Take note, whiskey drinkers! Dark times are a'coming.

The American whiskey industry, having seen a boom in recent years, is now headed for a crisis - precisely because of its popularity. Demand in premium, barrel-aged whiskeys has risen beyond the point of supply, meaning prices could soon be rising fast.

A statement from Kentucky's Buffalo Trace distillery has explained the cause of the shortages: 

"Despite the increase in distillation over the past few years, bourbon demand still outpaces supply. The overall bourbon category is experiencing 5% growth, but premium brands are up nearly 20% from last year.

Given that premium whiskey is aged in oak barrels for anywhere between eight and twenty years, it may be some time before distilleries can produce enough to meet current levels of demand. The problem is further compounded by a shortage of oak for barrels after a harsh winter.

So what's the solution? Stockpiling of course! So get to it, whiskey fans.