Set 'em up! No curb on bourbon as Americans drown their sorrows

Journalstar.com ^ | 2-8-09` | Jerry Hirsch

[stan_sipple]

As the economy continues to recede, are cutting back on their liquor — with the exception of whiskey.

Sales of bourbons such as Jack Daniels and Maker’s Mark are bucking a slump in sales of distilled spirits that set in during the final months of last year, according to industry officials.

It’s not clear whether in hard economic times drinkers are looking for comfort in the bottom of a glass of Wild Turkey, or whether Americans long enamored with vodka, rum and tequila have rediscovered one of the nation’s oldest spirits. George Washington had a working still at Mount Vernon.

The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States said that whiskey sales rose 4.3 percent by dollar value and 1.3 percent by volume in 2008. And in a trend contrary to other segments of the alcoholic beverage industry, the expensive stuff, or super premium whiskey, logged the hottest growth. In other areas of the market, consumers are trading down to less-expensive brands, analysts report.

[ssaftler]

I guess this is the alcohol drinkers version of “Buy American”.

[AuntB]

I have a relative who works for a liquor store. The worse the economy gets, the better their business is.

[stan_sipple]

American whiskey, good quality and much better value, You can get a really premium bourbon for about the price of generic single malt scotch.

[bcsco]

Bourbon ping. I’ll be gone ‘till afternoon, but have fun...

[bcsco]

Here’s two over ice of Elijah Craig to you...

[ml/nj]

You know, I think we should get some sort of stimulus to encourage the purchase of good old American spirits over those imports. Yes, I think that.

ML/NJ

[Paul Heinzman]

Sales of bourbons such as Jack Daniels

Jack Daniels is magnificent, but it's not bourbon.

[stan_sipple]

exactly.

[Tijeras_Slim]

It’s tough to find a good straight rye.

The last Maryland distiller, Pikesville Supreme, closed in the 70’s.

Now it’s this stuff from Kentucky.

[stan_sipple]

And a Rebel Yell to you

[SVTCobra03]

[jiggyboy]

It’s not clear whether in hard economic times drinkers are looking for comfort in the bottom of a glass of Wild Turkey, or whether Americans long enamored with vodka, rum and tequila have rediscovered one of the nation’s oldest spirits.

A small percentage can be attributed to farmers and/or the farmer's neighbors brewing their own and comparing it to the "real" stuff. So I've heard *hic*.

[wtc911]

You can get a really premium bourbon for about the price of generic single malt scotch.

_________________________________________

But why would you want to?

[Dems_R_Losers]

People are tired of sissy drinks.

As a Kentucky girl, I have always drunk bourbon. It's a heck of a conversation starter at a bar or party. I'm on an Elijah Craig kick right now, though there is a brand called Russell's Reserve that is great, but we can't always get it at our Soviet State Store in Pennsylvania.

[stan_sipple]

i like Knob Creek, Rebel Yell, and Makers Mark. But also Maccallan and Glenfiddich

[Dems_R_Losers]

I went to a Fannie Mae dinner in 1997 and saw Angelo Mozilo sitting at the same table with Chris Dodd.

Everyone in Washington knew Angelo. You couldn't miss him, with his Italian and made suits and his perma-tan.

[The_Reader_David]

Lagavulin for me.

If I have to drink bourbon, I’ll go with Knob Creek, but I’m a single malt scotch man, myself.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

Canadian whiskey is much better.

[mozarky2]

Rittenhouse Rye-100 proof, no less!
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