Freakonomics Radio
669. Why Is 95 Percent of the World’s Bourbon Made in Kentucky?
April 3, 2026·46 minsolobusiness
AI Summary (3-min read)
TLDR
The bourbon industry, once booming, is now facing a serious downturn due to falling demand, oversupply, and global trade barriers, despite having 16 million barrels aging in Kentucky. Time is both a core product attribute and a strategic liability.
THESIS
The bourbon industry’s cur
The bourbon industry, once booming, is now facing a serious downturn due to falling demand, oversupply, and global trade barriers, despite having 16 million barrels aging in Kentucky. Time is both a core product attribute and a strategic liability.
THESIS
The bourbon industry’s cur
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Guest
D
Danny Kahn
solo on Freakonomics Radio
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Books, people, and resources mentioned in this episode.
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Stephen DubnerKen TroskyBrad PatrickDanny KahnAndrew Muhammad
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The Horse is Us
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SazeracJim Beam
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Pappy Van WinkleBlanton'sBuzz Balls
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Business ModelsBusiness NewsEconomicsEntrepreneurshipFintechScalingStartupsSupply Chain
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