I have some bad news. There’s a bourbon shortage—and it’s only getting worse. Unprecedented domestic demand and export growth, combined with the lack of quality American white oak with which to make barrels, and distillers earmarking bourbon for flavored products—grrr, don’t get me started on flavored whiskey!—are destroying the supply levels in your local liquor store. It doesn’t help that the mainstream media picked up on this shortage situation and have made it front-page news.

The consumer rush to buy bourbon makes purchasing mainstay products difficult, and it can be nearly impossible to find limited-edition releases. While this is frustrating to all bourbon lovers, I’m quick to point out that bourbon takes time to produce. The majority of the products on shelves today were distilled and put into barrels anywhere from 5 to 12 years ago. Nobody predicted today’s demand for bourbon. But if you’re a patient and aggressive bourbon hunter, you can find the bourbon your palate desires.