By Jerry Hirsch - Los Angeles Times

As the economy turns down, Americans are cutting back on their liquor -- with a major exception: whiskey.

Sales of bourbons such as Jack Daniels and Maker's Mark are bucking a slump in demand for distilled spirits that set in during the final months of last year, according to industry officials.

It's not clear whether in hard economic times drinkers are looking for comfort in Jack Daniels or whether Americans long enamored with vodka, rum and tequila have rediscovered one of the nation's oldest spirits.  Read more...