GITNUXREPORT 2026

Bourbon Industry Statistics

The American bourbon industry is booming with record production, exports, and tourism.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

U.S. per capita bourbon consumption 0.8 liters in 2023

Statistic 2

40% of Americans drink bourbon occasionally

Statistic 3

Bourbon Old Fashioned is top cocktail 35% preference

Statistic 4

Gen Z bourbon trial rate 20% higher than prior gens

Statistic 5

Average annual consumption per drinker 2.5 bottles

Statistic 6

Bourbon neat consumption 55% vs mixed 45%

Statistic 7

Southern states consume 60% of U.S. bourbon

Statistic 8

Urban consumers prefer rye-heavy bourbons 30%

Statistic 9

Holiday season accounts for 25% annual consumption

Statistic 10

Women now 35% of bourbon drinkers

Statistic 11

Craft bourbon preference among 25-34 age group 45%

Statistic 12

Low/no ABV bourbon alternatives emerging 5% market

Statistic 13

Bourbon in RTDs consumed 10 million cases 2023

Statistic 14

Average drinking occasions per week 2.2 for bourbon fans

Statistic 15

70% of bourbon drunk at home post-pandemic

Statistic 16

Spicy food pairings boost bourbon consumption 15%

Statistic 17

Bourbon festival attendance 500,000 annually

Statistic 18

Top consuming state Kentucky 2.5 liters per capita

Statistic 19

Bourbon sour popularity up 20% in cocktails

Statistic 20

Aged bourbon preference 65% over young

Statistic 21

Ice in bourbon 40% consumer choice

Statistic 22

Bourbon with cola mix 25% of servings

Statistic 23

Vegan bourbon seekers 15% of market

Statistic 24

Nighttime consumption peak 8-11pm 60%

Statistic 25

Social media influences 30% bourbon purchases

Statistic 26

Bourbon tourism drives 2 million visitors yearly

Statistic 27

Bourbon industry supports 22,000 direct jobs in 2023

Statistic 28

Total economic impact $9 billion annually in Kentucky

Statistic 29

Bourbon tourism generated $2.5 billion in visitor spending 2023

Statistic 30

Average distillery employee salary $65,000

Statistic 31

Tax revenue from bourbon $500 million to states yearly

Statistic 32

Supplier spending by industry $4 billion annually

Statistic 33

Investment in rickhouse construction $1.5 billion since 2015

Statistic 34

Export-related jobs 7,500 nationwide

Statistic 35

Barrel-making employs 1,000 in Kentucky oak industry

Statistic 36

Agritourism from distilleries $300 million revenue

Statistic 37

Philanthropy by distilleries $50 million yearly

Statistic 38

Multiplier effect of bourbon spending 2.5x

Statistic 39

Hotel bookings from bourbon trail 1.5 million room nights

Statistic 40

Local sourcing spends $1 billion on grains/corn

Statistic 41

Wage growth in distillery sector 5% above average

Statistic 42

Property value uplift near distilleries 15%

Statistic 43

Venture capital in craft distilleries $200 million 2023

Statistic 44

Federal excise tax on bourbon $13.50 per proof gallon

Statistic 45

State incentives for distilleries $100 million in grants

Statistic 46

Induced jobs from tourism 15,000

Statistic 47

Carbon footprint reduction initiatives save $20 million yearly

Statistic 48

Diversity hiring up 20% in industry

Statistic 49

R&D spending $150 million on new products

Statistic 50

Export value added $2 billion to GDP

Statistic 51

Bourbon exports hit $600 million in 2023

Statistic 52

European Union imports 40% of U.S. bourbon exports

Statistic 53

Australia bourbon imports grew 25% in 2023

Statistic 54

Japan is top Asian market for bourbon $100 million

Statistic 55

Total U.S. spirits exports $2 billion with bourbon leading

Statistic 56

UK bourbon sales volume 2 million cases imported

Statistic 57

Canada imports 15% of U.S. bourbon output

Statistic 58

Duty-free bourbon sales $150 million globally

Statistic 59

China tariff impact reduced exports 10% temporarily

Statistic 60

Travel retail bourbon growth 18% post-pandemic

Statistic 61

Mexico bourbon imports up 30% in 2023

Statistic 62

Total export cases 15 million in 2023

Statistic 63

Brazil emerging market 500,000 cases imported

Statistic 64

India bourbon demand projected 20% CAGR

Statistic 65

Singapore hub for Asian re-exports 10%

Statistic 66

Premium bourbon exports share 60% by value

Statistic 67

FTA benefits boosted exports to South Korea 15%

Statistic 68

Russia sanctions cut exports 5% in 2023

Statistic 69

UAE duty-free sales 300,000 cases bourbon

Statistic 70

Global bourbon export growth 12% average 2018-2023

Statistic 71

Scotland imports U.S. bourbon for blending 200,000 hl

Statistic 72

Africa bourbon market doubled since 2015

Statistic 73

Online international sales platforms 20% of exports

