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Circle City Whiskey Co. Celebrates Success As It Expands 50/50 Club Whiskey Program Offering – American Whiskey News

Circle City Whiskey Co. Celebrates Success As It Expands 50/50 Club Whiskey Program Offering

 

As Circle City charts significant growth over the last year, its expanding 50/50 Club program brings together two unique barrels of whiskey from different distilleries into a new rebarreled blend that showcases a truly distinct custom creation process.

INDIANAPOLIS — August 10th, 2026 —  Circle City Whiskey Co., an independent bottler of the finest in American whiskey, is proud to announce the expansion of its popular 50/50 Club offering into several Midwestern states. The result of a very deliberate blending process, the 50/50 Club whiskeys represent the pinnacle in the idea of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. This expansion comes as the brand undergoes significant positive growth and growing industry recognition of its quality offerings.

Circle City owner Drew Black, looking to grow his company’s offerings, liked the idea of blending so much that he looked to his existing stock of sourced American whiskey barrels, aiming to utilize barrels of an outstanding nature that didn’t quite fit into his brand’s very popular single barrel program. It is from this that  the 50/50 Club concept was born.

“The goal of the 50/50 Club was to create whiskeys that are truly unique to Circle City Whiskey Company,” said Black. “It was also our first foray into blending completely different whiskeys from different distilleries, so I wanted to keep things simple to start. We definitely accomplished our goal of creating something unlike anything else and our supporters were enamored with the results, so much so, that bourbon clubs and retail customers began asking for their own 50/50 Club blends.”

The 50/50 Club creation journey begins with the careful selection of two barrels of distinctly different whiskeys from different distilleries, which Black feels will complement each other as a new whiskey after going through a custom creation process. A rigorous selection technique involves tasting through up to 20 barrels before the perfect potential combination is found.

After bringing together the chosen barrels into a single liquid, the newly blended brown spirit is then rebarreled into two barrels (either the original two barrels or a new charred oak barrel), creating two distinct versions of the blend – a key step of the 50/50 Club journey towards being bottled. The resulting new whiskey which emerges fits tightly into the Circle City ethos of intentionally created offerings that are grounded in the aspects of transparency, quality, and value.

“With our roots firmly planted in the bourbon nerd community from day one,” noted Black, “the goal of Circle City Whiskey Company is always to produce whiskeys that bourbon nerds and explorers will love. Whether it be single barrels or unique blends, we produce whiskeys we love to drink because, ultimately, we are bourbon nerds first.”

Following the initial success of a 50/50 Club blend from two well-known American whiskey distilleries, Circle City is bringing this program to key retail markets in Indiana, Wisconsin, and Illinois for clubs and retailers wanting their own special pick. This expansion follows a significant growth curve the company has experienced of over 100 percent YTD 2025 vs 2026.

Other key markers of Circle City’s success include winning multiple ASCOT Double Platinum and Platinum medals, as well as being named Best in Category: American at ASCOT for its 11+ year rye whiskey. Circle City also recently opened its own lounge and gift shop at its location in Indianapolis, Indiana.

For additional details on the Circle City Whiskey Co. 50/50 Club program, please reach out through the contact page on the Circle City website.

About Circle City Whiskey Co. 

Circle City Whiskey Co., based in Indianapolis, Indiana, evolved from a very popular bourbon club with 65 barrel picks over five years into a preeminent American independent bottler. Led by Drew Black, a highly regarded expert in whiskey barrel sourcing, Circle City seeks to select the best whiskey they can find from distilleries across the United States. Once sourced, the intersection of collective palate, quality finishing, and master blending is put forward to leave the brand’s unique stamp on every product they release.

Kyro Game Of Thrones at Hard To Find Whisky – Finnish Whisky News

Kyro Game Of Thrones – Whisky Of Fire Malted Rye Whisky 70cl · 46.6% ABV

In a world forged by fire and claimed by blood, Whisky of Fire stands as the boldest expression of the alliance between Kyrö and House Targaryen. Crafted from 100% smoked malted rye, this distinctive Finnish whisky is matured in ex-bourbon casks before a finishing period in rum casks, creating a character that is both powerful and unexpectedly nuanced.

Colour Deep amber-gold with a warm copper glow, a touch of honey and mahogany.

Nose A delicate waft of smoke drapes toasted rye, with subtle spiced-apple notes that lend warmth and a quietly inviting sweetness.

Palate On the palate, complex smoke weaves through mineral notes, sweet grains and blackberry mingle, finished with a cool whisper of menthol.

Finish A rich, long rolling smoke lingers, with sweetness giving way to a dry, clean finish.

Kyro Game Of Thrones – Whisky Of Blood Malted Rye Whisky 70cl · 46% ABV

Bold in character and rooted in legacy, Whisky of Blood captures the enduring spirit of House Targaryen through the unmistakable character of Finnish rye. Made from 100% malted rye and matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and French oak casks, this elegant expression showcases a balanced and approachable side of rye whisky.

