We recently reviewed a Circumstance whisky independently bottled by the Thompson Brothers. By a fortunate coincidence, I recently received two small 10 cl bottles of official whiskies from the Bristol-based Circumstance Distillery: their Single Grain Wheat and Rye whiskies. A friend of mine was planning a short holiday in the region and asked for recommendations on distilleries to visit. I suggested Circumstance, as they were already gaining a strong reputation, although at the time I hadn’t yet had the chance to try their whiskies. Our first encounter with their independent bottling was quite successful, so let‘’’s see how these official releases measure up.
Circumstance Single Grain Wheat Whisky Review
We begin with their Single Grain Wheat Whisky, specifically the 2:3:1:32:42 batch. Decoding this, we learn that it is the second batch of this particular whisky. Crafted from a blend of 70% malted Bavarian wheat and 30% malted barley, it underwent a 12-day fermentation process using French saison and distiller’s yeast. The distillation was carried out in their unique stainless steel pot still, featuring a copper head and a 4-plate copper column. Following distillation, the spirit matured for 42 months in a combination of cider-conditioned 30 litre chestnut casks and cider-conditioned ex-bourbon casks. This batch yielded 298 bottles, filled at 46.1% ABV. It is still available for purchase, for example at Master of Malt, priced around £50.
Colour:
Pale Gold.
Nose:
Neat: The nose is beautifully soft and inviting, with aromas of apple and cider, complemented by pears and fresh dough. Notes of apple blossom, apricot-flavoured yogurt, custard, and honey, while hints of Arlequin candy and a touch of lemon juice provide a refreshing twist. It evokes memories of a crisp Bordeaux white wine, dangerously easy to enjoy, as it seems to evaporate quickly in the glass.
Palate:
Neat: Despite its youth, this whisky is delightfully vibrant, reminiscent of spiked fruit loops. A medley of orchard fruits – apples, oranges, apricots, pears, and peaches – is enlivened by a few drops of pink grapefruit juice. On the second sip, it transitions to the elegance of pear eau-de-vie, with a subtle hint of pepper adding a gentle kick.
Finish:
The finish reveals a bitter aftertaste, with the wood notes becoming more pronounced. Sawdust, pine needles, and pencil shavings emerge, accompanied by a citrusy tartness. The final impression is akin to black radish slices with a few drops of lemon juice.
Comments:
While moderation is always advised, resisting the allure of this dram will be a challenge. It is very, very good and dangerously easy to drink. Despite its youth, this whisky is bursting with flavour, masterfully concealing any signs of its age. There’s no harshness or sharpness to detract from the experience, and the price stays contained considering the size of the distillery and the work and craft involved in the making of this whisky.
Rating: 7/10
Circumstance Single Grain Rye Whisky Review
Next up is the Circumstance Single Grain Rye Whisky, specifically batch 1:11:1:29:37. This is the first batch of this recipe, made from 51% organic malted rye and 49% organic malted barley. The mash underwent a 12-day fermentation process using mead and French saison yeasts. Distillation was carried out in their stainless steel pot still, which features a copper head and a 4-plate copper column. The spirit then matured for 37 months in a combination of first-fill ex-bourbon American oak casks, a 128 litre heavily toasted virgin Spanish oak cask, and a 500-litre oloroso-seasoned (for 24 months) Spanish oak cask. This batch yielded 473 bottles, filled at 42.1% ABV. It is available for purchase, for example at Master of Malt, priced at just over £52.
Colour:
Amontillado
Nose:
Neat: The nose is inviting, with aromas of freshly baked all-grain bread, milk chocolate, and creamy custard. Notes of ripe peaches and pears, along with yellow apples, are complemented by a faint hint of glue sharpness. Delicate floral and fresh herb accents.
Palate:
Neat: The palate opens with a medley of red and green apples, followed by vibrant raspberries and blackcurrants. Notes of rye bread, lemonade, 60% dark chocolate, and coffee, with a slight vinous undertone and a hint of stout beer.
Finish:
The finish is warm and comforting, with notes of pepper, apples, and caramel-flavoured cough syrup. Subtle traces of wood linger, accompanied by a very slight astringency.
Comments:
The Circumstance Single Grain Rye Whisky is very good, but it has less fruits and brightness than the Single Grain Wheat one, which is not surprising, as rye usually brings more whole-grain bread, spices and citrusy notes, as because of the Oloroso seasoned butt in the cask bill. But it is quite good nonetheless.
Rating: 6.5/10
Thanks a lot Renaud! Bottle pictures lifted (courteously) from Master of Malt, for once.