The Great Whiskey Drought: A Summary of When We’re Dry
If you’re a whiskey lover, then you might have noticed that there’s a whiskey drought going on. But what exactly is this drought and what are its implications? In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about the great whiskey drought, from its causes to what we can expect in the future.
What is the Whiskey Drought?
The whiskey drought refers to the shortage of aged whiskey in the market. It’s caused by a combination of factors, including the popularity of whiskey, the time it takes to age a good whiskey, and the increasing demand for American whiskey around the world.
What Causes the Whiskey Drought?
The main culprit of the whiskey drought is the increasing popularity of whiskey. In recent years, there has been a surge in the demand for American whiskey around the world, especially in countries like China and India. This demand has put pressure on American distilleries to produce more whiskey, but unfortunately, whiskey is not something that can be made overnight.
Unlike beer and wine, whiskey takes years to age properly. The process of aging whiskey requires storing it in charred oak barrels for at least two years, and sometimes as long as 12 years or more. During this time, the whiskey absorbs flavors from the wood, giving it its distinct taste. As such, the aging process is a crucial part of producing a good whiskey.
What are the Implications of the Whiskey Drought?
The implications of the whiskey drought are twofold. First, there’s a potential for price increases. As supply decreases while demand remains high, prices may increase to maintain profitability for distilleries. This could make it more difficult for whiskey lovers to enjoy their favorite drink without breaking the bank.
Secondly, the drought could affect the quality of whiskey in the market. In an effort to keep up with demand, distilleries might be tempted to rush the aging process, which could result in an inferior product. It’s important for distilleries to resist this temptation and prioritize quality over quantity.
What Can We Expect in the Future?
The good news is that the whiskey drought won’t last forever. As distilleries continue to produce whiskey, more and more of it will become available for purchase. However, the aging process is still a limiting factor, so it’s unlikely that we’ll see a sudden abundance of aged whiskey in the market.
In the meantime, it’s important for whiskey lovers to be patient and enjoy what whiskey is available. And for distilleries, it’s important to focus on quality over quantity and resist the urge to rush the aging process.
Conclusion
The whiskey drought is a real problem, but it’s not the end of the world. As demand for whiskey continues to surge, distilleries will adapt and produce more whiskey. However, it’s important for both distilleries and consumers to remember the importance of quality over quantity. By prioritizing quality and being patient, we can all enjoy good whiskey for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will prices for whiskey increase during the drought?
A: It’s possible that whiskey prices will increase during the drought. As supply decreases while demand remains high, distilleries may raise prices to maintain profitability.
Q: What can distilleries do to alleviate the drought?
A: There are a few things that distilleries can do to alleviate the drought. For example, they can invest in new equipment or increase their production capacity. However, the most important thing is to prioritize quality over quantity and resist the urge to rush the aging process.
Q: Will the whiskey drought affect other alcoholic drinks?
A: The whiskey drought is unlikely to affect other alcoholic drinks like beer and wine, as they have shorter production cycles. However, it’s possible that the drought might raise the popularity of other spirits like tequila and gin.