There’s something in the water

Penderyn, an award-winning single malt whisky distillery based in the Brecon Beacons, is collaborating with geoenvironmental specialists at Cardiff University to learn more about the distillery's underground fresh water source in an in-depth study set to reveal the distinctive characteristics of the well which provides the water for one of the UK's most successful whiskies. Penderyn is located in the Brecon Beacons National Park and draws its water from an unusual source in the Carboniferous Limestone deep underneath the distillery, making this a crucial ingredient in its single malt whisky. By examining local quarries, water sources and rock formations, the research team will shed light on the geology of the area, which is believed to include a sub-glacial valley running underneath the distillery. As well as on-site geological research, the team will also be investigating the industrial history of the source, establishing how it has been used in the past. The project will be led by Dr Tim Jones, senior lecturer in environmental geology in the School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, with assistance from geophysics expert Dr Peter Brabham and David Hull, a Masters student who will be working full time on the project. The initial investigation into the local groundwater, which is currently underway, will be followed by a detailed examination of the bedrock system and the team is expected to report back with results in September. Dr Jones commented: "Our first investigations suggest that this is a most unusual source of groundwater.