2025 has not been an especially good year for whiskey. “Oversupply” seems to be the word of the year. Which makes us wonder, with all these distilleries going under, why haven’t we seen a flood of cheap and delicious whiskies come pouring into our glass? Well in this month’s ATN, we found some answers, as well as
Last Saturday was Derby Day, which is unofficially the biggest bourbon-drinking holiday here in the States. Here’s hoping you enjoyed your julep with something better than Cream of Kentucky!
What’s Wrong with Whiskey?
Image from Vinepair, Sara Pinsonault
While we don’t like to continue to harp on bad news, it’s hard to ignore the biggest story in the whiskey world right now. With still more announced closures, halts, and extended “routine, periodic reviews”, it’s a bad time to be in whiskey production.
“It’s like the California gold rush. One person found gold, everyone ran west, staked their claims, leveraged everything they had thinking they would be the next one to get filthy stinking rich, and it didn’t happen”
So what does that mean for whiskey people like us? Well, it’s oddly good news. Less money to be made by selling whiskey today means that distillers who can are simply letting their barrels rest. Rather than pulling them out early to meet demand, they’re simply letting them age. Distillers who are closing are having their existing stores scooped up at reasonable prices.
“If you have the vision and stomach for it, there’s a real opportunity to acquire some barrels at a great price that are likely going to be very valuable one day”
One notable exception to all this is Irish Whiskey which seems to be learning lessons from the Scotch and Bourbon industry and trying to avoid over-producing before it’s too late (see the “halts” link above). Regardless, with over 35m bottles of Scotch and Bourbon laying on shelves right now, the juice will continue to flow!
Pot vs Column, Who Ya Got?
One of the more nuanced debates in whiskey is whether whiskey tastes better out of a pot or column still. Single Malts and Irish Whiskey are typically pot-stilled, so if those are your favorite types, you’re on team pot still. Bourbons and single grains tend to favor column stills. But how do they work? How are they different? And what flavors do they present?
Well we want you to have all angles of this critical conversation covered so we have three different versions for you:
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Finally, Some Good F*ing News
Image from Business Standard
Well, some good news amongst all the angst, whisky IS getting cheaper…if you live in India. Tarrifs are (amazingly) coming down between the UK and India for certain products, whisky chief among them. These tariffs are expected to drop prices between 25-30% almost immediately as the tariff goes from 150% to 75% then gradually down to 40% over the next decade.
This certainly feels like a boon to not just Indian whisky drinkers, but producers across the UK who, as noted above, are sitting on lots of product that needs to be enjoyed. Cheers to both countries!
What’s in your glass?
So this might be cheating, but it speaks to the consistent quality that Four Roses pours into their barrels. Always bottled at 100 proof and consistently boasting flavor notes such as ripe red berries, caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice, it’s a hit no matter what number you get your hands on!
User review of the month
whiskey.mystic - Ardfallen 10 Year Old Irish Whiskey - 91/00
"Sweet and spicy! Juicy grapes, icing sugar, then cinnamon and dry oak. Water brings out more sweetness, fruit pastilles, but cuts back on the spice."
Most wanted whiskey
Reviews like, “a medley of sweet red berries, stone fruits, and a touch of oak char, culminating in a long, spicy finish” Make it clear why this whiskey is so sought after. Approachable and delicious for whiskey drinkers of all types!
