UH-OH: Bourbon Boom Creates Spirits Shortage.

The resurgence of cocktails has led to a 315-percent spike in Kentucky bourbon production since 1999. The industry, however, is struggling to keep up. Whiskey needs a few years to age and many distilleries didn’t anticipate today’s demand.

For example, the Buffalo Trace Distillery is suffering from a shortage. Freddie Johnson said the company’s high end brands, like Pappy Van Winkle, need more than 20 years to age.

“The bourbon aging in the warehouse right now is really for the bourbon of tomorrow and the bourbons that were enjoying today is the bourbon of a generation before,” said Johnson.

Because there is not enough Pappy to meet demand, some online liquor stores are re-selling bottles for 10 times their retail value.

There’s no need to panic until some ambitious politician proposes a government solution.