View Full Version : BTAC Price Hike
As of Aug. 1, 2010, the minimum price of all members of the BTAC in the state of Michigan will be $70.97 per bottle, a $4.99 increase.
I'm curious as to whether this is just a Michigan phenomenon or an across the board price hike. Anybody else hear/see of this?
DeanSheen
07-12-2010, 11:23
Wow, that's brutal.
I'm just wondering at what point they price themselves out of the market.
birdman1099
07-12-2010, 11:30
In Indy last year, they were already $72-$75 a bottle. I hope there is not another increase for this year !!!:hot:
BourbonJoe
07-12-2010, 13:03
If it's that much in PA, they lost me.
Joe :usflag:
In Indy last year, they were already $72-$75 a bottle. I hope there is not another increase for this year !!!:hot:
There were places around here selling Stagg and WLW for $89 last time around.
Wow, that's brutal.
I'm just wondering at what point they price themselves out of the market.
If it's that much in PA, they lost me.
Joe :usflag:
They've (whether "they" are the state of Michigan, BT or NWS or whoever) priced me outta buying Handy, ER 17, and Saz 18. And, unless Stagg and WLW get nearly universally stellar reviews, I'm not getting them either. Not that I was getting cases of them, but I do enjoy them most years.
Gents, consider yourself lucky. The '09 versions were on the shelf here in SoCal for $89 before tax. I even saw some at $99.
I did not buy them at that price. It's the only year that I did not, but at that price I don't see the value.
smokinjoe
07-12-2010, 14:10
Hey, nobody likes paying more for anything, but mid-$70's and up is definitely competitive with all the other "special releases" out there from the other distillers (4R Mariage & Anniversary Barrel Proof, HH Parker's, WT AS/Tradition, Jefferson's, etc.). I think that's all we can ask, and probably what all of the distillers are looking for.
I really don't care cuz I usually pay a whale of a lot more anyway cuz I'll be buying mine off eBay for two reasons.
1. I live in MI.
2. Kris Comstack and the other fine folks at BT hates for them to be sold via eBay.
To quote Mr. Comstack referring to BTAC sales on eBay from the Summer 2010 issue of Malt Advocate,"...I get so pissed off when I see that kind of thing going up on eBay."
I'm only going to get two Larues and one Stagg and I like the way eBay is up front and honest with what they action off.
If BT doesn't want to see every bottle of their special releases get bunkered up or spirited off to Ebay within a few days of release they can either increase production or raise prices. It seems to me that either way could be more profitable for them and less profitable for Ebay jackals.
I wish they would increase production. There's the danger of losing the cachet of a limited product, but vastly increasing production hasn't hurt Stagg so far.
Saz 18 and perhaps ER17 have very limited stocks available, but Handy and Weller are just a small, unadulterated proportion of juices that currently fill year 'round labels. And, I have a feeling BT can find as much Stagg as they want in some corner...somewhere... :searching:
Here's to BT selling us raw whiskey all year 'round!
Roger
Virus_Of_Life
07-12-2010, 16:07
To quote Mr. Comstack referring to BTAC sales on eBay from the Summer 2010 issue of Malt Advocate,"...I get so pissed off when I see that kind of thing going up on eBay."
Because it is not them making that profit.
If BT doesn't want to see every bottle of their special releases get bunkered up or spirited off to Ebay within a few days of release they can either increase production or raise prices. It seems to me that either way could be more profitable for them and less profitable for Ebay jackals.
And it looks like they are definitely going to continue with the "raising prices" theme of your approach.
I know it is all our dream and an unending wish but It sure would be nice to see something new introduced! Maybe Old Tom Moore or something....
It sure would be nice to see something new introduced! Maybe Old Tom Moore
I like the way you think, a Tom Moore Single Barrel Cask Proof would find it's way in my house.
Any guess as to how much that would cost on the shelves? Let's say $80.
Limited release, limited production. It gets snapped up in the limited markets by the bunker hungry denizens of this and other boards.
