The first commercial distillery in Wales for more than a century is nearing completion.

The newly-formed Welsh Whisky Company is hoping to produce a thousand bottles of spirits a day.

Legend has it that the temperance movement put paid to Wales's spirits industry- with distillers like the families of Jack Daniels and Evan Williams leaving for America where their brand names continue to this day.

Now the Welsh Whisky Company aims to establish a third Celtic presence in a market dominated by the Irish and the Scots.

Visitor centre

It is investing �1m in a full-scale commercial distillery and visitor centre on the edge of the Brecon Beacons at Hirwaun near Aberdare.

Natalie Roberts, an expert from the University of Surrey, has designed the still - said to be unique in the industry.

"It's a lot more flexible so it can be used not only to produce whisky but it can also be used to produce brandy and vodka-type products," she said.

But the lengthy maturing process means it will be about three years before any product hits the shops.