Brindiamo Connections | July 2025 Whiskey Industry Update

As summer heats up, the whiskey industry continues to evolve—shaped by innovation, global expansion, and demand for aged inventory. July brought major moments across sourcing, storytelling, and strategic movement. Whether you're planning a fall launch or navigating supply, here’s what’s shaping the landscape.

From blending mastery to bulk supply, global expansion to sustainable grain sourcing, Brindiamo remains a trusted guide across the value chain—equipped with data, experience, and deep-rooted relationships.

Roundup: Key Trends From the Field

Here’s what we’re hearing in conversations with clients, distilleries, and partners across the value chain:

• Premium aged inventory is still commanding attention—especially 5–14 year Kentucky and Indiana barrels. Smart buyers continue to find incredible buys in this market cycle.

• Limited releases and small-batch blends are a key strategy for standing out in a crowded shelf.

• Buyers want more transparency—age statements, mash bills, and provenance are influencing decisions. It's a buyer's market and they know it!

• Global interest is rising—from Taiwan to the UK to New Zealand, American whiskey remains a hot commodity.

The bottom line? In a cyclical market, whiskey brands with a clear identity and reliable supply partners are positioned to thrive long-term.

Spotlight: What’s Moving in Aged Inventory

Inventory isn’t just about barrels—it’s about strategic advantage. At Brindiamo, we’ve spent decades building a diverse portfolio with flexibility, margin, and growth in mind. This month, here’s what’s getting the most traction:

• Heritage Bourbon (2–14 Years)
  Age-tiered options perfect for premium line extensions and core SKUs.

• Indiana Bourbon & Rye
  Consistent, flavor-rich lots that continue to power smart growth.

• 5-Year Kentucky Bourbon
  Mature and versatile, ideal for premium releases from a known award-winning source.

• Older Inventory (7–13 Years)
  Limited availability—nuanced, story-driven barrels for standouts and seasonal drops.

• Ultra-Aged Offerings (10–20 Years)
  Rare Tennessee and light whiskey stock ideal for prestige blends and collectors.

From legacy liquid to innovative blends, our inventory reflects relationships cultivated over decades—with no competing interests, and total alignment with our clients’ success.

If you’re working on a new release, need guidance aligning inventory to your product vision, or just want to see what’s available—we’d love to chat. This is our favorite topic, after all.

Let’s Talk Inventory →

Market Pulse: Global Developments to Watch

Insights curated from Mark Brown’s Industry News Update and direct partner conversations:

• NZ’s Whiskey Moment: 

  With producers like Cardrona, Pōkeno, and Scapegrace innovating with terroir-driven aging and unique cask programs, New Zealand is earning global attention as a new frontier in premium whiskey.

• American Bourbon Goes Global: 

  Wisconsin-based J. Henry & Sons made its international debut in Taiwan, marking a broader trend in U.S. craft distillers finding loyal audiences across Asia.

• Loch Lomond x NYDC:

  The Loch Lomond Group’s acquisition of New York Distilling Co. is expected to spark exciting cross-market collaborations—blending Scottish single malt pedigree with American rye expertise.

• Barrel Innovation Booms: 

  Toasted honey barrels. Wine-cask aging. Double-oaked experiments. Flavor-forward innovation continues to help small brands stand out—and meet evolving consumer curiosity.

• Grain-to-Bottle Storytelling: 

  In Kentucky, brands are adopting regenerative grain sourcing and farm-to-bottle storytelling to connect bourbon back to its agricultural roots—a move echoing practices long embraced in wine.

• Label Reform Push: 

  With more sourced product in circulation, industry advocates are pushing for clearer definitions around “finished in,” age statements, and other regulated terms to strengthen transparency and consumer trust.

Team Spotlight: Reid Fisher

With nearly a decade of spirits experience, Reid Fisher brings precision, creativity, and warmth to Brindiamo’s sales and event strategy. Having worked with Green River Spirits, Coastal Pure, and Terressentia, he’s worn many hats—from product launches to managing trade relationships.

