Sweet Tea & Coca Cola, move it on over, you’re in Bourbon Country now!! Most of us in the Southeast cut our teeth on bourbon, quite literally, but the rest of the country is finally taking notice! With the rising popularity across the US you’ll see more offerings of Bourbon & Rye Whiskey in specialty cocktails, bourbon bars, fine dining restaurants, etc. So, with the higher demand on Bourbon & Rye Whiskey, and the fact that it takes 2 years and up to 20+ years depending on the bottling for Straight Bourbon, there’s a natural shortage of product to meet the market. Unlike other distilled spirits, the time it requires to make and mature Bourbon & Rye Whiskey prohibits how much they can produce. Producers are having to allocate less and less per state and release in waves to keep product throughout the year.
While it hasn’t happened overnight, it has largely taken place in the last 5-10 years or so. Limited Brands like Pappy Van Winkle, George T. Stagg, Hirsch, Michter’s & special aged bottlings are a rare sight and it seems that will never change. So, when you see one at a cocktail bar or restaurant for $30-50 a glass, it may be the perfect opportunity to taste.
And if you happen to see your favorite Bourbon or Rye is on the shelf, snag it up, it may not be there the next time you check…