Statistic 74

Bourbon export tariffs average 10-20% in EU

Statistic 75

Top export brand Buffalo Trace 1 million cases abroad

Statistic 76

Southeast Asia growth 22% for bourbon imports

Statistic 77

U.S. bourbon production reached 12.1 million barrels in 2022

Statistic 78

Kentucky produced 95% of the world's bourbon supply in 2023

Statistic 79

There are over 100 bourbon distilleries operating in Kentucky as of 2024

Statistic 80

Bourbon barrel production exceeded 2.5 million in 2022

Statistic 81

U.S. craft distilleries produced 3.4 million cases of spirits including bourbon in 2022

Statistic 82

New rickhouses for bourbon aging increased by 20% from 2021 to 2023

Statistic 83

Bourbon mash bill typically requires at least 51% corn

Statistic 84

Average bourbon aging time is 4-6 years for mainstream brands

Statistic 85

Over 11 million barrels of bourbon aging in Kentucky warehouses in 2023

Statistic 86

Bourbon distilleries invested $1.2 billion in new facilities in 2022

Statistic 87

U.S. bourbon production grew 15% year-over-year in 2022

Statistic 88

Kentucky Distillers' Association reports 2,200+ jobs added in production in 2023

Statistic 89

Single barrel bourbon production up 25% since 2018

Statistic 90

Water usage for bourbon production averages 10 gallons per gallon of whiskey

Statistic 91

Corn consumption for bourbon exceeds 150 million bushels annually

Statistic 92

New oak barrel char level for bourbon is #4 char standard

Statistic 93

Bourbon proof must not exceed 160 at distillation

Statistic 94

High-rye bourbon mash bills range 20-35% rye

Statistic 95

Wheated bourbon production growing 10% annually

Statistic 96

Automated distillation systems adopted by 40% of new distilleries

Statistic 97

Bourbon production permits issued to 50 new distilleries in 2023

Statistic 98

Average distillery capacity utilization at 85% in 2023

Statistic 99

Sustainable sourcing of grains implemented by 60% of producers

Statistic 100

Energy consumption per barrel reduced 15% since 2015

Statistic 101

Pot still usage in 30% of craft bourbon production

Statistic 102

Column stills produce 70% of U.S. bourbon volume

Statistic 103

Yeast strains customized for 80% of major bourbons

Statistic 104

Filtration skipped in 90% of traditional bourbons

Statistic 105

Proofing water from limestone filtered in Kentucky bourbon

Statistic 106

Annual barrel auctions average $50,000 per barrel for rare lots

Statistic 107

Bourbon sales reached $5.1 billion in 2023

Statistic 108

Bourbon category grew 8% in retail sales volume 2023

Statistic 109

Premium bourbon sales over 50% of total category in 2023

Statistic 110

E-commerce bourbon sales up 35% in 2023

Statistic 111

Top 10 bourbon brands hold 60% market share

Statistic 112

Average retail price of bourbon $25 per 750ml bottle in 2023

Statistic 113

Control states sold 4.5 million cases of bourbon in 2022

Statistic 114

On-premise bourbon sales recovered to 85% pre-pandemic levels

Statistic 115

Flavored bourbon sales grew 12% in 2023

Statistic 116

Limited edition bourbon releases averaged 500 bottles per batch

Statistic 117

Secondary market bourbon prices up 20% in 2023

Statistic 118

Jim Beam sales 3.2 million cases in 2022

Statistic 119

Maker's Mark sold 2.1 million cases annually

Statistic 120

Total U.S. whiskey sales including bourbon $8.7 billion

Statistic 121

Direct-to-consumer bourbon shipments $500 million in 2023

Statistic 122

Supermarket bourbon sales channel 45% of volume

Statistic 123

Collector bourbon bottles resold at 5x retail average

Statistic 124

Bourbon gift set sales peak 30% in Q4

Statistic 125

Women purchasing bourbon up 25% since 2018

Statistic 126

Millennial bourbon buyers 40% of volume

Statistic 127

Subscription box bourbon services grew to 1 million members

Statistic 128

Average basket size for bourbon $45 in liquor stores

Statistic 129

Black Friday bourbon sales spike 50%

Statistic 130

Craft bourbon retail price average $40+

Statistic 131

Bourbon cocktail kits sales up 18%

Statistic 132

Total cases sold 25 million in 2023

Statistic 133

Super-premium bourbon share 25% and rising

Statistic 134

Bourbon highballs drove 15% sales growth in bars

1/134

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While billions of dollars and millions of barrels flow through this iconic industry each year, the story of bourbon today is best told by a single staggering fact: over eleven million barrels of it are silently aging right now in Kentucky warehouses, waiting to tell a story of tradition, innovation, and explosive global demand.

