| Category | Count | Percentage | Current Avg Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra-Premium ($2,000+) | 14 | 30.4% | $3,127 |
| Premium ($500-$2,000) | 14 | 30.4% | $734 |
| Mid-Range ($200-$500) | 14 | 30.4% | $298 |
| Entry-Level (Under $200) | 4 | 8.7% | $145 |
| Bourbon | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | Q1 2025 | Mid-Q2 2025 | End-Q2 2025 | Sep 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1792 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon | $210 | $123 | $90 | $157 | $180 | $110 | $243 | $243 | $166 |
| A.H. Hirsch Reserve 16 Year Old Straight Bourbon | $2,151 | $3,680 | $3,162 | $3,650 | $2,990 | $3,000 | $3,162 | $3,250 | $3,047 |
| Basil Hayden's 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon | $67 | $140 | $92 | $50 | $57 | $86 | $92 | $75 | $92 |
| Black Maple Hill 16 Yr Old Single Barrel | $3,437 | $3,486 | $3,500 | $4,251 | $3,938 | $4,750 | $4,750 | $4,750 | $4,750 |
| Black Maple Hill 23 Yr Old Rye | $4,062 | $6,900 | $5,109 | $3,965 | $4,485 | $4,375 | $4,375 | $4,375 | $4,375 |
| Blanton's Single Barrel Gold Edition | $454 | $299 | $299 | $131 | $125 | $123 | $225 | $247 | $224 |
| Brown Forman's King of Kentucky Single Barrel 14 Year | $883 | $1,897 | $1,875 | $1,851 | $2,357 | $2,219 | $1,875 | $2,081 | $1,907 |
| Colonel E.H. Taylor Single Barrel (2018) | $80 | $276 | $188 | $235 | $178 | $150 | $195 | $161 | $150 |
| Eagle Rare 17 (2018) | $1,180 | $1,459 | $1,466 | $1,380 | $1,449 | $1,166 | $1,276 | $1,276 | $1,265 |
| Elijah Craig 23 Year Old Single Barrel (1990) | $790 | $776 | $1,035 | $1,129 | $816 | $851 | $851 | $859 | $750 |
| Elmer T. Lee 100 Year Tribute Bourbon (2019) | $747 | $934 | $977 | $862 | $667 | $667 | $650 | $828 | $701 |
| Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch (2017) | $322 | $471 | $425 | $391 | $368 | $368 | $350 | $356 | $350 |
| Four Roses Small Batch Barrel Strength (2019) | $282 | $431 | $363 | $363 | $297 | $383 | $334 | $351 | $351 |
| George T. Stagg Barrel Proof (BTAC 2018) | $718 | $1,182 | $1,245 | $1,023 | $759 | $713 | $724 | $1,007 | $725 |
| Jack Daniels Rested Rye | $154 | $264 | $178 | $190 | $175 | $225 | $225 | $298 | $298 |
| Jeffersons Presidential Select 21 | $336 | $575 | $736 | $356 | $471 | $625 | $552 | $500 | $506 |
| Kentucky Owl 11 Year Small Batch Rye (Batch 1, 2017) | $185 | $320 | $293 | $356 | $316 | $293 | $276 | $293 | $356 |
| Knob Creek 15 Year Limited Edition | $143 | $211 | $195 | $172 | $178 | $195 | $207 | $212 | $207 |
| Michter's 10 Years Old Single Barrel Rye (2018) | $265 | $345 | $310 | $300 | $322 | $253 | $276 | $345 | $427 |
| Michter's 20 Years Old Single Barrel Bourbon (2018) | $3,802 | $4,552 | $4,628 | $4,500 | $3,766 | $3,708 | $4,053 | $3,938 | $4,025 |
| Old Forester 12 Year Birthday Bourbon (2018) | $454 | $933 | $989 | $862 | $667 | $805 | $747 | $725 | $862 |
| Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Bourbon (2018) | $891 | $991 | $925 | $759 | $655 | $598 | $632 | $678 | $805 |
| Old Rip Van Winkle 25 | $11,995 | $18,443 | $31,500 | $37,500 | $32,500 | $32,500 | $28,865 | $27,500 | $27,500 |
| Orphan Barrel Rhetoric 21 | $274 | $437 | $269 | $322 | $293 | $333 | $308 | $264 | $313 |
| Orphan Barrel Rhetoric 23 Year Old | $230 | $368 | $282 | $265 | $253 | $253 | $287 | $304 | $293 |
| Pappy Van Winkle 13 Year Rye | $1,955 | $1,677 | $1,748 | $1,495 | $1,161 | $1,455 | $1,808 | $1,808 | $1,808 |
| Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year Bourbon (2018) | $2,300 | $2,625 | $1,977 | $1,966 | $1,727 | $1,288 | $1,449 | $1,518 | $1,506 |
| Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year Bourbon (2018) | $3,277 | $3,433 | $2,932 | $3,363 | $2,196 | $1,840 | $1,966 | $2,001 | $1,966 |
| Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year Bourbon | $3,435 | $4,788 | $4,140 | $3,910 | $3,244 | $2,961 | $2,875 | $3,030 | $3,018 |
