Crowds cheer when Delaware’s George Thorogood belts, “I want one bourbon, one Scotch, and one beer.” But increasingly, fashionable consumers only want the bourbon. The Scotch whisky trend peaked with cigars at the turn of the century, and consumers are experiencing “craft-beer fatigue,” says Mike Stiglitz, founder of Two Stones Pub, which has four Delaware locations.
“Bourbon started gaining ground; it became a real niche,” he maintains. Mike Day, owner of The Farmer & the Cow in downtown Wilmington, agrees. “Initially, we focused on burgers and bourbon and had maybe 20 to 30 behind the bar,” he recalls. Selections included the expected: Bulleit Bourbon, Knob Creek Kentucky Bourbon, and Maker’s Mark.
Over time, the bourbon and whiskey collection grew, so customers came to try new products. “They have an awesome selection, and the guys behind the bar are very knowledgeable,” agrees customer Karen Wright…