Whiskey Shortages Expected Due to Surging Popularity

by The Drink Nation on May 24, 2013 in Liquor
Whiskey Shortages Expected Due to Surging Popularity

Maker’s Mark caused an uproar earlier this year when it announced plans to water down its popular flagship whiskey label. It wasn’t an arbitrary move — the reasoning behind reducing the alcohol content was to increase supply to keep up with the demand in American whiskey’s popularity. Now that the decision has been reversed (thanks to angry and vocal fans), drinkers can expect to find fewer bottles of Maker’s Mark available on shelves around the country.

The company is not alone. A recent press release from Buffalo Trace Distillery warned of shortages in its key brown spirits brands, which include Blanton’s, Pappy Van Winkle and Buffalo Trace. Though the 225-year-old Kentucky distillery has taken steps to avoid shortages — including installing additional bottling lines, hiring more staff and micro-managing allocations — the increased popularity has made it impossible to keep up with demand.

Bourbon and Tennessee whiskey sales by volume rose over 5% in just the past year, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. “Super Premium” products in that category of liquor (a group that includes the above spirits) rose 12.4%. That’s a larger surge than the U.S. vodka market — previously king — which grew 4% overall and 10% in super-premium products.

The fact that brown spirits take time is the main issue here, in addition to larger growth spurt. While vodka can be distilled and produced quickly, whiskey needs to sit in barrels for several years — up to 23 years, in a certain Pappy Van Winkle label’s case — before it’s bottled. Plus, during that time the volume decreases significantly, due to evaporation. So although whiskey producers are working hard to keep up, you might want to stock up on your favorites to make it through the next couple of years.

h/t Huffington Post

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:
 
The Shark Week Drinking Game

The Shark Week Drinking Game

This year, one of cable TV's longest-running programs celebrates its 29th anniversary. Enjoy it to the fullest with this handy game. Shark Week starts...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 26, 2016
A Spanish Winemaker is Producing Blue Wine

A Spanish Winemaker is Producing Blue Wine

We've all heard of red wine and white wine. But now, we can get what we've always dreamed of when looking through a wine list: blue wine. ...read more ›

by Ryan Hudak Jun 21, 2016
Devil's Creek Brewery Is Open in Collingswood

Devil's Creek Brewery Is Open in Collingswood

Collingswood's first brewery, Devil’s Creek Brewery, opened its doors recently on May 21 at its new spot on Haddon Avenue....read more ›

by Erica Bauwens Jun 2, 2016
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
Craft Beer Garden and Restaurant Comes to Cooper River

Craft Beer Garden and Restaurant Comes to Cooper River

Cooper River Park in Pennsauken may be known for weddings and crew races, but a new beer garden is giving craft beer lovers a new excuse to check out ...read more ›

by Erica Bauwens Jun 2, 2016
Tonewood Brewing Is Coming to Oaklyn

Tonewood Brewing Is Coming to Oaklyn

Oaklyn is getting a brand new brewery called Tonewood Brewing, which will be run by two brothers, with a projected opening date of Tuesday, June 7....read more ›

by Erica Bauwens Jun 2, 2016
Medford's Main Street Is Experiencing a Craft Beer Boom

Medford's Main Street Is Experiencing a Craft Beer Boom

Medford in Burlington County will soon be home to two craft breweries along their Main Street drag....read more ›

by Erica Bauwens May 18, 2016
The Inventor of St. Germain, Robert J. Cooper, Has Passed Away at 39

The Inventor of St. Germain, Robert J. Cooper, Has Passed Away at 39

The inventor of St. Germain passed away on Monday, April 25, 2016....read more ›

by Alexander Frane May 2, 2016
Make This Purple Cocktail To Honor Prince's Memory

Make This Purple Cocktail To Honor Prince's Memory

Make this delicious purple cocktail to honor Prince's memory....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Apr 21, 2016
This Late Night L.A. Restaurant is Serving Boozy Bowls of Classic Kids Cereal

This Late Night L.A. Restaurant is Serving Boozy Bowls of Classic Kids Cereal

Grab a boozy, late-night breakfast at L.A.'s newest concept....read more ›

by Alexander Frane Apr 19, 2016
Disney's Tower of Terror Is Getting a Bar

Disney's Tower of Terror Is Getting a Bar

Disney's Tower of Terror is getting its very own bar....read more ›

by Alexander Frane Apr 15, 2016
SPONSORED
View all Articles

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

Close