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The economics of whiskey pricing involves numerous factors that determine why bourbon costs what it does, from physical aspects of aging to market demands and consumer preferences.

• Quality and quantity are fundamental considerations in whiskey pricing
• Age significantly impacts cost due to taxes, warehouse space, and liquid loss through evaporation
• Temperature fluctuations affect yield as cold weather expands barrels pushing liquid outward while heat contracts wood drawing whiskey into staves
• Barrel strength whiskeys command higher prices because they aren't diluted, resulting in fewer bottles from the same amount of aged spirit
• Many distilleries have increased prices to capture value that was previously going to secondary market resellers
• Despite fears of a "bourbon glut," most established distilleries report strong sales with new operations continuing to open
• American whiskey prices have generally remained stable or decreased slightly over recent months according to store comparison research
• Family-owned operations like Old Louisville Whiskey Company focus on quality over quantity
• The Old Louisville 17-year bourbon (141 proof) scored a perfect 18/18 on the tasting scale
• Premium whiskeys with high price tags often accurately reflect the investment, time, expertise and limited quantity involved

Join us for our upcoming bus tour where we'll be visiting Old Louisville Whiskey Company and meeting Amin Caroud in person.
The mysterious world of whiskey pricing unfolds as we explore the complex economics behind what makes your favorite bourbon cost $30 or $300. Beyond marketing hype, we reveal the genuine factors distilleries consider when setting prices in today's competitive spirits landscape.

Every drop of aged whiskey comes with hidden costs. When distilleries age spirit for extended periods, they're making a significant investment – paying yearly taxes, managing warehouse space, and accepting substantial liquid loss. A 53-gallon barrel might yield only 20 gallons after 15 years due to the "angel's share" and wood absorption. Temperature fluctuations further complicate matters, as cold weather expands barrels pushing liquid outward, while heat contracts wood drawing whiskey deeper into staves, affecting both flavor development and final yield.

The bourbon market has evolved dramatically in recent years. Despite fears of a "bourbon glut," most established distilleries report strong sales with new operations continuing to open throughout Kentucky. Our price comparison research at local stores confirmed American whiskey prices have generally remained stable or even decreased slightly, contradicting inflation concerns. Meanwhile, premium offerings have seen strategic price increases as distilleries recapture value previously lost to secondary markets – Russell's Reserve 13 Year jumped from $80 to $190 in just three releases.

The episode culminates with a spectacular tasting of Old Louisville Whiskey Company's 17-year bourbon bottled at a hazmat-level 141 proof. This family-owned operation exemplifies the passion-driven side of the industry, where Amin and Beth Caroud's commitment to quality over quantity produces truly exceptional whiskeys. The expression earns a perfect 18/18 score, with particular praise for its "cinnamon toast crunch" nose, thick viscosity, and maple syrup flavors balanced with well-integrated oak.

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We explore Kentucky's vibrant bourbon scene, highlighting unique experiences at Whiskey Thief Distilling Company and New Riff Distillery while previewing our upcoming fifth annual Kentucky Bourbon Bus Tour.

• Whiskey Thief Distilling offers farm-to-glass experiences at Three Boys Farm in Frankfort and a tasting room in New Lou
• Their unique barrel stations let visitors thieve their own bottles from pot-distilled bourbons and ryes
• New Riff Distillery sits strategically on the Kentucky-Ohio border, in the same area where George Remus operated during Prohibition
• Founded by former Party Source owner Ken Lewis, who sold the liquor store to employees when regulations prevented owning both businesses
• Detailed tasting of New Riff single barrels reveals diverse flavor profiles from bubble gum to maple cream
• Our fifth annual Kentucky Bourbon Bus Tour will visit Old Carter Social Club, Evan Williams Experience, Whiskey Thief, and Old Louisville Whiskey Company
• Old Louisville Whiskey Company features an extensive selection of aged barrels with unique finishes

Remember to visit scotchybourbonboys.com for merchandise, and find us on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and X, as well as all major podcast platforms. Drink responsibly, never drink and drive, and live your life uncut and unfiltered.

Take a journey into Kentucky's thriving bourbon community as we explore the unique experiences offered by Whiskey Thief Distilling Company and New Riff Distillery, while previewing our upcoming Kentucky Bourbon Bus Tour.

