Craft Distilling Is Younger Than You Probably Think

Craft whiskey feels like it's been around forever, but the industry behind it is barely two decades old.

Almost nothing, then everything

In 2003, there were only about 25 craft distilleries operating in the entire United States. That number grew to more than 1,000 by 2016, and today there are roughly 2,300 active craft distillers nationally.

What changed

State regulations started easing in the early 2000s, finally making small-scale distilling practical again after decades of a system built around large, established producers. A 2018 federal tax cut, made permanent in 2020, gave the industry another real boost.

Whiskey led the way

Craft whiskey passed vodka as the largest craft spirits category sometime in the early 2010s, which is notable given how much longer whiskey takes to bring to market compared to a spirit that doesn't need barrel aging at all.

A young, still-developing industry

Not every distillery that opened during the boom years has survived, and the industry has seen real contraction recently after years of rapid growth. Even so, the overall shift since the early 2000s is a real, lasting one.

Ask us next time you're in about which of our craft options are part of this newer wave. It's a good conversation, and a young, still-unfolding industry.