I am certain that it is on ebay...within weeks.
...And it looks like they are definitely going to continue with the "raising prices" theme of your approach....
Oh no, that wasn't my approach! I'm for a year round barrel proof lineup.
I'm with you on Barton treasures. I am very interested in how BT releases the Tom Moore rye juice that is no longer going into other's products.
Roger
I am certain that it is on ebay...within weeks.
Hopefully so, I like eBay better than the distiller-to-wholesaler-to-retailer system that we have now, because here in MI we miss out on all the good stuff.
DeanSheen
07-12-2010, 17:46
Hey, nobody likes paying more for anything, but mid-$70's and up is definitely competitive with all the other "special releases" out there from the other distillers (4R Mariage & Anniversary Barrel Proof, HH Parker's, WT AS/Tradition, Jefferson's, etc.). I think that's all we can ask, and probably what all of the distillers are looking for.
True, but most of those are still readily available out there on the market.
It also seems like people are finding a lot of ER17 on sale from time to time on these boards. I would prefer a year round releases myself and I'm not sure how much higher I'm willing to go on these.
I'm a WLW fan with Stagg and Handy to a lesser extent. I just don't buy ER17 or Saz18. If we get much higher I'll probably only buy multiples of WLW if I can find it and maybe 1 ea of the Stagg and Handy.
I want good juice to drink, not dust collectors that I'm thinking about how much each 2oz pour just cost me instead of how much I enjoy the juice.
matthew0715
07-12-2010, 17:50
If it's that much in PA, they lost me.
Joe :usflag:
The PA LCB online catalog (http://www.lcbapps.lcb.state.pa.us/webapp/Product_Management/Files/productCatalog.PDF) still has Stagg, Saz18, and Handy at $55.99 but I'd be more surprised if they didn't raise the price at least a few bucks when this year's batch is released. What concerns me is the absence of ER17 and WLW from the catalog.
This catalog is allegedly updated daily, so we'll have to monitor frequently.
I want good juice to drink, not dust collectors that I'm thinking about how much each 2oz pour just cost me instead of how much I enjoy the juice.
hear hear!
Back to my original question, though, anybody know from whence this price increase cometh?
P.S. Count me among those who would LOVE to see a new Barton or 1792 expression, barrel proof, double-digit aged or both!
They've invested in this product, built it up for years, established unquenchable demand for it and now they're cashing in.
Is this your first visit to America?
One of the nice things about Buffalo Trace is that with 25+ brands of American whiskey, you can always find something good from them in every price range.
DeanSheen
07-12-2010, 20:43
But that's the thing, it's not unquenchable across the BTAC product line.
Americans are familiar with golden geese being killed or at least throttled. In terms of the current economic environment and the price increases relative to inflation, I'm betting on the latter but that will probably just open up the export market.
Now excuse me, I have to go write a few more emails to BT and their Ohio distributors to beg for some more product.
smokinjoe
07-13-2010, 05:21
$75 for some of the most premier whiskey in the world is a bargain, IMO. Plus, as I said earlier, it's not out of line with other Special Releases from other distilleries. I understand that everyone has their own limits on what they will pay. I'm sure BT understands that, as well. But, so far the demand has been unquenchable, and as long as that is occuring we have to expect them to increase the price. Some people finding a bottle (or bottles) on a shelf in St. Joe MO, or BFE, or even Binny's, doesn't constitute that the party is over for the BTAC. It just means that a few bottles were poorly distributed. And, that mistake is usually rectified by the SB.Com Re-distribution Program. :)
I fully expect the BTAC to roar past $100 soon. At least, the Stagg. And, at that price, it will still sell wildly.
$75 for some of the most premier whiskey in the world is a bargain, IMO. Plus, as I said earlier, it's not out of line with other Special Releases from other distilleries. I understand that everyone has their own limits on what they will pay. I'm sure BT understands that, as well. But, so far the demand has been unquenchable, and as long as that is occuring we have to expect them to increase the price. Some people finding a bottle (or bottles) on a shelf in St. Joe MO, or BFE, or even Binny's, doesn't constitute that the party is over for the BTAC. It just means that a few bottles were poorly distributed. And, that mistake is usually rectified by the SB.Com Re-distribution Program. :)
I fully expect the BTAC to roar past $100 soon. At least, the Stagg. And, at that price, it will still sell wildly.
