Henry McKenna bourbon is currently hard to find due to its rising popularity and limited production. The demand for bourbon has been skyrocketing in recent years, both in America and globally. As a result, many lesser-known but exceptional bottles, like Henry McKenna, have gained a cult following among whiskey enthusiasts.
One of the reasons for Henry McKenna’s scarcity is its former status as a screw top bourbon. In the past, it was not as highly regarded as it is today. However, in 2019, Henry McKenna 10-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon won the prestigious “Best in Show, Whiskey” award at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. This accolade significantly boosted its reputation and popularity, causing a surge in demand.
Unfortunately, the production of Henry McKenna is limited, and meeting the increased demand has proven challenging. The aging process for bourbon takes time, as it must be aged in oak barrels for a minimum of four years to be legally called bourbon. Henry McKenna is aged for a commendable ten years, which contributes to its exceptional quality and flavor profile. However, this extended aging period means that the distillery cannot produce large quantities of the whiskey in a short period.
Furthermore, the process of sourcing and selecting single barrels for bottling adds to the scarcity. Each bottle of Henry McKenna is bottled from a single barrel, which means that every batch can have slight variations in taste and character. Whiskey enthusiasts appreciate this uniqueness, as it adds to the allure of the brand. However, it also means that the distillery must carefully select barrels that meet their standards, further limiting the availability of the bourbon.
Additionally, the popularity of bourbon, in general, has led to increased competition among consumers to obtain rare and highly sought-after bottles. Collectors, enthusiasts, and even casual whiskey drinkers are always on the lookout for limited releases and unique expressions. This heightened demand, combined with the limited production capacity of Henry McKenna, has made it increasingly difficult to find on store shelves.
Personal experiences also reflect the rarity of Henry McKenna. I vividly remember savoring a glass of Henry McKenna at a bar in New Orleans in 2019. The bartender mentioned that they had difficulty restocking it due to its growing popularity. It was evident that many patrons were eager to try this award-winning bourbon, making it a hot commodity even in a city known for its whiskey culture.
The scarcity of Henry McKenna bourbon is mainly due to its rising popularity and limited production capacity. Its former status as a screw top bourbon combined with its recent accolades has caused a surge in demand. The extended aging process and the selection of single barrels further contribute to its limited availability. With the ever-increasing interest in bourbon, it has become a highly sought-after bottle among whiskey enthusiasts, making it challenging to find on the market.