God Save Bourbon

What is this madness?

God Save Bourbon is an independent feature-length documentary-in-progress examining the intersection of white oak conservation and the bourbon industry.

A master distiller and a forester walk into a bar … It sounds like the start of a classic joke, but it’s actually the start of a serious conversation about the future of bourbon. For bourbon lovers, the rich, complex flavors of their beloved spirit has long depended on the new charred white oak barrels in which the whiskey has traditionally been aged. With limited stands of mature white oak ready for harvest and decades for new trees to reach maturity, the bourbon industry finds itself at a crossroads.

In response, distilleries and forestry professionals are collaborating on white oak conservation efforts. These initiatives focus on responsible harvesting practices and the promotion of reforestation projects to replenish the trees. Some distilleries are experimenting with different oak species, hoping to diversify their options while keeping bourbon bourbon. What does all this mean for Kentucky’s iconic spirit? God Save Bourbon taps distillers, foresters and bourbon lovers everywhere to find out.