You have excellent points as always, Joe. Regarding bottles on shelves around here, the Stagg, WLW and Saz 18 seem to fly off the shelf, but they can't give away ER 17.
It comes down to what price the market can bear. The part of the market that lives in my house will not bear to pay more than $70 for any member of the BTAC unless it is really exceptional. One of the things I like about is SB is that there is a public forum to complain about stuff like this in addition to expressing my opinion with my wallet.:cool:
DeanSheen
07-13-2010, 06:18
Years after distribution I can easily find ER17 and Saz18. That's hardly unquenchable. The ER17 that people find in BFE tends to be discounted and I can buy discounted bottles of that right now on the internet. Thats prices going down on that particular product so retailers can clear shelf space.
I have seen Stagg on shelves for premium prices a year plus after release. The point is there is a top end to these prices and eventually you run out of fanboys.
I addressed the distro problem by stating they would eventually ship more product overseas when that magical level, $100 or $120 is reached and domestic purchases slow down. All products have their limitations and this one is no exception.
It's great when producers make quality products for us to consume but most consumers do make purchases irregardless of price or admiration for the distiller. Loyalty has it's limits.
smokinjoe
07-13-2010, 06:33
I think we're in near total agreement! :D No doubt, it will tap out at some point. I just don't think $75 is that number. Nor, do I think it should be, competitively speaking. And, I'll be honest with you, I'm not rushing out to pick up every BTAC I can find at $75 like I did when it was $35, $45, $55, etc. But, to me, $75 is a bargain for all of them, including the red-headed step child ER17.
We should remember, that if the distillers can not make a healthy profit on their premium products, they'll have no incentive to continue making them. And, I don't think any of us want it to get to that. So, think of the greater good and open them wallets!!!!:D
DeanSheen
07-13-2010, 06:38
So the real question Joe is when do the goods ship this season?
I'm ready to grab a few and try out the 2010's!
p_elliott
07-13-2010, 07:00
I don't like the prices going up any more than anyone else but I think Joe is right on this one. The market will bear a lot more and they know it. As for the ER 17 if they would raise the proof to say 101 on that I think it would sell better. I like the Saz 18 better than the Handy but I'm weird.
smokinjoe
07-13-2010, 07:27
So the real question Joe is when do the goods ship this season?
I'm ready to grab a few and try out the 2010's!
I don't know when they're due out, but as in most years, I'm expecting a big tease on them during KBF.
Just checked, and BTAC is still listed at 39.50/bottle where I am.
This weekend we were actually chatting about how cool it would be to have a BTAC from there come into the lineup
This weekend we were actually chatting about how cool it would be to have a BTAC from there come into the lineup
From...Tom Moore?
Ack, yes. Sorry, I quoted and screwed it all up!
Virus_Of_Life
07-13-2010, 11:17
This weekend we were actually chatting about how cool it would be to have a BTAC from there come into the lineup
From...Tom Moore?
Ack, yes. Sorry, I quoted and screwed it all up!
I think our musing was something like a BTUC to split off the Uncut Unfiltered expresssions and the BTAC to continue the Antique expressions with more age on them, part of that dreaming was some honey barrels of 15 year or there abouts stuff at Tom Moore. Oh and increasing the proof on the ER17 to 101.
Anyway, Joe is right, it'll hit 80, 90 and break 100 and still sell. I hate to say it but the barometer has already been set.
It will only sell at $100 if BTAC consumers are willing to pay that much for it. The teens who raided Em's bunker not withstanding, most of the consumers of the BTAC are enthusiasts/collectors, i.e. the members of this site. We are the source of the demand that allows them to raise prices.
