Welsh actor and Hollywood star Matthew Rhys pokes fun at the rivalry between St. David’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day in a lighthearted new video message released today by Penderyn Distillery.
With St. David’s Day coming up on 1st March to honour the patron saint of Wales, and St. Patrick’s Day following shortly after on 17th March to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland, Rhys playfully highlights the little-known fact that St. Patrick himself was actually born in Wales.
“St. Patrick introduced whisky to the Scottish. St. Patrick was Welsh. So from all of us in Wales who gave you St. Patrick and whisky, Happy St. David’s Day!” says Rhys in the video.
The tongue-in-cheek message celebrates Welsh culture and promotes Penderyn, Wales’ first whisky distillery in 100 years. “We raise a glass from Penderyn, the home of Welsh whisky, to Welsh communities around the world this St. David’s Day,” says Rhys.
Links to the full video are included below in both English and Welsh. Penderyn Distillery encourages sharing the lighthearted video to spread some Welsh whisky fun and pride this St. David’s Day.
Born and raised in Cardiff, Wales, Matthew Rhys has become one of Hollywood’s most sought-after stars with standout roles in popular shows like Brothers & Sisters, The Americans, and Perry Mason.
As a proud Welsh actor, Rhys was an ideal partner for Penderyn to team up with this St. David’s Day. “We’re thrilled to work with Matthew to celebrate Welsh culture and whisky this March 1st,” said Stephen Davies, CEO at Penderyn Distillery.
Penderyn Distillery is headquartered in the Brecon Beacons, southern Wales, within the beautiful Welsh countryside that is known for its rolling green hills, winding rivers, and small villages.
Using pure spring water from the Brecon Beacons and a unique single copper still, Penderyn produces fine single malt Welsh whiskies that have won several prestigious awards at international spirits competitions.
While Scotland and Ireland are well known for their whisky traditions, Wales has its own storied history of distilling dating back over a hundred years ago. Penderyn Distillery is bringing this proud tradition into the modern era.
First opened in 2000, Penderyn was Wales’ first whisky distillery in over 100 years. The craft distillery is still independently owned and relies on its unique still and local ingredients to create a smooth, premium single malt unlike any other.
From its early Gold Medal wins at the International Wine & Spirit Competition to more recent accolades like World’s Best Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards, Penderyn continues to put Welsh whisky on the map globally.
Penderyn’s core range includes the award-winning Madeira Finish, Sherrywood Finish, Portwood Finish, Peated, and Rich Oak expressions, along with special limited releases.
Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or mixed into a cocktail, Penderyn’s whiskies reflect the pristine natural environment of Wales through their clean yet complex flavours. Rhys and Penderyn believe there is much for the Welsh to raise a glass and celebrate this St. David’s Day.
