Aber Falls Distillery Tour: A Welsh Whisky Adventure Rooted in Landscape and Community
After our Wine and Spirits Expert Reviewer, Christopher Rogers, recently reviewed Aber Falls Whisky, the team invited him to join a distillery tour… a long drive from South Wales, but he’s been raving about it ever since. Here’s his review…
Nestled in the breathtaking scenery of North Wales, Aber Falls Distillery is far more than a Whisky producer—it’s a vibrant reflection of its surroundings and a true champion of Welsh craft and character. My recent visit to the Distillery’s Visitor Centre, which is set against the dramatic backdrop of Snowdonia and just a short distance from the sea, was a compelling reminder of how place, people, and passion come together to shape something genuinely special.
The journey to and from South Wales in a day is not for the faint hearted, but the natural beauty of the drive (during which the sun made a rare and welcome appearance) more than made up for the miles. The landscape of North Wales is elemental: lush, rugged, and it feels like a different country, precisely what you want when visiting a distillery that’s so steeped in its natural beauty.
The Aber Falls Distillery sits just inland from the Menai Strait, a location that doesn’t just look good—it also plays a vital role in the maturation process. Cheerfully sat just a short distance from the sea means the maritime air subtly influences the ageing spirit, as found in the world-famous Manzanilla Sherry, which is infused with the saline air from the sea in Sanlucar-de-Barrameda. You get the sense that Aber Falls isn’t simply located in Wales; it’s infused with it.
Stepping inside the distillery reveals an operation that is both state-of-the-art and steeped in enthusiasm. The distillery team are ever present, very approachable and more than able to answer my constant stream of questions, bless them.
The level of investment in top-tier distilling machinery is obvious—from gleaming copper stills to precision-controlled fermentation tanks. There is a clear commitment here to combining tradition with modern efficiency. Their dedication to ensuring consistency and quality is evident, while still allowing the character of the spirit to shine through – it’s an impressive setup with serious kit for a distillery of this size. The team are rightly proud that the barley they use to make the whisky comes from Welsh farms and their drive to ensure they not only enhance the local community, but also the Welsh farming industry comes through in every aspect of the distillery.
The first tasting was cask samples in the distillery itself. What really stood out during the afternoon was just how well Welsh Whisky—lighter in style than its Scottish counterparts—takes on the character of its finishing casks. Aber Falls has embraced a broad cask programme, from Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks to Bordeaux red wine barrels, and the results are striking. Each finish brings something distinctive to the Whisky, enhancing complexity without overwhelming the elegant, easy-drinking base spirit. The PX finish, in particular, was a standout, with its rich Christmas Cake spice and a gentle sweetness, it interwove with the spirit to great effect.
There was even a small sample of a Maple Syrup cask, which tasted so completely of the stuff that it was almost a surprise to find out that Whisky was involved! These are Whiskies that wear their finishes proudly, offering real variety and individuality, plus have great future collectability potential.
Beyond the production itself, Aber Falls has created an excellent visitor experience. The centre is welcoming, beautifully laid out, and complete with a relaxed, high-quality café offering a wide range of tempting vittles and drinks (the oat milk flat white was particularly good). But more than just a tourist attraction, the distillery is becoming a hub for the local community. From weekend markets to stalls for small, independent businesses, there’s a clear desire to give something back and to be a meaningful part of life in North Wales. It’s whisky and gin with a local heartbeat.
And then there’s the team. The warmth and enthusiasm of the staff were palpable throughout the visit. Everyone I spoke to seemed genuinely passionate about what they do and proud to be part of the Aber Falls journey. Special mention has to go to Head Distiller – Sam, whose approachable manner and can-do attitude make him a natural ambassador for the brand. We sat post tour and chatted over coffee about all things Whisky, his journey and their plans for the future like old friends, rather than people who had just met five minutes ago. Over the past few years, Sam has taken every opportunity that’s come his way, stepping up at every stage to earn his position at the helm of the still house. It’s clear that his dedication, curiosity, and willingness to say “yes” have shaped both his own journey and the spirit of the W`hisky itself.
Aber Falls is doing something rare—producing Whisky that speaks of its place while building a business that supports its people. The future looks bright for Welsh Whisky, and the Aber Falls team are forging their way with integrity, innovation, and heart. If you haven’t made the trip to this Visitor Centre yet, put it on your list.
This is a distillery with soul.
About the author
Christopher Rogers brings nearly 30 years of experience in the wine and spirits industry.
Based in Wales, Chris is a holder of the WSET Diploma and an Associate of the Institute of Wine and Spirits, Chris is also a graduate and winner of L’Academie de Champagne and a Chevalier de l’Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne.
Chris is also the Founder of The Splendid Wine Agency, which represents a number of international brands in the UK.
