California becomes powerhouse in bourbon business [Video]

Move over, Kentucky. There’s a new king in the bourbon business, a California king to be precise.

More than just a powerhouse in the wine industry, California tops the list of states with the most distilleries, with 104 distilleries as of 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Kentucky, dubbed Bourbon Country and home to the “bourbon capital of the world,” ranked fourth on the same list.

According to online retailer The Whisky Masters, California saw a 940% increase from 2011 when the state only had 10 distilleries. In 2001, California had zero.

Right behind California is Texas, with 103 distilleries as of 2024. Ten years ago, the Lone Star state had 16.

“It’s been exciting to watch these two states develop their own craft spirit scenes,” said Daniel Ufland, founder of The Whisky Masters. “California’s growth trajectory, especially post-2010, has been explosive, while Texas has shown impressive consistent growth since 2006.”

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