This isn't good. Of course, it will take approx 8-10 years for us to feel the impact. Still, the potential issue that we could be running out of timber with which to make barrels is a very real (as the barrel companies complete with the cabinet makers, floor makers, picture frame makers, etc. for hardwoods).
Four Roses Scales Back Production Due To Barrel Shortage
December 11, 2013
Bourbon producer Four Roses Distillery is being forced to temporarily scale back production due to an ongoing barrel shortage. According to local news reports, the distillery’s barrel supplier—Independent Stave Company—has recently had issues sourcing American white oak lumber, leading Four Roses to consider shutting down operations completely for the time-being. In an effort to avoid layoffs, however, the company—which normally produces around 285 barrels of Bourbon a day—has made the decision to instead slow daily production on a temporary basis and try to make up the difference next summer at the end of the distilling season. Four Roses, owned by Japan’s Kirin Holdings Co. Ltd., is currently short an estimated 2,000-2,500 barrels.
In addition to Four Roses, Independent Stave’s clients include Sazerac, Beam Inc., Diageo and Heaven Hill Distilleries, among others. Beam, for one, tells SND it doesn’t expect Independent Stave’s current supply issues to affect its own production. “Given our preferred supply arrangements, we’re fully confident in our barrel supply to support the continued growth of our Bourbon business,” says Chris Bauder, Beam’s general manager, whiskies.
http://www.shankennewsdaily.com/ind...cales-back-production-due-to-barrel-shortage/