Circumstance Distillery Named “Best New English Distillery” at the English Whisky Awards
NEWS
by JLB Publicity
7 May 2026
“Bringing whisky production back to Bristol after so many decades is something we’re incredibly proud of.”
Bristol, UK - Circumstance Distillery has been awarded Best New English Distillery at the English Whisky Awards, recognising its rapid rise as one of the most innovative new producers in the UK whisky landscape.
The award, announced by the English Whisky Awards, celebrates excellence across England’s whisky industry and highlights distilleries demonstrating outstanding quality, innovation, and contribution to the category.
Circumstance Distillery is widely regarded as part of a new generation redefining English whisky. Based in Bristol, it is believed to be the first distillery to produce whisky in the city in more than 80 years, marking a revival of a long-dormant local whisky tradition and helping re-establish Bristol as a meaningful location on the UK spirits map.
Since its founding, the distillery has developed a reputation for its “flavour-first” philosophy, focusing on experimentation across every stage of production - from organic grain selection and fermentation techniques through to yeast expression and cask maturation.
Drawing inspiration from craft brewing, Circumstance prioritises process-led innovation and small-batch experimentation, exploring how early production decisions shape flavour long before maturation.
Liam Hirt, Founder of Circumstance Distillery says,
“We’ve always believed whisky starts long before the still - it begins with grain, fermentation, and process. This award is a huge recognition of that approach and the team’s commitment to doing things differently.
“Bringing whisky production back to Bristol after so many decades is something we’re incredibly proud of. We’re not just making whisky here - we’re helping rebuild a local whisky culture in a city with a deep history of fermentation and spirits.
“We see ourselves as part of a wider shift in English whisky. The category is still young, which gives us space to experiment, refine, and ultimately create something distinctive.”
Related news:
Circumstance’s new release with clearer age statement: https://www.joannebaird.com/circumstance-distillery
Liam Hirt on rewriting the rules of English whisky: https://barmagazine.co.uk/liam-hirt-on-rewriting-the-rules-of-english-whisky/
Bristol Microdistillery bar reopens: https://www.bristolworld.com/lifestyle/food-and-drink/bristol-bar-reopens-pandemic-5453462
NEWS
by JLB Publicity
7 May 2026
Always reveal your age: Bristol’s Circumstance Distillery launches new rolling release English whisky and opts for clearer age statement
“Circumstance’s whiskies are released in sequential, limited batches that evolve incrementally over time, rather than as static, one-off editions. Each batch builds on the previous one while maintaining a core identity. Unlike traditional limited editions, which are finite and disconnected, rolling releases are part of an ongoing narrative - a journey.”
Circumstance Distillery, Bristol, is unveiling the latest release in its whisky range - a Barley-led single grain - introducing an age statement on the bottle - 6 years - refreshed packaging, and a continued commitment to transparency, craft, and flavour-led whisky making. While suitable for sipping neat or over ice, the distillery recommends enjoying the whisky with soda and a slice of orange - a lighter serve that highlights its fruity sweetness and makes it particularly well suited to warmer weather.
One of the most common questions asked about the distillery’s whisky is simple: “how old is it?. While age can be an important reference point for whisky drinkers, the team believes it should never overshadow the more meaningful conversations around fermentation, yeast strains, cask influence, and flavour development. Now is an integral time for whisky makers in England - as new distilleries start to produce liquid that has come of age. The new barley has been aged for 6 years.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Vanilla custard, fruit scones
Palate: Buttery texture with nutmeg and cracked pepper
Finish: Dates and mixed peel
The whisky is designed for drinkers who enjoy approachable, flavour-forward spirits with a balance of sweetness, spice, and fruit.
Details of bars, restaurants, and hotels carrying the release will be announced in due course.
Notes to Editors
Approximate production: 400 bottles
Cask type: Oloroso-conditioned cask
Release style: Rolling release
Available via: Distillery website, Master of Malt, The Whisky Exchange
For further information, samples, or interview request please contact Jo Baird | joanne@joannebaird.com | 07814 267 444
Modern English whisky: Introducing Bristol’s Circumstance Distillery
“The rules of English Whisky are still being written. This is whisky, our way” - Liam Hirt, Founder Circumstance Distillery
In the heart of the Bristol industrial landscape, Circumstance Distillery is a trailblazer in defining what English whisky is. Since launching operations in 2018, the distillery has embraced a “flavour-first” philosophy - a technique in which the team layer flavours - using multi-grain mash bills, brewing yeasts and seriously long open fermentations - the cask is the final layer and just one part of the process. This is a new wave of whisky - one based on innovation. The distillery is run by founder Liam Hirt and products are now exported to 4 countries.
At Circumstance, every decision - from grain sourcing to yeast choice to cask selection - is crafted to maximise flavour. The distillery uses organic mash bills, brewer’s yeasts, and long open fermentations, (typically 10–14 days) allowing each batch to develop depth and character long before it ever reaches the casks. Each batch is crafted to build flavour before it is aged.
Circumstance does not confine itself to single malt. Its approach is innovative: by blending malted and unmalted barley, incorporating rye and wheat mash bills, seeking out less conventional yeasts, and layering experimental cask treatments, the distillery aims to chart a new course for English grain whisky.
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