Driving South

[RickL]

Hi, new guy here from CT. Just found this site, a wealth of knowledge here. I'm driving from CT to FL next week and wondering what states would be best to stop in and do a little bourbon shopping. Looking for the best deals (always), but also looking for things I should try that I can't normally get around here. My normal rotation would include; VW Lot B (when i'm feeling rich and I can find it ), Things like EC12, ETL, Eagle Rare when I'm feel like spending a little. Normal day to day, Wellers SR, OGD BIB or Turkey 101. I'm not afraid of trying things off the bottom shelf if someone thinks they're good. I would like to pick up some Very Old Bartons since it doesn't seem to be available around here. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks, Rick

[SMOWK]

Are you going to be going through the Baltimore/DC area, or take the scenic route through DelMarVa?

Either way, you'll pass through Delaware. They have no sales tax, and thus is a good place to stock up on certain items. They usually don't have the greatest selection though. I have never seen any BTAC or VW releases in all of Delaware, and I've checked a lot of places.

There are a lot of places in Baltimore County, Maryland that have a wide selection as well. If my research from a few years ago still applies, they have the cheapest county tax rate in the state, or maybe even the country.

Should we start naming stores?

[loose proton]

The larger Virginia ABC stores have wide selection, but higher $$$. For some of the premium selections, its $25-30/bottle higher than other areas. See: http://www.abc.state.va.us/Pricelist/pdf/nov09.pdf and also check sale items which include Booker, EC, Knob Creek: http://www.abc.state.va.us/Pricelist/DISCOUNTS_2.html

[Josh]

The larger Virginia ABC stores have wide selection, but higher $$$. For some of the premium selections, its $25-30/bottle higher than other areas. See: http://www.abc.state.va.us/Pricelist/pdf/nov09.pdf and also check sale items which include Booker, EC, Knob Creek: http://www.abc.state.va.us/Pricelist/DISCOUNTS_2.html

To piggyback on the rest of the comments here, if you're in VA then be sure to pick up a bottle or two of the new stuff from Bowman. They'll only be around for a limited time, so jump on that!

[RickL]

Thanks, I usually go down 81 to 77. Steers clear of most of the bottlenecks. I wasn't looking for specific stores just which states might be a good bet for pricing and brands I can't get around here. Pricing and availability on the VA link look pretty similar to Ct if not just a little cheaper. Figure if I find something on the way down I like, I'll pick up some more on the way home.

[smokinjoe]

Thanks, I usually go down 81 to 77. Steers clear of most of the bottlenecks. I wasn't looking for specific stores just which states might be a good bet for pricing and brands I can't get around here. Pricing and availability on the VA link look pretty similar to Ct if not just a little cheaper. Figure if I find something on the way down I like, I'll pick up some more on the way home.

Will you be taking 77 through South Carolina? If so, I can direct you to a few stores.

[ratcheer]

My advice - NOT Alabama. :smiley_acbt:

Tim

[cas]

North Carolina isn't a good bet either.
South Carolina has possibility - depending on how far you want to stray from the interstate and explore.
Stores in FL can also have decent selections - though my experience there is more limited.
Craig

[SMOWK]

I know it's a bit out of the way. Delaware has CHEAP liquor.

[loose proton]

Georgia has some good prices. It's done by private stores so prices and availability vary. google: georgia alcohol prices