About this podcast

This episode of the "Odd Lots" podcast delves into a unique and slow-moving supply chain crisis threatening the bourbon industry: a looming shortage of critical white oak wood. Hosts Joe Weisenthal and Tracy Alloway speak with Penn State University forestry professor Calvin Norman, who unveils why this specific timber is indispensable for aging bourbon barrels and cannot be easily replaced. The discussion explores the intricate forestry challenges, the long-term implications for distillers, and potential strategies to prevent this under-the-radar problem from escalating into a full-blown crisis for America's native liquor. Discover the hidden complexities of a crucial component in bourbon production, from the tree to the bottle.