£74.95

Colour Pale gold with sunlit honey tones and a delicate amber halo at the edge.

Nose Bright cereals mingle with crisp apple and apricot, complemented by warm tonka bean, chestnut and beeswax.

Palate Fruity and sweet on the palate, with subtle rye spice—chestnut, crème brûlée and toasted cereals—lingering into a warm, balanced finish.

Finish A lingering spice coats the palate, brightened by tonka vanilla notes, and carried by rye warmth that lingers into a refined, enduring finish.

Mora’s ‘Explore Whiskey Favorites, Delivery’s On Us’ – Whiskey News

SHOP ALL WHISKEY

Product Spotlight – D&M Club Memberships ‘SINGLE BARREL PROGRAM’ – Whisky News

SINGLE BARREL PROGRAM

Learning Whiskey the American Way!

1-2 bottles every quarter of unique expressions of the best American Whiskey has to offer, meticulously taste-selected by our staff

Background information & tasting notes

Total product cost of up to $125 at a savings of up to 40% off SRP (before shipping & taxes)

Shipped directly or available for store pick-up

To learn more and sign up for any of the clubs, just click HERE

Good Morning Edinburgh! Your Summer Breakfast Spot Is Now Open Earlier – Whiski News

To make the most of the busy Fringe and summer season, we’re opening our doors even earlier! Whether you’re looking for a hearty Scottish breakfast, freshly baked pastries, or a great cup of Scottish roasted coffee, we’ve got the perfect way to start your day. Join us at Whiski Bar, Whiski Rooms or Copper Still and fuel up before exploring Edinburgh.

We Now Serve Breakfast from 9am Every Day!

Looking for the perfect breakfast in Edinburgh? Start your day at Whiski Bar on the Royal Mile. Come and try our Famous Full Scottish Breakfast or our delicious Eggs Benedict with haggis – a true Scottish twist on a brunch classic.

Join us from 9am daily and enjoy breakfast in the heart of Edinburgh! ☕🥓

Book Now

Secondary Whisky Market Shows Signs of Stabilisation Amidst an Emerging “Hourglass Economy” – Whisky News

Secondary Whisky Market Shows Signs of Stabilisation Amidst an Emerging “Hourglass Economy”

Whiskystats, the leading authority in whisky market analysis, published its 2026 H1 Insights Report today, revealing that the secondary whisky market is showing crucial signs of stabilisation, with trading values halting their prolonged downward slide.

The report, titled ‘Is Whisky Approaching Its Turning Point?’, offers critical data for collectors and investors, highlighting that while the market is finally edging above its year-on-year comparisons, growth is starkly polarised between the entry-level and ultra-premium tiers.

Notable takeaways:

A Potential Turning Point: After a severe market-wide dive in April, the second quarter of 2026 offered a glimmer of hope. For the first time since the 2022 market peak, the Q2 trading value surpassed its year-on-year comparison, reaching the €25 million mark.

  • The “Hourglass Economy”: The market is experiencing a severe polarisation. The most significant growth is concentrated at the absolute extremes of the price spectrum. Conversely, the “middle-tier” price segments cleared much more slowly, reflecting a squeeze on the aspirational consumer base.
  • Quality Commands a Premium: Undisputed quality remains the decisive factor. When measured by Whiskybase ratings, collectors are once again willing to pay a premium for the best liquid. For the top 90–95 rating segment, year-on-year growth in trading value consistently outpaced volume growth.
  • Record-Breaking Rarities: The absolute top end of the collector’s market remains vivid, largely driven by rare Japanese whiskies. The undisputed crown jewel was a bottle of Yamazaki 50-year-old Club Natsume, which achieved a historic hammer price of over €900,000 ($1 million), setting a new auction record for Japanese whisky.
  • Primary Pricing Reality Checks: Today’s buyers are increasingly disciplined, leading to sobering reality checks for exorbitant primary pricing. The Macallan Time:Space 1940 (84-year-old), which originally carried a price tag of around €175,000, failed to sell on five previous occasions before finally clearing at a steep discount for €111,320.

Johannes Moosbrugger, Founder and Head of Data at Whiskystats, said:

“The first six months of this year have presented a fascinating, and at times contradictory, picture of the secondary whisky market. While the second quarter of 2026 offered a crucial glimmer of hope with trading values finally climbing above their year-on-year comparison, the numbers require context. We are recognising a distinct ‘hourglass economy’ where the entry-level and ultra-premium tiers thrive, but the middle-tier segments are squeezed out.”

A full copy of the report is available for Whiskystats subscribers at whiskystats.com/reports.

Note: This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.

