Penderyn Distillery and Cardiff University to partner for underground water study

Welsh whisky distillery Penderyn has launched an in-depth study with geoenvironmental researchers at Cardiff University, Wales, to reveal the unique features of its water source, an underground fresh water well.

Penderyn Distillery is located in the Brecon Beacons National Park. It sources water from a well in the carboniferous limestone underneath the distillery and uses it as a key ingredient in its single malt whisky.

The survey team will examine local quarries, water sources and the rock formations to determine the local geology. A sub-glacial valley is believed to run beneath the distillery.

The project will also examine the industrial history of the water source, to see how it was put to use in the past.

Cardiff University School of Earth and Ocean Sciences senior lecturer in environmental geology Dr Tim Jones said that preliminary investigations at the well suggest that it is an unusual source of groundwater.

"The project will look at the volumes of groundwater, the pathways of that groundwater through the local geology and advise the distillery on the sustainable use of this important local resource," Jones added.

Following the ongoing initial investigation into the local groundwater, the team will conduct detail examination of the bedrock system, and is anticipated to submit the results in September.

Penderyn technical manager Giancarlo Bianchi said that the underground water source has provided the distillery with a reliable supply of clean, natural water that it has used for many years. It now plans to manage the source responsibly and sustainably as it expands its production facilities.

"The work by the Department of Earth and 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," he said.

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Image: Penderyn uses water from a fresh water source underneath the distillery as a key ingredient for its single malt whisky. Photo: Aberdare Blog.