Drinkhacker Reads – 02.05.2015 – Short Barley, Cheap Vodka and Big Bourbon
While everyone is still foaming at the glass about the recent Budweiser brew-ha-ha, a small article published in USA Today has passed by with relatively little fanfare that has a direct impact on brewers big and small: there’s a barley shortage looming. [USA Today]
So now we’ve got too much demand for barley for beer, and we’re supposedly (but not really) in the midst of a bourbon shortage, but it seems as if there’s an abundance of vodka (both flavored and unflavored) ready for the taking. And if you’re in Russia, it’s now available at cheaper prices! [CNBC]
The Distilled Spirits Council released its 2014 annual report, with great news for the Bourbon and American whiskey industry: We’re doing great! DISCUS Chief Economist David Ozgo reported on Tuesday that Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey sales volumes were up 7.4% over last year, bringing in an extra $2.7 billion in revenue. Irish Whiskey and Single Malts grew 9.1% and 4.6% respectively. While flavored vodka sales saw a decline, traditional vodka volumes increased 3.7%.
And finally today, Glenrothes is readying an expression from 1968 which will be available in March to world travelers, specifically those in Singapore. The single cask is housed in a handmade crystal bottle made by a Portuguese craftsman and will set you back £5,500. Failing a sellout in Singapore, a worldwide release is planned for later this year.
