Monday, April 20, 2015

The State of American Whiskey Distilleries 2015


Every year, I do a brief summary of the American distilling scene based on my Complete List of American Whiskey Distilleries & Brands.

The rapid growth of distilleries continues. By my count, as of 2015, there are 517 distilleries in the United States that are currently making whiskey, up from 325 just a year ago.

Whiskey is being distilled in 49 states and the District of Columbia. Hawaii is the only no-show, though they do have a rum distillery.

Washington State continues to lead the way with 47 active whiskey distilleries, followed by New York with 43, California with 36 and Colorado with 29.  Four other states have twenty or more whiskey distilleries: Oregon (24), Kentucky (23), Texas (21) and Ohio (20).

The expansion of distilling really is amazing over the years if you look back at my reports from 2014 and 2013.


6 comments:

two-bit cowboy said...

Howdy sku,

Wyoming's up to two whiskey distilleries, with one or two others in the wind. Here's the news:

http://bottledwyoming.com/collections/single-track-distillery

http://www.whiskyintelligence.com/2014/03/single-track-spirits-cody-wyoming-is-ready-to-release-its-first-batch-of-whiskey-american-whiskey-news/

Cheers,

Bob

sku said...

Thanks Bob. Make that 518 whiskey distilleries then. :)

Anonymous said...

Here's another new one in KY, they barreled their first bourbon in late November 2014.
http://boundaryoakdistillery.com/

Anonymous said...

Wyoming can keep what Wyoming makes.

http://whiskeyreviewer.com/2015/04/wyoming-whiskey-bourbon-review_042115/

Anonymous said...

New distillery in Kansas City. MO.
J Reiger Co, based on an old Hotel and brand from the 1800s. So far I believe they are having it made offsite and distributed from here, but have the equipment in to begin their own distilling this year.

http://jriegerco.com/

Cheers,
Nuke

sku said...

Nuke, they are on the list in Part II, the section for bottlers.