whisky world, the Welsh Whisky Society stands front and center - an independent community hub uniting enthusiasts from Cardiff to California. With Welsh whisky now enjoying Geographical Indication (GI) protection since July 24, 2023, global eyes are turning to this spirited little nation - and the Society is ready to guide them through every dram, every story, and every distillery behind each golden sip.


A Vision Turned Global Reality


“We created the Society to be the home for Welsh whisky fans everywhere,” says co-founder Sean Williams. “We are the independent, trusted friend that can introduce you to the whole family of Welsh whisky, share their stories, and help you find your perfect dram.”

Indeed, the Society’s independence is its strength. Rather than privileging any single brand, it promotes all Welsh distilleries equally, championing shared growth and collaboration. Today, Wales boasts eleven distilleries - including flagbearers like Penderyn (re‑established in 2000) and Dà Mhìle - and the GI mark ensures that every bottle bearing the name "Welsh whisky" meets rigorous local-production standards.


Celebrating Welsh Whisky: Year‑Round & Beyond


  1. National Welsh Whisky Day

    Mark your calendars: 22 September 2025 has been declared the official day to honour Welsh whisky heritage and future potential. Hundreds of tastings, promotions, and community showcases will unfold across Wales and online.


  2. Community Events

    The Society’s calendar is brimming with tastings, masterclasses, and social gatherings - both virtual and in‑person - from historic Cardiff venues to whisky festivals across the UK. Members gain full access and exclusive tours through Wales’s distilleries.


  3. Wales Whisky Fest

    Taking place 31 October–2 November 2025 in Llandudno, this is Wales’s only independent whisky festival - now backed by the Society. Over 30 exhibitors and hundreds of drams await attendees, along with Glencairn glasses, live music, and special festival bottlings.


  4. Exclusive Bottlings

    Working alongside distilleries, the Society is preparing limited-edition releases for its membership - a unique way to taste whiskies unavailable anywhere else.


The Welsh Whisky Distillery Map
The Welsh Whisky Distillery Map

Societal Membership: From the Curious to the Connoisseur


Tailored to every level of interest, the Society’s membership tiers include:

Tier

Price

Highlights

Full Member

£24/year

Discounts on bottlings, distillery tours, event access, shop benefits, Glencairn glass discount.

Full + Wales Whisky Fest

£49/year

All of the above plus a ticket to the 2025 festival.

Legacy Member

£109/year

Limited to 100 - includes festival ticket, framed distillery map print, “founding member” listing, and full access.


A Movement With a Mission


Underpinning every dram and event is the Society’s guiding principle: to be socially and environmentally responsibleand to give fans and distillers a unified voice in shaping Wales’s whisky future. It’s more than a club - it’s a catalyst for transformation.


Why It Matters Now


Welsh whisky is enjoying an unprecedented boom. With GI status certifying its authenticity, Welsh single malts are now exported to roughly 45 countries, contributing an estimated £23 million in exports in 2023. The Society is both steward and storyteller, helping distilleries like Penderyn and Dà Mhìle reach international audiences, while ensuring curious newcomers can confidently explore the spirit’s changing landscape.


Raise a Glass to Shared Heritage


From its independent roots to global reach, the Welsh Whisky Society exemplifies modern community-powered branding. “Wales is the secret Celtic nation,” notes Penderyn CEO Stephen Davies - adding that it’s up to advocates like the Society to share that story.

Whether you're a casual sipper or a spirited aficionado, the Society opens a door to something special: Welsh whisky’s heritage, innovation, and shared pride, served with warmth, authenticity - and a notably bold flavour.


Interested in joining the journey? Membership is open online today - your key to exclusive drams, events, and a front-row seat to Wales’s whisky revival.


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Author’s note: Additional details sourced from the Society’s official site and verified historical records.

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