Key Takeaways

U.S. bourbon production reached 12.1 million barrels in 2022
Kentucky produced 95% of the world's bourbon supply in 2023
There are over 100 bourbon distilleries operating in Kentucky as of 2024
Bourbon sales reached $5.1 billion in 2023
Bourbon category grew 8% in retail sales volume 2023
Premium bourbon sales over 50% of total category in 2023
U.S. per capita bourbon consumption 0.8 liters in 2023
40% of Americans drink bourbon occasionally
Bourbon Old Fashioned is top cocktail 35% preference
Bourbon industry supports 22,000 direct jobs in 2023
Total economic impact $9 billion annually in Kentucky
Bourbon tourism generated $2.5 billion in visitor spending 2023
Bourbon exports hit $600 million in 2023
European Union imports 40% of U.S. bourbon exports
Australia bourbon imports grew 25% in 2023

The American bourbon industry is booming with record production, exports, and tourism.

Consumption

U.S. per capita bourbon consumption 0.8 liters in 2023
40% of Americans drink bourbon occasionally
Bourbon Old Fashioned is top cocktail 35% preference
Gen Z bourbon trial rate 20% higher than prior gens
Average annual consumption per drinker 2.5 bottles
Bourbon neat consumption 55% vs mixed 45%
Southern states consume 60% of U.S. bourbon
Urban consumers prefer rye-heavy bourbons 30%
Holiday season accounts for 25% annual consumption
Women now 35% of bourbon drinkers
Craft bourbon preference among 25-34 age group 45%
Low/no ABV bourbon alternatives emerging 5% market
Bourbon in RTDs consumed 10 million cases 2023
Average drinking occasions per week 2.2 for bourbon fans
70% of bourbon drunk at home post-pandemic
Spicy food pairings boost bourbon consumption 15%
Bourbon festival attendance 500,000 annually
Top consuming state Kentucky 2.5 liters per capita
Bourbon sour popularity up 20% in cocktails
Aged bourbon preference 65% over young
Ice in bourbon 40% consumer choice
Bourbon with cola mix 25% of servings
Vegan bourbon seekers 15% of market
Nighttime consumption peak 8-11pm 60%
Social media influences 30% bourbon purchases
Bourbon tourism drives 2 million visitors yearly

Consumption Interpretation

Americans' enduring love for bourbon is a spirited tale of tradition meeting trend, where classic sippers hold their ground at home while a new generation eagerly stirs in modern twists.

Economic

Bourbon industry supports 22,000 direct jobs in 2023
Total economic impact $9 billion annually in Kentucky
Bourbon tourism generated $2.5 billion in visitor spending 2023
Average distillery employee salary $65,000
Tax revenue from bourbon $500 million to states yearly
Supplier spending by industry $4 billion annually
Investment in rickhouse construction $1.5 billion since 2015
Export-related jobs 7,500 nationwide
Barrel-making employs 1,000 in Kentucky oak industry
Agritourism from distilleries $300 million revenue
Philanthropy by distilleries $50 million yearly
Multiplier effect of bourbon spending 2.5x
Hotel bookings from bourbon trail 1.5 million room nights
Local sourcing spends $1 billion on grains/corn
Wage growth in distillery sector 5% above average
Property value uplift near distilleries 15%
Venture capital in craft distilleries $200 million 2023
Federal excise tax on bourbon $13.50 per proof gallon
State incentives for distilleries $100 million in grants
Induced jobs from tourism 15,000
Carbon footprint reduction initiatives save $20 million yearly
Diversity hiring up 20% in industry
R&D spending $150 million on new products
Export value added $2 billion to GDP

Economic Interpretation

Kentucky's bourbon industry isn't just a potent spirit; it's a $9 billion economic engine, pouring life into everything from high-paying jobs and booming tourism to oak forests and local farms, all while aging a future that's more sustainable and inclusive.

