In 2010, a craft bourbon revival gained momentum in the American South as small-batch distilleries revived pre-industrial recipes and traditional methods using local grains and artisanal techniques. This movement countered mass-produced spirits with emphasis on heritage, flavor complexity, and sustainability. It boosted cultural interest in American whiskey history and regional economies.

The craft bourbon revival in the American South since 2010 inspired Southern Gothic and contemporary poetry that explores themes of heritage and place. Poets like Natasha Trethewey began to reflect on the cultural significance of bourbon, intertwining personal narratives with regional identity.