Whiskey & Bourbon Industry Roundup – June 2025

Each month, we dive into the latest insights shaping the whiskey and bourbon industry—sourced directly from Mark Brown’s highly regarded Industry News Update and other top trade reports. June 2025 brought continued global expansion, flavor innovation, and shifting brand strategies. Whether you're a distiller, investor, or enthusiast, here’s what you need to know from the past month.

The whiskey and bourbon industries continued to evolve in June, marked by expansion into global markets, innovation in production methods, and strategic acquisitions. Here's a look at some of the most important developments from the past month.

New Zealand Emerges as a Whiskey Hotspot

New Zealand continued to assert itself as a rising player in the global whiskey scene. Distilleries like Cardrona, Pōkeno, and Scapegrace are capturing attention for their use of regional terroir and unique cask programs. With the country’s varied climate and agricultural resources, many in the industry see New Zealand as a promising new frontier for premium whiskey. Read More

American Bourbon Goes Global

American craft bourbon is finding fans far from home. Wisconsin-based J. Henry & Sons made its international debut in Taiwan this month, reflecting growing demand for U.S. craft spirits across Asia. The brand is hosting tastings and events in Taipei throughout the summer as part of its expansion efforts. Read More

Loch Lomond Acquires New York Distilling Co.

One of the most notable business moves came from the Loch Lomond Group, which acquired New York Distilling Company. This transatlantic acquisition combines American rye whiskey expertise with Scottish single malt tradition. Industry insiders expect the deal to spark collaborative products and greater market access in both regions. Read More

Barrel Innovation Takes Center Stage

Distilleries are pushing the boundaries of barrel innovation. Producers are experimenting with toasted honey barrels, wine casks, and double-oaked aging methods to meet growing consumer interest in unique, limited-edition flavors. These innovations are helping smaller brands distinguish themselves in a crowded market. Read More

Sustainability & Terroir in Kentucky Bourbon

In Kentucky, bourbon producers are beginning to explore regenerative agriculture and sustainable grain sourcing. This shift echoes the “farm-to-bottle” storytelling common in wine and aims to give whiskey a deeper connection to its place of origin. With consumers increasingly interested in sustainability, these practices may become a larger part of the bourbon brand identity. Read More

Labeling Standards Back in the Spotlight

Regulatory discussions gained traction this month. Industry groups are calling for clearer standards around labeling, age statements, and the use of terms like “finished in” or “straight whiskey.” As sourced products become more common, transparency and consistency will be critical to maintaining consumer trust. Read More

Industry Events: KDA Craft & Bar Convent Brooklyn

Brindiamo continued its industry engagement this month by participating in two standout events. The Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) Craft meeting offered meaningful networking opportunities with up-and-coming distilleries across the state. While more intimate than larger shows, it provided direct conversations with craft producers exploring new growth strategies and routes to market.

Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) Craft meeting

Shortly after, we attended Bar Convent Brooklyn. Though the event leaned more consumer-focused than expected, it served as a valuable platform to showcase our services to a broader audience. James Tobbe represented Brindiamo at both events, gathering insights on evolving trends, potential collaborations, and rising brands in the spirits space.

Bar Convent Brooklyn

As part of our continued support for the Kentucky bourbon community, we’re also proud to sponsor the upcoming Bourbon Hall of Fame event. These engagements—alongside our upcoming participation in the San Francisco International Bulk Wine and Spirits Festival—reflect Brindiamo’s commitment to building meaningful relationships across every tier of the industry.

Final Takeaway

The whiskey and bourbon industries are showing strong momentum. Innovation, sustainability, international growth, and renewed focus on storytelling and heritage are shaping what comes next. Whether it’s a rye whiskey from Brooklyn or a single malt from New Zealand, the global whiskey scene is more dynamic than ever.