I'll let Walt Kelly say the rest:
11048
Virus_Of_Life
07-13-2010, 13:20
It will only sell at $100 if BTAC consumers are willing to pay that much for it. The teens who raided Em's bunker not withstanding, most of the consumers of the BTAC are enthusiasts/collectors, i.e. the members of this site. We are the source of the demand that allows them to raise prices.
I'll let Walt Kelly say the rest:
I agree with you to a point, we as you are referring to us are the ones who post and participate; however we, the unspoken lurkers who are registered with 0 posts or not even registered may think an entirely different way.
angler82
07-13-2010, 14:37
I purchased my first bottles of BTAC about 2 years ago- GTS08.
In the past couple months I've gotten a bottle of everything else in the collection outside of the Saz 18.
It's a bummer that the prices are jumping up a couple couple bucks but I'd buy a bottle of each this fall. If it touched 100 I'd be out.
The only one I'd consider for 100 would be WLW. But I'd rather get a Pappy 15 and a ORVW107 for the same price.
I agree that enthusiasts unquestionably helped BT build the BTAC into what it is today, but it has now come to the attention of that class of persons with more money than sense, who have heard of this thing they should have and won't blink at paying $100 for it.
We may not pay much attention to scotch, but the bourbon producers do. Why should some single malts be able to routinely command triple-digit prices when $100 is generally unreachable for an American whiskey, regardless of its quality or rarity? American producers will always be testing that upper limit to find a way to increase it.
As for whether or not the higher prices are supressing demand, you have to remember that to the producer, if their warehouse is empty then it's a sellout. If bottles are sitting on retailer shelves a little longer it won't be until that's reflected in purchases by distributors from BT that BT will care. The year BT gets ready to release a new BTAC crop when they still have BTAC from the previous year in the warehouse will be the year something changes.
How many barrels of Eagle Rare 17 were dumped for 2009?
rocky480
07-13-2010, 14:57
I fully expect the BTAC to roar past $100 soon. At least, the Stagg. And, at that price, it will still sell wildly.
Stagg certainly may still sell wildly at $100 or more per bottle, but, so far, most of the bottles of BTAC I've been able to find from prior years have been at stores where they were priced close to $100. WLW and ER17 from two or three years ago were still available. One of the others was as well, but I can't remember which (it definitely wasn't Stagg though).
I know where some 2009 WLW and GTS still lurks around here but it's tagged at $79.99 and with Illinois/Cook County taxes we're talking $90 out the door. I'm still considering but limited funds and so much other fine whiskey is a continuing dilemma.
Also interesting though is how the continuing price rises in American whiskey sharply contrasts with what is going on in the wine world. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal told of the tough market now for Washington state wines as a result of the reduced pricing for many Napa Valley wines. I can only speculate that the contrast reflects the relative continuing great value of American whiskey where wine (like real estate) was due for a crash.
DeanSheen
07-13-2010, 15:49
"I can only speculate that the contrast reflects the relative continuing great value of American whiskey where wine (like real estate) was due for a crash."
Interesting point. Also American Whiskey has relatively few producers compared to global wine production. American craft beer has been rising steadily for years but it seems to have leveled off for now as I think they have hit their ceiling for the time being.
I'll buy 3-5 ER17s a year without blinking at $50 a pop. Not worried about that at all, $60 I may grab 2-3 WLW/GTS, over $60 makes me cringe a bit. I will still pick up a bottle of WLW and GTS and $60-70... and a dusty one at $70.
Higher then that however, is a joke. The sad thing is if the "cheap" price for Stagg pops up to $70... I'll only buy one for the year. If we all did that, there would still be the ebayers and moneybags buying up everything they can get a hold of. It's going to drive the real enthusiasts away and fill the shelves of wealthy people that don't appreciate it as much as some.
jburlowski
07-13-2010, 17:10
To me, the sad point is that many of the bottles are going to hoarders / re-sellers and not to actual drinkers.
