Circumstance Distillery has been named Best New English Distillery at the English Whisky Awards, cementing its status as one of the UK’s most exciting emerging whisky producers.
Based in Bristol, Circumstance is believed to be the city’s first whisky distillery in more than 80 years, helping revive a long-dormant local whisky tradition while pushing the boundaries of modern English whisky production.
Founded by Liam Hirt, the distillery has gained recognition for its “flavour-first” approach, focusing heavily on experimentation with organic grains, fermentation, yeast and cask maturation to shape flavour long before the spirit reaches the barrel.
Drawing inspiration from craft brewing, Circumstance has become part of a new wave of English whisky makers redefining the category through innovation, small-batch production and process-led creativity.
Accepting the award, founder Liam Hirt said the recognition reflected the team’s commitment to “doing things differently” and helping establish Bristol as a new destination for English whisky.
Bristol’s Circumstance Distillery has unveiled a new 6-year-old barley-led English whisky – the latest release from the award-winning producer recently named Best New English Distillery at the English Whisky Awards 2026.
Known for its “flavour-first” philosophy, Circumstance combines long fermentations, varied grains and experimental cask maturation to create modern English whiskies with depth and character.
The new single grain release has been matured in Oloroso-seasoned casks and bottled as part of the distillery’s evolving rolling release programme, designed to showcase the gradual development of its maturing whisky stocks.
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Limited to around 400 bottles, the whisky delivers notes of vanilla custard, fruit scones and buttery spice, finishing with dates and mixed peel. Founder Liam Hirt describes barley whisky as “both approachable and complex” – offering drinkers a clearer expression of grain, yeast and maturation.
The whisky is available via Circumstance Distillery, Master of Malt and The Whisky Exchange.
