Whiskey Apocalypse
By 
Whiskey production in the U.S. has plummeted, according to new data from the federal government. The Treasury Department’s 2025 monthly national statistical report, updated this week, shows that through April of this year, whiskey distillers had produced 78 million proof gallons, a 28% decrease from the same period last year. The production level is the lowest since 2019, said Hasan Bakir, senior director of economic studies for the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S., an alcohol industry trade group. Bakir noted that monthly production actually began falling year-over-year in October 2024 and in April slid to 17.8 million proof gallons, the fewest since August 2021. “The production decline is not too surprising given the current level of whiskey inventories, the slowdown in the domestic market and tariff-related issues that are negatively impacting exports,” Bakir said in a statement. Spirits exports have dropped significantly since March, when Canada instituted a boycott of American products following President Trump’s comments about “annexing” the country. The Treasury data shows the amount of spirits intended for export in April dropped by 70% year-over-year.
Sure, blame Canada. But:
Meanwhile, despite the decreased production, whiskey inventory has continued to climb: As of April, there were nearly 1.5 billion proof gallons on hand, three times the level a decade ago. That’s a problem, as polls showed fewer Americans are drinking than in 90 years. And recent indicators show little sign they are picking up the pace: Lackluster Labor Day sales reports continue to show declines for wine, beer and spirits except for ready-to-drink canned cocktails. Earlier this month, Jefferies beverage analyst Ed Mundy concluded the industry is in a correction and has not bottomed out yet, largely thanks to ongoing economic pressures. “In the absence of a major intervention, (such as) a severe tax increase or regulatory headwind, the industry could be close to trough,” Mundy concluded. The myriad challenges have led to slumping sales across the bourbon industry. Inflation, trade barriers and changing consumer tastes make for a bleak outlook. And that’s been exacerbated by post-pandemic overproduction that put distilleries and brands large and small in financial jeopardy.
Make your own damn cocktails. And stay away from vodka!
The market saturates, tastes shift (not the same thing), and tariffs hit… a perfect storm for the industry. No real correction in prices yet but some change is inevitable as inventory continues to increase. Sad!