| Parker's Heritage 24 Year Bottled-In-Bond (2016) | $690 | $875 | $812 | $851 | $713 | $816 | $759 | $782 | $805 |
| Rittenhouse 23 Year Old Rye | $1,718 | $2,161 | $2,002 | $2,500 | $2,104 | $2,116 | $2,000 | $1,874 | $2,127 |
| Russell Reserve 1998 (2015) | $1,063 | $2,241 | $2,000 | $2,673 | $2,328 | $2,415 | $2,300 | $2,443 | $2,300 |
| Sazerac 18 Year Old Rye (BTAC 2018) | $598 | $876 | $862 | $805 | $632 | $598 | $632 | $1,029 | $1,828 |
| Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye (BTAC 2018) | $657 | $762 | $747 | $598 | $471 | $419 | $408 | $862 | $862 |
| Van Winkle Special Reserve Lot B 12 Year | $771 | $940 | $1,042 | $867 | $632 | $655 | $658 | $861 | $861 |
| Very Old Barton 6 Year 100 Proof | $45 | $65 | $55 | $50 | $48 | $42 | $45 | $25 | $25 |
| W.L. Weller 12 Year | $264 | $345 | $345 | $235 | $178 | $201 | $166 | $273 | $356 |
| Weller Full Proof | $425 | $598 | $655 | $532 | $471 | $454 | $471 | $598 | $598 |
| Wild Turkey Master's Keep 17 Year | $250 | $345 | $398 | $356 | $298 | $276 | $287 | $1,380 | $1,380 |
| Willett Family Estate 4 Year Rye | $85 | $155 | $135 | $125 | $115 | $95 | $105 | $299 | $299 |
| William Larue Weller (BTAC 2018) | $1,037 | $1,955 | $1,546 | $1,564 | $1,173 | $1,161 | $1,276 | $1,495 | $1,495 |
| Winkle Family Reserve Bourbon | $1,495 | $1,851 | $1,748 | $1,564 | $1,380 | $1,288 | $1,380 | $150 | $150 |
| Yamazaki 18 Year Single Malt | $4,500 | $6,900 | $5,750 | $5,200 | $4,850 | $4,625 | $5,000 | $5,500 | $5,500 |
The bourbon market showed continued momentum in September with the index gaining +0.64% to reach $1,215.33. This modest gain demonstrates market stabilization following earlier volatility and builds on the strong recovery momentum from Q2 2025.
Sazerac 18 Year Rye: +77.6% ($1,029 to $1,828)
W.L. Weller 12 Year: +30.4% ($273 to $356)
Kentucky Owl 11 Year Rye: +21.5% ($293 to $356)
These gains reflect renewed collector interest in aged rye expressions and limited Buffalo Trace allocations.
1792 12 Year: -31.7% ($243 to $166)
George T. Stagg BTAC 2018: -28.0% ($1,007 to $725)
Elijah Craig 23 Year: -12.7% ($859 to $750)
Price corrections in premium segments indicate market normalization as oversupply concerns affect certain categories.
The combined +7.68% YTD gain through September 2025 represents sustained recovery momentum. Despite individual bottle volatility, the overall index shows resilience and suggests the bourbon correction cycle may be stabilizing at new equilibrium levels.
With production oversupply concerns mounting (600% increase since 2000) and trade tensions affecting exports, the market is experiencing a bifurcation between ultra-premium allocated releases and broader market segments finding new pricing equilibrium.
| Period | Index Value | Period Change | Cumulative Return | Market Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 (Base) | $1,115.87 | - | 0.00% | Index launch year |
| 2021 | $1,432.19 | +28.35% | +28.35% | Peak bubble year |
| 2022 | $1,304.79 | -8.90% | +16.93% | Correction begins |
| 2023 | $1,281.47 | -1.79% | +14.84% | Continued decline |
| 2024 | $1,139.75 | -11.06% | +2.14% | Market trough |
| Q1 2025 | $1,128.78 | -0.96% | +1.16% | Stabilization |
| Mid-Q2 2025 | $1,171.02 | +3.74% | +4.94% | Recovery begins |
| End-Q2 2025 | $1,196.75 | +2.20% | +7.25% | Momentum building |
| Mid-Q3 2025 | $1,207.64 | +0.89% | +8.22% | Continued recovery |
| Sep 2025 | $1,215.33 | +0.64% | +8.92% | Sustained momentum |
The bourbon industry faces potential oversupply with production increasing 600% since 2000. In 2024 alone, 3.2 million barrels were filled while American whiskey sales declined for the first time in over 20 years. Major distilling companies including Brown-Forman, Green River, and Diageo have begun staff reductions.