BT would be happy to have us buy only one bottle. Like John mentioned, the hoarders take so much, then BT is forced to "allocate" the BTAC. Maybe a price increase would lead to better distribution of the product. Just don't venture into untested waters.
Ha... I was going to a friend's house the other day and I figured I would bring a bottle of reasonable bourbon. I stopped by the nondescript corner liquor store in DC (wearing my Buffalo Trace T-shirt), and noticed 3 bottles of Stagg and a bottle of the WLW on the top shelf! They sold a bottle of each to me in the $60's somewhere. Totally nice guy at that store, too. He's got my future business...
angler82
07-13-2010, 18:34
Reading this thread made me pour some ER17 tonight
Regarding the present state of the economy, this is kind of absurd.
p_elliott
07-14-2010, 08:51
How many barrels of Eagle Rare 17 were dumped for 2009?
They Dumped 39 barrels of the ER 17 in 2009.
ggilbertva
07-14-2010, 09:38
Ha... I was going to a friend's house the other day and I figured I would bring a bottle of reasonable bourbon. I stopped by the nondescript corner liquor store in DC (wearing my Buffalo Trace T-shirt), and noticed 3 bottles of Stagg and a bottle of the WLW on the top shelf! They sold a bottle of each to me in the $60's somewhere. Totally nice guy at that store, too. He's got my future business...
My shopping experience in DC usually results in prices around $80-100 a bottle. Finding BTAC in DC for $60 is a good deal. Of course, you have to contend with the DC 10% tax on liquor.
For the first time since I've been purchasing the BTAC, I limited myself to only those bottles that I really wanted in 2009, e.g. WLW, Stagg and Handy. VA prices range from $68-$72 depending on the label (Stagg is more than ER17). I'll do the same thing this year and probably only go with 1 or 2 of each. For me the other factor is, just how many more bottles of BTAC do I add to the bunker. I don't "collect" and certainly plan on drinking everything I have (and share also), but with somewhere north of 35-40 bottles of BTAC in the bunker, do I really need to keep adding to it? The last full set of BTAC I had open was 2006. I just opened a 2007 Stagg about 6 months ago and have a 2008 WLW, ER17 and Stagg open but only because a friend gave me those bottles. So, my buying position is based on two factors, price and desire.
unclebunk
07-14-2010, 09:45
Regarding the present state of the economy, this is kind of absurd.
I'm with you. As much as I love collecting this stuff, the prices are beginning to go way beyond my budget. I'll have to content myself with the BTAC's already in my bunker.
p_elliott
07-14-2010, 10:01
My shopping experience in DC usually results in prices around $80-100 a bottle. Finding BTAC in DC for $60 is a good deal. Of course, you have to contend with the DC 10% tax on liquor.
For the first time since I've been purchasing the BTAC, I limited myself to only those bottles that I really wanted in 2009, e.g. WLW, Stagg and Handy. VA prices range from $68-$72 depending on the label (Stagg is more than ER17). I'll do the same thing this year and probably only go with 1 or 2 of each. For me the other factor is, just how many more bottles of BTAC do I add to the bunker. I don't "collect" and certainly plan on drinking everything I have (and share also), but with somewhere north of 35-40 bottles of BTAC in the bunker, do I really need to keep adding to it? The last full set of BTAC I had open was 2006. I just opened a 2007 Stagg about 6 months ago and have a 2008 WLW, ER17 and Stagg open but only because a friend gave me those bottles. So, my buying position is based on two factors, price and desire.
Your not buying 3 cases of each ? :slappin:
ggilbertva
07-14-2010, 13:59
Your not buying 3 cases of each ? :slappin:
Fortunately those days are over.
fishnbowljoe
07-14-2010, 14:40
I will probably be a little more picky this year when it comes to the BTAC. Of course I plan on getting the WLW, and probably ER 17. I may pass on the GTS this year though. I don't drink it too often, and I have a few bottles in the bunker. Joe
tsangster
07-14-2010, 14:50
Sure wish I'd taken a picture of the '06 Stagg with a sticker price of $199.99. The bottle sat on the shelf for 2-3 years but I think it's gone now. Young guy behind the counter recently told me he wishes he had more and that he could sell it all day long at $200. I told him I had several bottles that I'd gladly sell him for that price.