Exports

Bourbon exports hit $600 million in 2023
European Union imports 40% of U.S. bourbon exports
Australia bourbon imports grew 25% in 2023
Japan is top Asian market for bourbon $100 million
Total U.S. spirits exports $2 billion with bourbon leading
UK bourbon sales volume 2 million cases imported
Canada imports 15% of U.S. bourbon output
Duty-free bourbon sales $150 million globally
China tariff impact reduced exports 10% temporarily
Travel retail bourbon growth 18% post-pandemic
Mexico bourbon imports up 30% in 2023
Total export cases 15 million in 2023
Brazil emerging market 500,000 cases imported
India bourbon demand projected 20% CAGR
Singapore hub for Asian re-exports 10%
Premium bourbon exports share 60% by value
FTA benefits boosted exports to South Korea 15%
Russia sanctions cut exports 5% in 2023
UAE duty-free sales 300,000 cases bourbon
Global bourbon export growth 12% average 2018-2023
Scotland imports U.S. bourbon for blending 200,000 hl
Africa bourbon market doubled since 2015
Online international sales platforms 20% of exports
Bourbon export tariffs average 10-20% in EU
Top export brand Buffalo Trace 1 million cases abroad
Southeast Asia growth 22% for bourbon imports

Exports Interpretation

The world is thirstily sipping its way to a bourbon boom, from Australia's rapid adoption to Europe's enduring love affair, proving that America's whiskey is not just a spirit but a global ambassador that deftly navigates tariffs, sanctions, and travel retail alike.

Production

U.S. bourbon production reached 12.1 million barrels in 2022
Kentucky produced 95% of the world's bourbon supply in 2023
There are over 100 bourbon distilleries operating in Kentucky as of 2024
Bourbon barrel production exceeded 2.5 million in 2022
U.S. craft distilleries produced 3.4 million cases of spirits including bourbon in 2022
New rickhouses for bourbon aging increased by 20% from 2021 to 2023
Bourbon mash bill typically requires at least 51% corn
Average bourbon aging time is 4-6 years for mainstream brands
Over 11 million barrels of bourbon aging in Kentucky warehouses in 2023
Bourbon distilleries invested $1.2 billion in new facilities in 2022
U.S. bourbon production grew 15% year-over-year in 2022
Kentucky Distillers' Association reports 2,200+ jobs added in production in 2023
Single barrel bourbon production up 25% since 2018
Water usage for bourbon production averages 10 gallons per gallon of whiskey
Corn consumption for bourbon exceeds 150 million bushels annually
New oak barrel char level for bourbon is #4 char standard
Bourbon proof must not exceed 160 at distillation
High-rye bourbon mash bills range 20-35% rye
Wheated bourbon production growing 10% annually
Automated distillation systems adopted by 40% of new distilleries
Bourbon production permits issued to 50 new distilleries in 2023
Average distillery capacity utilization at 85% in 2023
Sustainable sourcing of grains implemented by 60% of producers
Energy consumption per barrel reduced 15% since 2015
Pot still usage in 30% of craft bourbon production
Column stills produce 70% of U.S. bourbon volume
Yeast strains customized for 80% of major bourbons
Filtration skipped in 90% of traditional bourbons
Proofing water from limestone filtered in Kentucky bourbon
Annual barrel auctions average $50,000 per barrel for rare lots

Production Interpretation

Kentucky, having cornered the global market on liquid patience, is now single-handedly propping up both the coopers' guild and the local limestone industry while turning corn into gold so fast you'd think they'd discovered the philosopher's stone.

Sales

Bourbon sales reached $5.1 billion in 2023
Bourbon category grew 8% in retail sales volume 2023
Premium bourbon sales over 50% of total category in 2023
E-commerce bourbon sales up 35% in 2023
Top 10 bourbon brands hold 60% market share
Average retail price of bourbon $25 per 750ml bottle in 2023
Control states sold 4.5 million cases of bourbon in 2022
On-premise bourbon sales recovered to 85% pre-pandemic levels
Flavored bourbon sales grew 12% in 2023
Limited edition bourbon releases averaged 500 bottles per batch
Secondary market bourbon prices up 20% in 2023
Jim Beam sales 3.2 million cases in 2022
Maker's Mark sold 2.1 million cases annually
Total U.S. whiskey sales including bourbon $8.7 billion
Direct-to-consumer bourbon shipments $500 million in 2023
Supermarket bourbon sales channel 45% of volume
Collector bourbon bottles resold at 5x retail average
Bourbon gift set sales peak 30% in Q4
Women purchasing bourbon up 25% since 2018
Millennial bourbon buyers 40% of volume
Subscription box bourbon services grew to 1 million members
Average basket size for bourbon $45 in liquor stores
Black Friday bourbon sales spike 50%
Craft bourbon retail price average $40+
Bourbon cocktail kits sales up 18%
Total cases sold 25 million in 2023
Super-premium bourbon share 25% and rising
Bourbon highballs drove 15% sales growth in bars

Sales Interpretation

While Americans may still argue over which bourbon is best, the data shows we’ve collectively agreed that premiumization, online convenience, and cocktails are turning a storied spirit into a modern-day gold rush, with everyone from collectors to supermarkets getting a piece of the $5.1 billion action.

Sources & References

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