Source: Bourbon Obsessed
Ongoing trade tensions with Europe continue as the EU proposes retaliatory tariffs on U.S. spirits. Canada has also implemented retaliatory tariffs on American whiskey. However, India reduced its bourbon tariff from 150% to 100%, providing some relief for exporters.
Source: OhBEV
Buffalo Trace introduced two super-premium wheat whiskey innovations: Weller Millennium #2 ($7,500, 99 proof) and Weller 18 Year Old ($499, 90 proof). The releases showcase exceptional aging potential of wheat in American whiskey production and debuted in limited quantities.
Source: Bourbon Obsessed
Wenzel Whiskey opened a new $1.2 million distillery in Covington, Kentucky, in a historic 1916 building. The 10,000-square-foot facility includes distilling operations, gift shop, bar, and event space with increased production capacity.
Source: Bourbon Obsessed
Nearly 500 women from across the United States gather in Louisville for the nation's only female-focused whiskey conference. The annual Bourbon Women SIPosium takes place at the Kentucky International Convention Center with celebrity dinners and educational workshops.
Source: The Whiskey Wash
Heaven Hill announced a $70 million investment to expand its Bardstown campus with a new glass bottle manufacturing facility. Several distilleries launched new age-stated expressions reflecting growing consumer preference for mature whiskey.
Source: Brindiamo Group
American whiskey sales declined in 2023 for the first time in 20+ years, with 2024 showing further decline. However, industry experts say "the sky is not falling" as bourbon maintains strong status domestically and internationally.
Source: Whisky Advocate
Trade wars and tariffs are affecting the whiskey industry, with several distilling companies including Brown Forman, Green River, and Diageo slashing staff. India reduced its bourbon tariff from 150% to 100%.
Source: Alcohol Professor
The bourbon industry achieved record sales in 2024 with $5.3 billion in revenue and 12% year-over-year growth. Export growth climbed 15%, with key markets in Europe, Japan, and Australia showing significant gains.
Source: Lane Report
11th Anniversary Blend: 28% 11-year corn whiskey, 27% 11-year bourbon, 15% 10-year Balboa rye, 15% 10-year rye, and 15% 8-year Aroostook malted rye. Limited to online purchases for distillery pickup only. Benefits Brighton Center charity.
Availability: Online only at New Riff Distilling
25th anniversary release marking 25 years of releases, available only through national sweepstakes at $199.99. Features 12-year bourbon aged in warehouses with unique climate conditions.
Availability: Availability Details
New permanent addition features secondary maturation in toasted barrels. Limited initial release at $150, expanding to broader distribution in 2026.
Availability: Select retailers nationwide
Following 2024's exceptional 14-year Malt Whiskey finished in ex-Cognac barrels, the 19th edition promises another unique expression. Past releases have ranged from bourbon to rye to wheat whiskey. Expected MSRP around $170.
Source: Uproxx
New 95-proof bourbon from Buffalo Trace positioned between Eagle Rare 10 and Eagle Rare 17. Features sweet oak and vanilla notes with a port wine-like finish. Label approved but release date not yet confirmed by Buffalo Trace.
Source: Frootbat
First Cellar Collection release under new Master Distiller Owen Martin. Straight rye finished in French oak Extra Anejo tequila barrels from Hacienda Patron, including whiskeys aged up to 11 years. Limited availability expected.
Source: Bourbon Obsessed
Heaven Hill's popular decanter series continues with a 9-year-old expression at 100 proof. Following 2024's exceptional steel tank-aged release, collectors have high expectations. Expected MSRP around $130.
Source: Soaking Oak
The annual BTAC lineup returns with George T. Stagg Bourbon, Thomas H. Handy Rye, and other coveted expressions. Pricing expected to remain around $150 MSRP per bottle, though secondary market values will likely be much higher.
Source: Bourbon Bossman
New limited edition cask strength bourbon (109.2 proof) finished with two distinct toasted American oak stave profiles. Available at select retailers for $75 MSRP, honoring the warehouse team's barrel rotation process.
Source: The Bourbon Review
Three Expression Launch: Small Batch (102 proof, $60), Toasted Oak (98 proof, $70), and Extra Aged 8-Year (100 proof, $80). Features proprietary red, white, and blue heritage corn. Bottles use recycled blue glass inspired by early Kentucky artisans.
Availability: Select retailers and online
Japanese Oak Finishing: Limited-edition 94% rye, 6% malted barley finished with toasted Mizunara oak. Bottled at cask strength (124.7 proof) from just 21 barrels. Grain-to-glass production at Hard Truth Distilling.
Availability: Distillery and select retailers
Single Estate Nevada Terroir: 4-year-old rye (80% rye, 10% soft white wheat, 10% estate-malted barley) at 94 proof. Non-chill filtered, cut with Sierra Nevada snowmelt water. Estate Whiskey Alliance member with full estate control.
Availability: Nationwide and online