The American whiskey industry, long a symbol of robust growth, is grappling with a challenging financial landscape in 2025. After decades of soaring sales, U.S. whiskey revenue dipped by 1.8% in 2024, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. This downturn, coupled with oversupply, rising production costs, and trade disruptions, has pushed several distilleries into financial distress.

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, a celebrated Black-owned brand, is among those facing significant challenges. On August 14, 2025, a federal judge in Tennessee ordered the Nearest Green Distillery into receivership after lender, Farm Credit Mid-America, alleged defaults on over $108 million in loans. The lawsuit claims Uncle Nearest overstated its whiskey barrel inventory by $24 million, misrepresented financials, and misused loan funds, including a $2.25 million Martha’s Vineyard property. Co-founders Fawn and Keith Weaver attribute the issues to fraudulent actions by former CFO Mike Senzaki, who was terminated, but the court deemed receivership necessary to protect assets.

Despite these setbacks, Uncle Nearest’s whiskey remains widely available and respected, with its flagship 1856 expression earning high praise. The brand’s future hinges on resolving its financial woes, possibly through a white-knight investor, while the industry navigates a critical period of adjustment.

The broader industry is also reeling. Kentucky distilleries like Luca Mariano, Garrard County, and Kentucky Owl have filed for bankruptcy or entered receivership, burdened by heavy debts from overzealous expansion during the bourbon boom. Trade tensions, including Canadian provinces halting U.S. spirits imports, and a shift toward non-alcoholic beverages among younger consumers further strain the market.

Hold onto your glasses, because we’ve secured something truly extraordinary for you: a 10-year-old Columbian Oak Bourbon from the Old Louisville Whiskey Co., a rare treasure born from the wild days of the mid-2010s U.S. barrel stave shortage. This isn’t just whiskey—it's a piece of history, and we’re thrilled to share it with our most dedicated supporters.

Back in the mid-2010s, the bourbon boom was in full swing, with demand for American whiskey skyrocketing faster than a moonshine still under pressure. Kentucky alone was filling millions of barrels annually, but the supply chain hit a snag: a shortage of American white oak staves, the backbone of bourbon barrels. Heavy rains, warm winters, and a lack of loggers made quality oak scarce, driving up timber prices and leaving cooperages struggling to keep up. Smaller distilleries, in particular, were left scrambling, with some reporting barrel costs soaring by 40% or more. 

Enter MGP in Indiana, a powerhouse distillery known for crafting exceptional whiskey for brands across the country. With domestic oak in short supply, MGP got creative, sourcing barrels from unconventional places—including Colombia. These Columbian oak barrels, with their unique grain and flavor profile, were a bold move during a time when every barrel counted. The result? A bourbon unlike any other, with rich, exotic notes that set it apart from the traditional American oak-aged crowd. 

Why This Bourbon Is Special? 

Old Louisville Whiskey Co., known for hand-selecting and bottling some of the finest whiskeys, got their hands on these rare Columbian oak barrels from MGP’s stash. Aged for a decade, this bourbon is a time capsule from an era when distillers had to think outside the box—or barrel, rather. The Columbian oak imparts a distinctive character, blending deep caramel, toasted marshmallow, and spicy undertones with a touch of dark cherry and almond, as noted by Old Louisville’s tasting notes. This isn’t your everyday bourbon; it’s a limited-edition masterpiece, and we’re one of the few to offer it.

For our Whiskey Bonded Patrons, this is your chance to taste a bourbon that’s as rare as a Pablo Escobar stash minus the “ahem” extra kick. This 10-year-old Columbian Oak Bourbon is a testament to the ingenuity of distillers during a challenging time, and its scarcity makes it a collector’s dream.

Whiskey Bonded Patrons, will have first dibs on this exclusive release. Be sure you're a member of our Patreon and turn on your alerts. Trust us, this is one you’ll want to savor slowly while reminiscing about the days when bourbon makers had to get creative to keep the whiskey flowing.

Join our Patreon now, so you don’t miss out!

Raise a glass, bourbon fans—September is National Bourbon Heritage Month, a time to celebrate America’s native spirit!

But how did this month-long tribute to bourbon come to be? Let’s dive into the history behind the designation. In 2007, the U.S. Senate, led by Kentucky Republican Senator Jim Bunning, passed a unanimous resolution declaring September as National Bourbon Heritage Month. This bill celebrated bourbon’s deep-rooted legacy, reinforcing a 1964 Act of Congress that recognized bourbon as “America’s Native Spirit.” The choice of September is no coincidence—some believe it marks the time when the first drops of bourbon were distilled, tying it to the spirit’s storied past. While the 2007 resolution was specific to that year, Kentucky’s governor has since proclaimed September as Kentucky Bourbon Heritage Month annually, keeping the tradition alive.

Bourbon’s history stretches back to the late 1700s, when Scotch-Irish settlers in Kentucky distilled corn into whiskey, giving rise to this uniquely American spirit. Named after Bourbon County, Kentucky, the spirit became a cultural and economic cornerstone, even used as currency in early America. Today, events like the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown, which began in 1991, draw thousands to honor bourbon’s craftsmanship.

How to Celebrate?

Visit a Distillery: Book a tour along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail to see bourbon-making up close.

Host a Tasting: Gather friends to sample different bourbons and explore their unique flavors.

Learn the History: Dive into bourbon’s roots with a good book or a visit to a local distillery’s museum.

Mix a Cocktail: Celebrate with this refreshing, unique cocktail that blends bourbon’s warmth with autumnal flavors…The Bourbon Maple Smash

Ingredients: - 2 oz bourbon - 3/4 oz pure maple syrup - 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice - 2-3 fresh blackberries (or raspberries) - 2 fresh sage leaves - Ice - Lemon wheel or blackberry (for garnish) Instructions:1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle blackberries and one sage leaf gently to release juices and oils. 2. Add bourbon, maple syrup, lemon juice, and a handful of ice. 3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds. 4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice. 5. Garnish with a lemon wheel, blackberry, and the remaining sage leaf.

Why It’s Perfect: This cocktail combines bourbon’s bold character with sweet maple, tart lemon, and herbal sage for a fresh, seasonal twist that’s perfect for September sipping. Cheers!

Here’s to sipping responsibly and celebrating bourbon’s rich heritage all September long! Cheers!

Ready to test your wits and sip some magic?

We’re thrilled to announce our Riddle in the Barrel Giveaway! Crack the riddle below for a chance to win a fine bottle of whiskey.

Here’s how to enter:

1. Read the Riddle Carefully: Below is a riddle tied to the world of whiskey. Take your time to ponder its clues!

2. Submit Your Answer: Email your solution to [email protected] with the subject line “Riddle in the Barrel.” Include your full name and answer to the riddle. Only one entry per person.

3. Deadline: Entries must be received by 11:59 PM PST on September 20th, 2025. Late submissions won’t be considered.

4. Winner Selection: All correct answers will be entered into a random draw. One lucky winner will receive a select bottle of whiskey (must be 21+ and comply with local laws).

This month’s selection: A Bottle of the SOLD OUT Whiskey Bonded Old Louisville Double Oaked Single Barrel from Conrad’s Private Reserve! 

Here’s Your Riddle…

We’ll announce the winner in our next newsletter and contact them directly.