547 - What's The Future of Single Barrels?

It used to be that picking a single barrel was something reserved for the most dedicated enthusiasts. But today? They're everywhere. Every content creator has a club. There are regional and national facebook groups dedicated to it. And there's thousands of retailers all pushing their own single barrels. It has become an obsession that has completely transformed our industry. In this episode, we’re talk about the evolution of the single barrel craze from its massive explosion back in 2014 to abundance we’re navigating today. We share some personal stories and debate over "sticker" culture. We also hit on the business side where major distillers are favor high-volume accounts while the small retailers get left behind. Another issue we're seeing is the skyrocket prices for legacy programs like Four Roses. There's a lot of players in this game and we give our suggestions on what opportunities lie head for new brands to step in and thrive. I'm sure you're like me and you've got a shelf full of barrel picks and you've got the FOMO because that next single barrel, that's the special one.

Show Notes:

• The rise and evolution of single barrel whiskey programs
• Personal experiences in barrel selection
• The influence of the pandemic on the whiskey market
• Balancing relationships with small and large retailers
• Pricing challenges in the single barrel segment
• Future sustainability for smaller whiskey clubs and emerging brands
• The significance of connections within the bourbon industry
• The role of innovation in the next chapter of single barrel selections

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