My limit on the BTAC stuff was hit this year...69.99 plus tax puts you at about $74 otd in Illinois...Anything higher then that and I most likely won't be adding anymore BTAC to the bunker. :(
callmeox
07-14-2010, 17:10
I blame the easy secondary market of eBay and those who support such purveyors.
If you have access to the wholesale market, it's still very reasonably priced. Find someone with a liquor license to go through.
BBQ+Bourbon
07-14-2010, 21:25
I blame the easy secondary market of eBay and those who support such purveyors.
Truth is, most of the bottles you see listed at absurd prices do not sell. Ebay has a new feature where you can list an item as a buy-it-now at whatever price, and choose to have it stay listed until sold. A bottle of bourbon probably costs $.70 to list. I tried selling a few extra bottles, and couldn't even get my initial investment back.
Anyway, I hope this years BTAC is horrible so I don't have to run all over town buying every bottle that lands here. I'm sure I'll buy some GTS and some WLW, and my buddy will buy every Handy I can find. The rest of them I will pass on, as I did last year.
For those who believe the higher prices causing bottles to go unsold, yes, maybe you've seen a few bottles from previous releases on the shelves, but have you seen them marked down? Have you seen them in the close-out bins? No, you've seen them on the shelve, marked up, if anything.
The BTAC collection is doing just fine.
The big difference between whiskey and wine is that wine genuinely does not keep. It's not lettuce, but depending on the wine it has to be sold within a certain window. You have to sell it so you cut prices until you do. Spirits producers don't have to do that. Brewers don't either but it's easy for them to just make less, as their raw material is less perishable.
For those who believe the higher prices causing bottles to go unsold, yes, maybe you've seen a few bottles from previous releases on the shelves, but have you seen them marked down? Have you seen them in the close-out bins? No, you've seen them on the shelve, marked up, if anything.
Yep, in a store tonight that had at least one each of the 08's previously priced at $59 now at $73.
bonneamie
07-15-2010, 19:34
Did anyone answer Josh's original question? Is this a Michigan phenomenon or is it an across the country price hike? I skimmed the answers and didn't see anything one way or the other. Do other states post their price lists on line a few months in advance?
CorvallisCracker
07-15-2010, 19:47
The OLCC bumps the price about $5 every year. In 2008 they were $72. In 2009 they were $77. I expect the 2010s will be $82 or so.
To make it even worse, the price increase also applies to unsold bottles of previous releases.
To 09 Handy or not to 09 Handy, that is the question.
ggilbertva
07-16-2010, 09:26
Did anyone answer Josh's original question? Is this a Michigan phenomenon or is it an across the country price hike? I skimmed the answers and didn't see anything one way or the other. Do other states post their price lists on line a few months in advance?
I've seen price hikes year over year here in VA. Way back in 2006, I picked up 6 GTS for $49.99 even though the price had increased to $55, they neglected to change the shelf price and I complained of false advertisement....I got my way, $49.99 each. In WV up until last year, the price for BTAC was $42 but because of BT/wholeseller price increases, that went up $15 a bottle.
matthew0715
07-17-2010, 08:37
I spotted 3 species of BTAC last night in Central NJ, but I just cannot justify the prices in my current situation (unemployed). ER17 was $69.99, Handy was $79.99, and WLW was $89.99 (3 of these on the shelf). I believe these were all 2009 versions. I guess compared to the Parker's Golden Anniversary ($150) or 27 year old ($200) they seem like a bargain, but not for me.
I didn't buy any last year as the prices in SD hover around $80 to $90 and that's just too expensive to be buying this stuff. but compared to scotch, it's a deal.
burghguy
07-31-2010, 12:26
If it's that much in PA, they lost me.
