Clifton breaks down the state of the bourbon boom — why the number of U.S. bourbon buyers is shrinking for the first time in two decades, why distillery expansions may have overshot demand, and why this shift could benefit everyday whiskey drinkers. After the news, he reviews the Ben Holladay 6-Year Bottled-In-Bond bourbon, praising its transparency, vintage-style nose, and balanced sweetness while still calling out the youth in its finish. Final verdict: 7.5/10 and absolutely worth the price.

Bourbon Bytes Podcast

Clifton McDaniel | Bourbon Bytes

Is the Bourbon Boom REALLY Over? + Ben Holladay BIB Review

NOV 20, 202529 MIN
Bourbon Bytes Podcast

Is the Bourbon Boom REALLY Over? + Ben Holladay BIB Review

NOV 20, 202529 MIN

Description

This week, Clifton digs into one of the biggest questions in whiskey: Is the bourbon boom finally over? After years of price hikes, expansions, and dwindling enthusiasm from younger drinkers, the numbers might finally be catching up. In this episode, he breaks down why the boom may be slowing — and why that might actually be good for bourbon fans.

Then stick around for a Byte-Sized Review of a bottle he’s never tried before: the Ben Holladay 6-Year Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon. This Missouri-made BIB surprised him with dusty vintage notes, toasted sweetness, and a mash bill that might be one of the most exciting non-Kentucky profiles in years.

Plus: new whiskey releases from Buffalo Trace, Barrell Craft Spirits, Blade & Bow, and more.