Invergordon 40 Year Old 1986 Unicorn for The Whisky Barrel – Scotch Whisky News

Cask #1048  Invergordon 40 Year Old 1986 Unicorn
Nose Honeycomb, polished oak, raisins, and dark chocolate with hints of orange marmalade, toasted walnuts, leather, and sweet spice. Palate Silky and luxurious, revealing flavours of treacle, dried figs, caramel, roasted hazelnuts, espresso, sweet cereals, and elegant Oloroso richness. Finish Exceptionally long and refined, with lingering dark fruit sweetness, cocoa, mature oak, gentle spice, and creamy vanilla.

Invergordon 40 Year Old 1986 is an exceptionally rare single grain Scotch whisky, selected and bottled exclusively for The Whisky Barrel as part of the celebrated Unicorn Series. Distilled in 1986 and bottled in July 2026, this remarkable whisky has matured for four decades in single first-fill Oloroso sherry hogshead #1048, yielding just 187 bottles at a natural 48.6% ABV. Presented at natural cask strength, with natural colour and no chill-filtration, it represents one of the oldest and most luxurious Unicorn releases to date.

This exceptional cask is the sister cask to the now sold-out cask #1045, offering another opportunity to experience one of the finest mature Invergordon single grain whiskies ever selected by The Whisky Barrel. Four decades of patient maturation have transformed the spirit into an extraordinarily silky and complex dram, where the rich influence of first-fill Oloroso sherry intertwines beautifully with the naturally creamy sweetness of aged grain whisky. Layers of polished oak, dried fruits, dark chocolate, honeycomb, roasted nuts, and warming spice create remarkable depth while maintaining exceptional elegance.

As part of The Whisky Barrel’s exclusive Unicorn Series, this bottling celebrates Scotland’s rich whisky heritage through imaginative artwork and rare single cask releases. The striking label features a unicorn piloting the iconic Hawker jet, a playful tribute to the fact that this whisky was distilled during the ownership of the Invergordon Distillery by the Hawker Siddeley Group—bringing together aviation history, whisky heritage, and Scottish mythology in one unforgettable release.

  • 40 year old single grain Scotch whisky from Invergordon Distillery
  • Selected and bottled exclusively for The Whisky Barrel
  • Matured in single first-fill Oloroso sherry hogshead #1048
  • Distilled 1986, bottled July 2026
  • Limited to just 187 bottles worldwide
  • Bottled at 48.6% ABV with natural cask strength, natural colour, and no chill-filtration
  • Sister cask to the now sold-out Unicorn cask #1045
  • Features exclusive Unicorn Series artwork depicting a unicorn flying a Hawker jet, celebrating the Hawker Siddeley ownership era of Invergordon Distillery

The Invergordon 40 Year Old 1986 Unicorn is a magnificent old single grain Scotch whisky that combines four decades of maturation with the richness of first-fill Oloroso sherry oak. Rare, elegant, and beautifully complex, this exclusive The Whisky Barrel Unicorn Series release is a collector’s masterpiece—celebrating Scotland’s whisky heritage, aviation history, and legendary imagination in one extraordinary bottle.

Douglas Laing XOP Arran 26 Years Old – Scotch Whisky News

Douglas Laing XOP Arran 26 Years Old ABV: 51.9%

£207.50

Distilled in February 1997 and matured for over a quarter of a century in a refill butt, this XOP Arran 26 Years Old is a remarkable single cask release that showcases the elegance, complexity and natural character only time can create. Bottled at a natural cask strength of 51.9% ABV, with no colouring and no chill-filtration, it is presented exactly as the whisky left the cask. Rich aromas of creamy caramel and vanilla oak.

Our Xtra Old Particular range carries only aged and rare Single Cask Scotch Whiskies from some of Scotland’s most acclaimed and celebrated Distilleries, including those that are long-closed. Each one a marvel in its own right, XOP is bottled at Natural Cask Strength, exceptionally old and truly spectacular. Packed with extraordinary flavour, our Exceptional Single Cask Whiskies exemplify our ‘As Natural As It Gets’ Philosophy by serving a rich reward for those looking to savour a dram straight from the cask.

Subscribe to Whisky Magazine! – Whisky News x 6

Subscribe for £26.64 and receive six beautifully crafted issues — including two on us. That’s a 33% saving across the year.

 

An International Whisky Classroom Comes to London – Edinburgh Whisky Academy News

An International Whisky Classroom Comes to London

This November (3 & 4), we’ll deliver our first Diploma in Single Malt Whisky at WSET School London, an exciting milestone as we continue to develop our partnership with the world’s leading provider of wine and spirits education.

Candidates from across Europe have already booked their places and will be travelling to London to learn alongside fellow whisky enthusiasts and drinks professionals. If you’re interested, this is your chance to join a truly international whisky classroom with our teacher Vic Cameron.

👉 Book your Place


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