University to help Penderyn with water studies

Penderyn, the Brecon Beacon single malt whisky distillery, is collaborating with geoenvironmental specialists at Cardiff University for a study of the characteristics of the well which provides water for the company’s whisky.

An initial investigation into the local groundwater is already underway and will be followed by a further examination of the bedrock system. The team, led by Dr Tim Jones, senior lecturer of environmental geology at Cardiff, will report back with the results in September.

Penderyn draws its water from a pure source in the carboniferous limestone beneath the distillery, a crucial ingredient for its whisky. Dr Giancarlo Bianchi, technical manager at Penderyn said: “It’s impossible to overstate just how important water is to our distillery. We’re privileged to have a source available right underneath our distillery which has filtered down through the ancient Brecon Beacons. This has given us a reliable supply of clean, natural water that we have employed for many years now.”

The team of specialists, including geophysics expert Dr Brabham and masters student David Hull, will examine local quarries, water sources and rock formations. They hope to learn more of the geology of the area and the industrial history of the source. Dr Jones commented that the project would be used to “advise the distillery on the sustainable use of this important local resource.”

Dr Bianchi, concluded: “As the distillery expands its production facilities, we want to ensure we manage the source responsibly and sustainably. The work by the Department of Earth & Ocean Sciences team at Cardiff University will help us achieving this goal as well as furthering our understanding of the local geology that shapes the water we use.”