Bristol’s Circumstance Distillery releases limited Andean oak whisky

Craft whisky maker Circumstance Distillery has shared its latest creation – the world’s first whisky aged in Andean Oak.

An organic single grain ‘cask blend’ whisky, it’s available as a limited release of 101 bottles directly from the distillery.

Head distiller Andrew Osborne said: “We make whisky from different mash bills throughout the year, and when we fill casks, there’ll often be a bit of new make left over.

“These leftovers are collected until we have enough to fill a cask. We call these ‘Cask Blends’.”

“Each ‘cask blend’ is unique because the proportions of different new make spirit is determined by chance.

“Nobody can predict exactly how a cask will turn out when it’s filled, and this is our way of embracing and celebrating that uncertainty.

“There are a number of these ‘cask blends’ dotted throughout our warehouse.”

The Andean oak cask used for this latest release was sourced from a cooperage in Columbia.

“The Andean oak is fantastic,” added Circumstance founder Liam Hirt.

“Its closest relative is probably American oak, but it’s still very different. The use of Andean Oak has added incredible depth to this whisky.

“The nose has marmalade, almonds and cassia, while there are canelé de Bordeaux on the palate and a long finish with clove and allspice.”