Numbered Publications by Murphy, Ryan
AEC-103: Distillery Grain Demand in Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, and Ohio
Ryan Murphy, Grant Gardner, Tyler Mark, Seth DeBolt | April 1, 2026 (New)
This article discusses the demand for grains by whiskey distilleries and estimates the amount of grain demanded in Kentucky and surrounding states. While the World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) estimate grain use for food, it is difficult to assess the impact of distilleries on grain demand. The University of Kentucky Extension publication Bourbon’s Boom: Growth, Trends, and the Role of Agriculture (AEC-104) discusses the growth in bourbon (Murphy et al. 2026); however, this article delves deeper into demand and examines distilleries’ current grain requirements. This article aims to educate producers and the public on the demand for grain in Kentucky distilleries.
AEC-104: Bourbon’s Boom: Growth, Trends, and the Role of Agriculture
Ryan Murphy, Grant Gardner, Tyler Mark, Seth DeBolt | April 1, 2026 (New)
Over the past two decades, bourbon has not only reclaimed its spot as America's native spirit but also emerged as a global symbol of craftsmanship, authenticity, and agricultural heritage. From small craft distilleries to large-scale operations, the U.S. bourbon industry has experienced tremendous growth, driven by shifting consumer preferences, policy changes, and expanding export markets. This publication explores the significant trends shaping the bourbon sector today while highlighting the deep connection between bourbon and American agriculture—particularly the farmers who grow the grains. The University of Kentucky Extension publication Distillery Grain Demand in Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, and Ohio (AEC-103) further highlights the industry’s significance for grain producers by assessing the grain requirements of distilleries in Kentucky and neighboring states (Murphy et al. 2026).