What is the bourbon glut?
The bourbon glut is the 2024-2026 oversupply of aged American whiskey that followed a decade of producer expansion. Barrel inventories outpaced demand growth, pushing wholesale prices down and triggering brand sales, layoffs, and category resets at major distillers.
The bourbon glut is the 2024-2026 oversupply of aged American whiskey that followed roughly a decade of producer expansion. Kentucky distillers laid down barrel stocks at a pace assuming continued double-digit category growth. Demand growth slowed in 2024 and went negative in some segments by 2025, leaving barrel inventories well above what wholesalers could move at premium price points. The result has been wholesale price cuts, sourced-whiskey brand exits, layoffs at named producers, and a wave of M&A as private equity bought distressed labels. Liquor Bets runs markets on whether specific bourbon brands will be sold, discontinued, or repositioned by stated dates.