Aber Falls Distillery – Single Malt Now Protected
Whisky has been distilled in Wales for hundreds of years, with evidence dating back to the Middle Ages, but unfortunately, the production of Welsh whisky died out in the 19th century. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that attempts were made to revive this industry.
Since then, a few distilleries have popped up around Wales. Today, we are going to discuss one of the most popular and best distilleries in Wales—Aber Falls Distillery—and why this distillery has been granted legal protection.
A Brief History of Aber Falls Distillery
Aber Falls Distillery was the first distillery in North Wales for over one hundred years and remains one of only four distilleries today. It is situated just a short distance from the Rhaeadr Fawr, the well-known Aber Falls waterfall.
Formerly a slate works in the 19th century, a butter factory during World War I and World War II, and a drinks wholesaler depot, this building was lovingly restored into the perfect place to create single malt whisky.
What is Distilled at Aber Falls?
Aber Falls Distillery distils a range of spirits, including:
- Aber Falls gin – This includes orange marmalade gin, rhubarb and ginger gin and Welsh dry gin.
- Liqueurs – Aber Falls creates a salted caramel and gingerbread gin liqueur.
- Whisky – The Aber Falls Single Malt Welsh Whisky is the main whisky produced at this distillery. This whisky has recently received legal protection.
- Other items – On top of the spirits and liqueurs listed above, Aber Falls creates a whisky marmalade.
Why the Aber Falls Malt Whisky Has Received Legal Protection
Following on from the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, the UK GI scheme was established. This scheme safeguards certain food and drink items against misuse or imitation with legal protection. In July, the Aber Falls distillery joined a list of other producers who received UK-protected status for its single malt whisky.
Why is Legal Protection Important?
The main reason legal protection is so important to distilleries is because of the increase in counterfeit whiskies. According to research from the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre, over £635,000 of fake scotch whisky was found in the market in 2018. This can have a significant impact on distilleries.
This protection is also helpful for people wanting to spend money on whisky investments. Under this scheme, investors no longer have to worry whether the whisky they buy is genuine or counterfeit.
What Other Distilleries Have PGI Status?
Aber Falls is the latest distillery to receive PGI status (or legal protection) for their whisky. They not only join a number of distilleries in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland but also several other Welsh distilleries, including:
- Da Mhile
- In the Welsh Wind
- Coles
- Penderyn
The Aber Falls Distillery first opened its doors in the late 1990s. Since then, it has gone on to become one of the best distilleries in Wales. So much so that it has now been granted legal protection for its single malt whisky. This is extremely important as it helps prevent counterfeit whiskies from being produced.
