Whisky Bars in a Post-Pandemic World (Episode 819: May 17, 2020)

As parts of the world begin to reopen following lockdowns to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus, bars are likely to be among the last businesses allowed to reopen. The social nature of bars doesn’t quite work in an era of social distancing, and that will mean major changes for bar owners – and patrons. Jon Taffer is the host of the reality show “Bar Rescue” and a longtime bar industry consultant. He’s been thinking about what the post-pandemic future holds for bars, and it’s not a pretty picture – as he tells us on this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, some distilleries are starting to distill again in Scotland, while Kentucky Bourbon Trail distilleries could start to see a few gift shops reopen this week. We’ll also have some of your comments to our Twitter poll question on plastic bottles for whisky and a look at research that could make wheat more attractive for distillers in the future.

Links: JonTaffer.com | Bruichladdich | Laphroaig | Bowmore | Kentucky Bourbon Trail | Maltstock | Whisky Live Paris | Whisky Fringe | Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board | Distilled Spirits Council of the United States | American Distilled Spirits Alliance | Redbreast | Teeling Whiskey Company | Tamdhu | US Bartenders Guild Foundation | Catoctin Creek | Sagamore Spirit | Booker’s Bourbon | Larceny Bourbon | Glendalough | The Whisky Exchange | Rothamsted Research