Joe :usflag:
I am with you Bourbon Joe. The only nice thing about having to buy bourbon in PA was that it was relatively reasonably priced and the demand for BTAC was not as great as in other states, where it is gone as soon as it hits the shelves. At $50 a bottle I have reached the breaking point for my love for Lot B and any increase in the BTAC will cure my bad habit of bunkering it whenever I see it. That's okay, though, because there are still plenty of good bourbons in the $20-30 range out there.
Is WLW usually priced higher than the other whiskeys in the BTAC?
p_elliott
08-31-2010, 07:43
Is WLW usually priced higher than the other whiskeys in the BTAC?
I believe they are all priced the same by BT but this could vary by store and demand.
Is WLW usually priced higher than the other whiskeys in the BTAC?
WLW and ER are priced less than GTS in Virginia
WLW and ER are priced less than GTS in Virginia
Here in Maryland, they are usually all priced the same except WLW. Which runs $15-20 more depending on the store. I think it may creep into the $60s this year.
4thecrue
09-03-2010, 15:04
Here in Maryland, they are usually all priced the same except WLW. Which runs $15-20 more depending on the store. I think it may creep into the $60s this year.
Around these parts my two locals had them all priced at $65 a bottle and $180 a case. I have seen some bottles at $75 or around town but I wont pay that. If they continue to go up $5 a year they will soon enough price me out.
sailor22
09-08-2010, 08:00
I found some BTAC in North Georgia last weekend, ER17. Saz and Handy all priced at $99.99 - the Stag was $120 - They all stayed on the shelf, too rich for my pocketbook.
I found some BTAC in North Georgia last weekend, ER17. Saz and Handy all priced at $99.99 - the Stag was $120 - They all stayed on the shelf, too rich for my pocketbook.
Shop owners that do that cause me to take my business elsewhere.
I see the BTAC here in California being set at or north of the $100 mark. That's just the way it is in the 3 tier system that this and many other states operate.
I won't be a customer, but I guarantee the shelves will show that I am in the minority.
It looks like they went up 6 bucks here.
Marc, about that 100 dollar price, is that from your state's LCC or is that what you heard from retailer's who are pumping it up?
DrEntropy
09-28-2010, 05:26
The 2010 BTAC line hasn't been posted up here in New England yet. NH held firm for years but jumped about $5 last year to the mid-$50s. Since they pulled the 2009 listings down earlier this year I expect we'll see another price hike again when they relist them shortly.
I'm thinking $70 is probably my limit for GTS & WLW, $60 for the Handy and mid-50s for the ER and Saz 18, but I never know for sure until the prices hit those levels. ...and how good the releases happen to be when they do...
I don't buy much single malt scotch these days for exactly these same reasons, and bourbon is definitely following these same pricing trends.
I find I'm buying more microbrews and belgian beers these day - "cold malts" in the circles I run in.
Anxiously waiting to see how the single barrel bourbons we selected for Julios during the 2010 Bourbon Crusade come in and how they're priced this year - that's what I'm most likely investing in next. They're tasting the ones that have arrived to date at the Oct 6 Whisky Wednesday. Can't wait!
Cheers! DrE
unclebunk
09-28-2010, 06:55
The 2010 BTAC line hasn't been posted up here in New England yet. NH held firm for years but jumped about $5 last year to the mid-$50s. Since they pulled the 2009 listings down earlier this year I expect we'll see another price hike again when they relist them shortly.
I'm thinking $70 is probably my limit for GTS & WLW, $60 for the Handy and mid-50s for the ER and Saz 18, but I never know for sure until the prices hit those levels. ...and how good the releases happen to be when they do...
I don't buy much single malt scotch these days for exactly these same reasons, and bourbon is definitely following these same pricing trends.
I find I'm buying more microbrews and belgian beers these day - "cold malts" in the circles I run in.
