War in Korea had found the U.S. with its whisky barrels full. Whisky warehouses bulged with 637 million gallons, enough to supply normal demand for almost eight years. Gin, brandy and rum were in equally plentiful supply.
Nevertheless, U.S. drinkers had the jitters about a possible liquor shortage. Their rush to stock up moved several whisky distributors to put dealers on temporary allocations, and the heedless excess last week brought customers quick hangovers. Schenley Distillers, Inc. announced that it was hiking its eight-year-old, 100-proof rye and bourbon $1.35 a fifth, bringing the price in some localities to $8.50.
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