The State of Bourbon 2026: Has the Bubble Burst?

Send us Fan MailThe bourbon world is changing... but is that a good thing?In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, we're taking a deep dive into The State of Bourbon. Has the bourbon boom finally peaked? Is the allocation craze beginning to fade? Are legacy distilleries still producing the quality that built their reputations, or are rising demand and premium pricing changing the landscape?We'll discuss the biggest news and trends shaping the industry, including new releases, the cooling secondary market, rising prices, and whether bourbon is finally becoming easier to find on store shelves. We'll also debate which distilleries are delivering the best Quality-to-Price Ratio (QPR) today, which brands are exceeding expectations, and which may be losing momentum.Along the way, we'll share our hottest takes, favorite value bottles, biggest surprises of the year, and bold predictions for where bourbon is headed next.Whether you're a seasoned collector, a weekend sipper, or just getting into bourbon, this conversation is packed with insights, opinions, and plenty of spirited debate.Topics include:Has the bourbon bubble burst?Is allocated bourbon still worth chasing?The best QPR distilleries in AmericaNew releases: innovation or overload?Are legacy producers maintaining quality?Is barrel proof still king?Our biggest surprises and disappointmentsPredictions for the future of bourbon🥃 Pour yourself a dram, join the conversation, and let us know in the comments: What is the current state of bourbon from your perspective? Is the industry headed in the right direction, or is it time for a reset?Cheers!🎙 Rob Clark — Host of Bottles & Bites Without Borders Exploring the world of food, wine, and whiskey—one bottle and bite at a time.🌐 Website: www.bottlesandbiteswb.com 📸 Instagram: @bottles_bites_wb 🐦 X (Twitter): @foodwhiskey 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/533352930766813 📧 Email: [email protected]#food #whiskey #bourbon #wine #homecook #cook #BBQ #foodie #Italy #barolo #cabernet Sauvignon #france #italy #spain #napa #scotch #pizza #coffee Support the show