At Brindiamo, Reid is helping shape our event presence, deepen partner connections, and identify global growth opportunities.

Based in Charleston, Reid is also a musician, gym rat, dad of two, and the undisputed king of the 15-minute power nap.

Innovator Spotlights: Chemistry, Craft & Vision

Mark Carter | The Blend Whisperer
Founder of Old Carter Whiskey Co., Mark’s passion for layered, expressive blending continues to redefine what a bourbon release can be. With each release, he reminds us how complexity, balance, and structure are the soul of premium whiskey. 

We’re not just creating something to fill a SKU—we’re creating something that excites us.”

→ [Read Full Spotlight]

John Angus | The Science of Distillation
Part engineer, part artist, John Angus takes a molecular-level approach to distillation—managing ester conversion, distillate layering, and cut decisions with laboratory precision. His perspective brings science to the forefront of craft.

“Every choice we make in the still is a chemical decision. You either understand it—or you're guessing.”

→ [Read Full Spotlight]

Hank Ingram | Business Development Director at Ingram Industries

Hank Ingram III is revolutionizing traditional Kentucky bourbon by aging barrels deep in the middle of a river—an experimental technique he calls the “River‑Aged Revolution.” This innovative method leverages water‑borne temperature consistency and micro‑vibration to enhance barrel interaction, resulting in a distinctive, smooth flavor profile unlike conventional aging.

“I took one step, and then the next step would reveal itself. I joke that it all came together because the stars aligned."

→ [Read Full Spotlight]

See You There? Where to Find Us Next

Events

• Lofted Spirits Partner Days | Sept. 2025

  Brindiamo is proud to participate in Lofted Spirits’ Partner Appreciation Days, spotlighting both Green River Distilling Co. and Bardstown Bourbon Company. Green River’s expansion into downtown Louisville—complete with a new tasting room—marks a bold step forward.

• Bourbon Hall of Fame | Sept. 16

  This premier event honors the legacy-makers of the bourbon world. Brindiamo will be there in full force as a sponsor—celebrating with peers and supporting the culture that’s shaped the industry.

Conferences

• IBWSS San Francisco | July 29–30

  While not whiskey-exclusive, the International Bulk Wine & Spirits Show is a key annual gathering for global sourcing professionals. Brindiamo will be exhibiting, engaging buyers and sellers in bulk whiskey supply strategies.

• Bourbon Women SIPosium | Aug. 15–18

  Over 400 women will gather for the only consumer-facing, female-focused whiskey event in the U.S. This is a must-attend for those committed to advancing representation and innovation in spirits.

• ADI Conference | San Antonio, TX | August 25–26, 2025

  As a title sponsor, Brindiamo always looks forward to reconnecting with long-time partners and meeting new faces. If you’ll be attending, let us know—we’d love to find time to connect.

Each of these gatherings offers a chance to connect, learn, and explore new opportunities. If you’ll be attending, we’d love to meet up!

New: Whiskey Nuggets on LinkedIn

Don’t miss our weekly Whiskey Nuggets—a quick-read post covering the most relevant headlines and trends in whiskey.

🔗 Delivered directly on LinkedIn. No clicks. No signups. Just insight.
👉 Follow Us On LinkedIn To Get Weekly Whiskey News → 

Brindiamo in Action

Across every deal, tasting, and trade show floor, our team is focused on one thing: helping our clients win. With "doom and gloom" headlines focused on our industry, it's important for us to lead the charge when it comes to finding opportunities for our clients and partner to succeed. Between industry events, curating our inventory for specific projects, and supporting brand-building efforts across five continents, we're excited to push forward, alongside our network!

Final Takeaway

From product sourcing to positioning, Brindiamo is here to help brands make bold, informed moves. July has been filled with growth, insight, and momentum—and we’re just getting started.

Stay tuned for exclusive tasting events at the Brindiamo Penthouse in Bardstown, KY.
Have questions or need help aligning liquid with your strategy?