Spirit Cruises January 2023 Leaderboard

An Inconvenient Truth: Growing Thirst for Whiskey Now Exceeds Global Supply

Stock up while you can
by The Drink Nation on May 14, 2014 in Culture
An Inconvenient Truth: Growing Thirst for Whiskey Now Exceeds Global Supply

It’s no secret that bourbon consumption has grown exponentially in recent years. So much so, that supplies of the once unfashionable all-American brown water are becoming increasingly scarce.

The first signs of trouble came last year when Beam Inc. announced that it was going to literally water-down its premium flagship, Makers Mark, cutting the bourbon from 90 proof to 84 proof in order to continue meeting the rising demand. When it became obvious that whiskey drinkers were anything but pleased to hear this news, the company aborted the plan. But shortly thereafter, Buffalo Trace warned that supplies of its whiskeys were also dwindling.

Some scoffed at the notion, chalking it all up as a clever marketing gimmick to justify raising prices on the precious potable potions. But this week the investment wonks at Motley Fool joined the growing chorus of media outlets heralding the inconvenient truth that like Antarctica's Western Ice Sheet’s unstoppable collapse, bourbon producers’ inability to continue to meet demand and rapidly shrinking inventories are a very real concern.

Further complicating matters is the fact that whiskey — the good ones, anyway — take decades to properly age, and since drinking bourbon was anything but hip in the 80s and 90s, production was scaled back, which means that in spite distillers efforts now to increase production, current inventories are very limited.

And it’s not just bourbon either. Esquire reports that all whiskeys — from Irish to Scotch — produced worldwide are in increasingly short supply. In fact, some single-malt Scotch producers are now releasing their whiskies without a statement of age as a workaround for diminishing stocks.

But what can a whiskey drinker do? Stock up on the good stuff while you can afford to. The shortages will likely continue for years to come. Aside from hoarding whiskey — or heaven forbid, go without it — all you can really do is pray for the angels to pour you a dram from their share.

Photo: Bourbon & Branch


Tags: Bourbon, News, Spirits, Whiskey
Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Pamper Yourself at These Spas with Bars in Philadelphia

Pamper Yourself at These Spas with Bars in Philadelphia

Whether you're going solo or heading out with friends, we've got just the place for your to relax and enjoy a good drink...read more ›

by Jessie Donofrio Apr 5, 2023
The Best Mocktails, Zero Proof, & Non-Alcoholic Drinks in Philadelphia

The Best Mocktails, Zero Proof, & Non-Alcoholic Drinks in Philadelphia

Not drinking alcohol tonight? These bars and restaurants have you covered with inventive, thoughtful, and down...read more ›

by Michelle Cassidy Jan 11, 2023
Inflation Hits PA Wine & Spirits with 4% Price Increase Across 3,500 Products

Inflation Hits PA Wine & Spirits with 4% Price Increase Across 3,500 Products

The PLCB, announced that a 4% price increase would go into effect on 3,554 of its most popular wine and spirit...read more ›

by Jessie Donofrio Jan 9, 2023
SPONSORED
The Best Cocktail Bars in Philadelphia

The Best Cocktail Bars in Philadelphia

Here it is - the definitive list of Philadelphia's best cocktail bars....read more ›

by Drink Philly Dec 13, 2017
The Philly Distiller Who Got Laid Off and Moved to Hawaii to Make Gin

The Philly Distiller Who Got Laid Off and Moved to Hawaii to Make Gin

In this segment we speak to Olivia Babiec, the former Philadelphia Distiller who moved to Hawaii to make gin...read more ›

by Jessie Donofrio Jan 5, 2023
Bars & Restaurants that Host Private Events in Philadelphia

Bars & Restaurants that Host Private Events in Philadelphia

Holidays, birthdays, weddings, or any private event - Philadelphia has you covered...read more ›

by Drink Philly Dec 5, 2022
Where to Celebrate Philly Cider Week 2022, October 23-30

Where to Celebrate Philly Cider Week 2022, October 23-30

The fourth annual Philadelphia Cider Week is being celebrated from Sunday, October 23 through Sunday, October 30...read more ›

by Jessie Donofrio Oct 21, 2022
Enjoy Fall Weather & PA Ciders in a Historic Setting at CiderFest, October 15 & 16

Enjoy Fall Weather & PA Ciders in a Historic Setting at CiderFest, October 15 & 16

Fall is here and what better way to celebrate than at CiderFest at the historic Woodford Mansion in Fairmount ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Oct 13, 2022
WitchCraft: Halloween Themed Beer Fest in the Middle of the NJ Woods Returns October 14 & 15

WitchCraft: Halloween Themed Beer Fest in the Middle of the NJ Woods Returns October 14 & 15

The team behind the Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival have conjured up a spellbinding event - WitchCraft - a...read more ›

by Jessie Donofrio Oct 12, 2022
LMNO: An Inside Look at Their 'Choose Your Own Adventure' Cocktail Menu

LMNO: An Inside Look at Their 'Choose Your Own Adventure' Cocktail Menu

Fishtown has a new Baja Mexican destination for tequila and mezcal fans...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 14, 2022
SPONSORED
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close