One of Wales' most well-known whiskey distilleries, Penderyn - located in the Bannau Brycheiniog (formerly the Brecon Beacons), has been named one of the most exciting destinations in the world to travel to in 2024. 

National Geographic recently released its Cool List for 2024 outlining the top 30 most exciting places to visit in the new year. 

Whether you’re looking to connect with nature in Norway, scale Himalayan peaks in Sikkim or take a road trip in Australia the list has it all.

There are also a number of options a little closer to home, located right here in the UK, including Wales' five UK GI-sanctioned single-malt whiskey distilleries.

Penderyn named among the most exciting places in the world to visit in 2024

The Welsh whiskey industry has seen a resurgence in the past 30 years, according to National Geographic.

So much so Welsh single malt whisky was awarded UK GI (geographical indication) status in July, joining the likes of Welsh lamb and Anglesey sea salt in receiving the coveted protection. 

Now the five UK GI-sanctioned single-malt distilleries have made it on to the National Geographic's Cool List 2024 as some of the most exciting places to visit.

National Geographic said: "Scotland and Ireland may be the cradles of whisky/whiskey, but Wales has a centuries-old tradition of its own, too.

"Whisky production here declined in the 19th century and it wasn’t until the 1990s that the craft saw a slow, steady revival.

"Since then, the industry has blossomed — so much so that Welsh single malt whisky was awarded UK GI (geographical indication) status in July, joining the likes of Welsh lamb and Anglesey sea salt in receiving the coveted protection. 

"Nothing beats sipping it at the source. Connoisseurs can learn more about the production methods involved — and have a dram or two — at one of Wales’s four UK GI-sanctioned single-malt distilleries.

"These include In The Welsh Wind, set in the rolling fields above Cardigan Bay, and Penderyn, located in Bannau Brycheiniog (formerly the Brecon Beacons).

"The latter is just a few minutes from the gorges of the Vale of Neath, also known as Waterfall Country — it became Wales’s first commercial distillery in over 100 years when it opened in 2000."

Wales' five UK GI-sanctioned single-malt distilleries

  • Aber Falls, Llanfairfechan
  • Penderyn
  • In the Welsh Wind, Cardigan
  • Da Mhile, Llandysul
  • Coles, Carmarthen

You can see the full version of National Geographic's Cool List 2024 by visiting their website.