It has been widely reported that demand for bourbon is outpacing supply.

Kris Comstock, bourbon marketing director at Buffalo Trace said: “This announcement is not meant as some sort of scare tactic to get people hoarding bourbon. We always want to be upfront with our fans. We won't take drastic measures to mitigate the shortages, such as raising prices excessively, lowering the proof or reducing the age of our whiskies.”

When asked if not “raising prices excessively” did mean some price increases, a company spokesperson said there were “no specific plans at present to raise prices”. But the spokesperson said the cost of raw materials had increased and the company “will be recovering those costs in the normal course of business”.

Buffalo Trace produces brands including Blanton's, Buffalo Trace, and Pappy Van Winkle.

Comstock said any bourbon shortages from Buffalo Trace will be temporary. The distiller is also to hire another person dedicated to “watching and balancing bourbon inventory with sales”.

Buffalo Trace estimates the bourbon shortage could start at any time and may last a few years, based on current sales trends.