Whiskey Thief Distilling Company stands out with their distinctive farm-to-glass approach at Three Boys Farm in Frankfort and their tasting room in Louisville. What makes their experience truly special is the opportunity to taste directly from barrels of their pot-distilled bourbons and ryes, allowing visitors to thieve their own bottles—creating memories alongside exceptional spirits.

We dive deep into New Riff Distillery's fascinating history and strategic location on the Kentucky-Ohio border. Founded by former Party Source owner Ken Lewis, this distillery represents bourbon entrepreneurship at its finest. Our barrel bottle breakdown reveals the remarkable diversity within New Riff's single barrel program, with tasting notes ranging from bubble gum and red apple to maple cream and caramel. We also discuss their specialty releases, including the coveted Balboa Rye and sherry-finished expressions that have bourbon enthusiasts buzzing.

The conversation turns to our fifth annual Kentucky Bourbon Bus Tour, an immersive experience visiting Old Carter Social Club, Evan Williams Experience, Whiskey Thief, and Old Louisville Whiskey Company. We'll be thieving barrels, enjoying rare pours provided by Revival Vintage Spirits, and connecting with fellow enthusiasts in an unforgettable day of bourbon exploration.

These experiences highlight the vibrant community that forms around bourbon culture—where passionate individuals create, share, and celebrate America's native spirit together. Whether you're a seasoned bourbon collector or just beginning your whiskey journey, these destinations offer something special for every palate.

Ready to enhance your bourbon experience? Join us for adventures through Kentucky's bourbon country, and remember to drink responsibly while living life uncut and unfiltered.

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The bourbon glut is over, with distilleries reporting exceptional sales and Kentucky Bourbon Festival tickets selling out in just four days rather than months.

• Pandemic caused a temporary slowdown as society reopened and people returned to busier lifestyles
• Political uncertainty during election year contributed to consumer hesitation
• Kentucky Bourbon Festival 2025 completely sold out in four days instead of taking until August
• Secondary market for allocated bottles like Weller has changed as collectors have already acquired them
• Bourbon enthusiasts now seeking unique barrel picks rather than just allocated bottles
• Pot still whiskeys offer different flavor profiles than column still products
• French Lick Spirit distillery's William Dalton (wheated) and Lillian Sinclair (rye) showcase craft bourbon diversity
• American-made whiskeys may benefit from international tariffs as consumers look local

Listen to our barrel picks breakdown with tasting notes on kettle corn, cherry, butterscotch, and fresh-baked bread profiles. Join us for upcoming events including a smoke wagon tasting in Youngstown on May 21st.
Is the bourbon bubble really bursting? Everything you've heard about the "bourbon glut" might be completely wrong. After months of industry predictions about oversupply and waning interest, we're seeing overwhelming evidence of bourbon's resilience and continuing popularity.

The Kentucky Bourbon Festival provides perhaps the clearest indicator – what normally takes until August to sell out disappeared in just four days this year. All 7,500 tickets, gone. Heaven Hill's Bernie Lubbers recently confirmed their exceptional fiscal year, and distilleries across Kentucky are reporting similar success. What many analysts missed was that last year's perceived slowdown was merely a temporary pause as society adjusted post-pandemic and navigated election year uncertainties.

We dive deep into the evolution of bourbon collectors' interests, noting how the secondary market has shifted away from simply chasing allocated bottles like Weller and EH Taylor. Today's enthusiasts are increasingly drawn to unique barrel picks, innovative finishes, and craft distillery releases that offer something different. We also explore how American whiskey stands to benefit from international tariffs, potentially driving more consumers toward domestic products.

The highlight of our episode is an in-depth breakdown of our barrel picks from Spirit of French Lick – the William Dalton (wheated bourbon) and Lillian Sinclair (rye bourbon). Both pot still products offer fascinating tasting notes ranging from kettle corn and cherry to baking spices and fresh bread. These selections represent master distiller Alan Bishop's final barrel picks before his departure, making them particularly special.

Ready to join the continuing bourbon conversation? Listen now, and don't forget our upcoming tasting event in Youngstown on May 21st featuring our smoke wagon barrel picks. The bourbon renaissance is just getting started!

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