Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Whiskey Woes: Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare & Pappy Van Winkle Fear Shortages
Photo by Caroll Wycoff on Flickr
()
Chefs, cocktailians, and all other fans of brown spirits, brace yourselves: Several of Sazerac Company's distilleries -- including Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare and Pappy Van Winkle -- announced Wednesday that they anticipate a bourbon shortage in the coming months. The small-batch distilleries are having trouble keeping up with the rapidly growing demand for their product, which might mean the shelves will be empty in the coming months.
Sure, there are smaller operations out there, but when you compare Buffalo Trace's 64,000 cases of whiskey production last year compared to Jack Daniel's 4.8 million, you can see why incremental growth is crucial. And the American whiskey category experienced a 5.2 percent increase in total production volume in 2012, and is expected to enjoy similar gains this year, according to research firm Technomic's 2013 SpiritsTAB report.
Says the Huffington Post:
To put that expansion in perspective, consider that straight American whiskey, a relatively small sub-category of spirits with 8.2 percent of the total spirits market, is experiencing a growth rate similar to vodka, Technomic reports. At about a third of the market share, vodka is the largest U.S. spirit category, and its production volume rose by 5.8 percent in 2012.
Support for LAist comes from
This isn't the first time the market has feared a shortage. Back in December 2011, the growing upwardly mobile populations in Asian and South American markets drained the Scotch whisky supply. And earlier this year, Makers Mark decided to dilute their 90 proof whiskey to an 84 proof in order to meet demands. (Due to customer outrage, they have since changed that policy and went back to their original recipe.)
So hipsters, please steer clear of the whiskey and stick to driving up the price of Pabst. We need our Pappy back
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline. -
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
Best of LAist