Review: Circle City 50/50 Club Bourbon and Toasted Honey Rye

By Jacob Kiper | April 18, 2025 |

In the world of non-distilling producers (NDPs), standing out can be a challenge. With so many small players in the market, it’s easy for even the most well-crafted whiskey to get lost in the shuffle. But Circle City Whiskey, a relatively small operation based in Noblesville, Indiana, is making waves. Through sheer dedication and a focus on quality, Circle City is slowly but surely gaining a cult following, largely thanks to social media platforms like Instagram. Founder Drew Black is at the heart of the brand’s success, bringing a passion for whiskey and a hands-on approach to every release.

Drew Black’s story is refreshingly free of the tired old narrative of having a long, storied family legacy in whiskey. Instead, his journey began with a love for whiskey and a desire to bring local enthusiasts together to select single barrels. This hands-on experience in barrel selection provided Black with a deep understanding of the whiskey industry, and his admiration for independent bottlers—especially in the Scotch world—became the driving force behind the creation of Circle City Whiskey. Without the weight of a centuries-old distilling tradition to uphold, Black’s singular focus is clear: producing great whiskey for his local community.

The name “Circle City” comes from the city of Indianapolis, where Black’s facility is located, just a short drive from the brand’s headquarters in Noblesville, a northeastern suburb of the city. Indianapolis is famously known as the “Circle City,” a nickname derived from its unique 1821 city plan, which features a large circular street at the city’s core. This circle, now known as Monument Circle, is home to the iconic Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument. The name perfectly reflects Circle City Whiskey’s ethos—rooted in the heart of Indiana, embracing both the city’s history and the future of local craft whiskey production.

Despite the absence of a rich family history in whiskey-making, Circle City’s growing influence is undeniable. Black’s dedication to innovation and quality has helped the brand gain traction, especially as it expands its offerings. Circle City’s latest releases, the Circle City Toasted Series Straight Rye Whiskey Finished With Toasted Honey Oak Staves and the Circle City The 50/50 Club Cask Strength Blend of Straight Bourbon, continue to showcase Black’s commitment to craftsmanship and bold experimentation. Circle City Whiskey kindly provided sample of both new releases for Drinkhacker review. Will these two new releases help elevate Circle City Whiskey’s growing cult following even further? Let’s pour a glass and see!

Circle City Whiskey The 50/50 Club Cask Strength Blend of Straight Bourbon Batch 1 Review

Batch 1 of The 50/50 Blend represents a unique marriage of two powerhouse distilleries: Wild Turkey and Heaven Hill. While the name suggests an even split, the blend is actually composed of 55% Wild Turkey and 45% Heaven Hill, offering a distinctive combination of aging profiles and barrel entry proofs.

The Wild Turkey portion, aged for 9 years, features a mashbill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley. What makes this particular component truly unique is the relatively low cask strength of 102.5 proof, resulting from a long, slow aging process on the ground floor of the rickhouse. On the other hand, the Heaven Hill portion is aged for 7.5 years and distilled from a mashbill of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley. This component entered the barrel at a higher proof of 125, and it was blended at a cask strength of 121 proof. Both components underwent aging in barrels with a #3 char before being bottled at a blended cask strength of 111.5 proof.

The aroma greets with a nostalgic, almost playful note of Dr Pepper, immediately followed by the sweet scent of candy corn. This sweetness is beautifully balanced by the earthier aromas of dusty corn and burnt brown sugar, adding a subtle complexity to the nose. While inviting, the bouquet could benefit from a touch more boldness to fully captivate the senses.

The tasting experience kicks off with the unmistakable flavor of Big Red gum, giving way to a rich note of chocolate syrup. As the palate unfolds, the sweetness transitions to savory notes of salted peanuts. A hint of black pepper develops, providing a nice contrast to the sweeter elements. The mouthfeel is notably dry, which adds to its overall appeal.

The finish is where the blend truly shines. Bold oak flavors dominate, but they are present in a harmonious way that never feels overpowering. The oak is met with lingering notes of ripe black cherries and browned butter, creating a finish that is long and slightly astringent, yet entirely enjoyable.

The 50/50 Club is a solid find and definitely worth seeking out. The low cask strength Wild Turkey barrels, aged for 9 years, will soon be available, with Circle City being the first to bottle it. The blend of these two bourbons comes together nicely, making this one you’ll want to add to your collection.

111.5 proof.

A- / $95

Circle City Whiskey Toasted Series Straight Rye Whiskey Finished With Toasted Honey Oak Staves Review

Circle City Whiskey’s Toasted Series is already a well-loved collection, but the introduction of Batch #SIB-1 Toasted Series Straight Rye Finished With Toasted Honey Oak Staves marks a new chapter for the line. This batch takes the traditional rye whiskey made from MGP’s renowned mashbill of 95% rye and 5% malted barley, and infuses it with a unique finishing process.

After aging the whiskey for six years, Black introduces an innovative method to elevate the spirit. The process begins with used barrels, which are carefully disassembled, with the staves cut lengthwise before being halved to fit through the barrel bung. The pieces are then toasted on all sides over a flame and soaked in local honey, where they remain for several days in a food-safe tub. Once the honey-soaked staves dry, they are inserted into the barrel for further aging. During the finishing period, Black occasionally agitates the barrel to ensure the honey-infused staves are continuously interacting with the whiskey.

Circle City’s approach blends the richness of toasting with the sweetness of honey, all while carefully attempting to avoid a flavor profile that leans too heavily on being overly sweet. Does this unique method hit the mark? Let’s dive in and see!

The nose opens with a delicate hint of floral honeysuckle, inviting the senses with a soft, sweet fragrance. A subtle dill note, characteristic of MGP 95/5, makes a gentle appearance, though it is faint. As the whiskey breathes, the scent evolves to introduce a slight peppery tinge, followed by the aroma of honey buns. This honey bun note lingers, but it’s not overwhelming in sweetness, allowing other elements to shine through.

On the palate, a rich layer of English toffee takes the lead, gradually transitioning into the bright and zesty tang of orange peel. As the whiskey moves across the tongue, there is a hint of herbal quality, accompanied by the candy-like sweetness of peach Jolly Ranchers and a subtle note of honey-tinged cough drops. The texture is thick and velvety, yet not overly heavy or sticky, allowing for a smooth flow across the palate without feeling cloying.

The finish is long and complex, with the heat of black pepper first making its presence known, followed by the faint bitterness of peach pits. A trace of tobacco lingers, adding depth, before fading into the comforting warmth of a freshly baked biscuit, topped lightly with a drizzle of honey.

While honey is an unmistakable presence throughout the tasting experience, its influence here is carefully balanced. It never becomes overly sweet or dominating, preserving the rye’s robust character. This is a whiskey that demonstrates how a well-executed honey finish can enhance rather than overpower, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a nuanced and balanced experience.

115.1 proof.

A- / $73