Nice post, Doc. And welcome to SB. Tell us more about yourself when you get a chance. Our prices here in Chicago are close to those you've described and I too am holding firm with a $70 limit on GTS and WLW. Low $60's for Handy is reasonable but I still think that we are reaching the limits of what most enthusiasts are willing to pay. Sure, there will be those who will shell out whatever it costs to have the latest BTAC's in their collection. But as Mr. Gillman pointed out in another recent thread, many of us are heading for the lower and middle shelves these days and are completely satisfied with our purchases. In the end, I don't think we can or should be chasing the SMS pricing trend which is becoming absurd in my book.
ggilbertva
09-28-2010, 11:44
VA is already in the mid $70's with tax. With the prices going up almost year over year, I've really scaled back the number of bottles I get. I think last year I got one of each of the barrel proof bottles. I may do the same this year, we'll see.
The 2010 BTAC line hasn't been posted up here in New England yet. NH held firm for years but jumped about $5 last year to the mid-$50s. Since they pulled the 2009 listings down earlier this year I expect we'll see another price hike again when they relist them shortly.
I'm thinking $70 is probably my limit for GTS & WLW, $60 for the Handy and mid-50s for the ER and Saz 18, but I never know for sure until the prices hit those levels. ...and how good the releases happen to be when they do...
I don't buy much single malt scotch these days for exactly these same reasons, and bourbon is definitely following these same pricing trends.
I find I'm buying more microbrews and belgian beers these day - "cold malts" in the circles I run in.
Anxiously waiting to see how the single barrel bourbons we selected for Julios during the 2010 Bourbon Crusade come in and how they're priced this year - that's what I'm most likely investing in next. They're tasting the ones that have arrived to date at the Oct 6 Whisky Wednesday. Can't wait!
Cheers! DrE
Hey Tim..... one of these days I will get up to your neck of the woods when our schedules mesh...... Assume you are enjoying a few Allagash "cold malts"......
DrEntropy
09-29-2010, 04:21
Thanks for the warm welcome folks, if I had realized that was my first post here I would have probably de-lurked a bit differently.
Been reading this forum for years and enjoy posts from many familiar folks that we met under the Gazebo at KBF 2009 (this event was a critical turning point in our current American whiskey focus) and during the Julio's 2009 Bourbon Crusade. Mercer and I host many whisky tastings up here in Portland ME area and have been primarily working with the Julio's whisky crowd most recently, which is the closest group of hard core enthusiasts to us these days.
I've also gotten to know Funknik really well (contacted him through this forum) and have been digging deep into bourbons with him in waves of tasty HtHtHs... I reciprocate by corrupting him with waves of unaffordable collectible single malt scotch whisky. We're both going down the tubes together here but enjoying every sip!
Reid, we do need to get together one of these days when you pass thru NE. Definitely Allagash is a central part of the cold malt mix since they have at least 6 of these on tap all the time at the Great Lost Bear, and I try to get over there at least twice a month. Also obsessing over the completely amazing White Birch Belgian-styled offerings coming out of this Hookset nanobrewery. Bill's currently in the process of expanding from a one to seven barrel operation so they'll be easier to find in the near future. And they're worth finding.
I'll find a more appropriate thread to introduce myself and my interests in more detail. However, I'll sign off by admitting I'm one of those pesky BTAC hoarders someone was complaining about earlier in this thread. Good news is that I would never sell ANY of it on eBay or anywhere else - that would be bad whiskey karma! This is mostly designated trading/dramming stock that I'm just holding a bit to leverage for some of those tasty dusties that never made it to New England and that I blindly walked past in my travels over the past 20 years when I was obsessing over single malt scotch. For refreshment, we currently have 24 different BTAC releases open in the Holistic Dramming Institute. It's an infectious disease!
cheers! Tim
B.B. Babington
09-29-2010, 18:57
...we currently have 24 different BTAC releases open ...wow, and I thought I lived the good life with half dozen open. but then I have a penchent for killing staggs.
WIMARIPA
10-14-2010, 13:26
I feel like increases in price are likely to decrease the bunkering of these whiskeys. I know I personally prefer to spend more of my money on trying something new/unique and have a much smaller amount set aside just for those special bottles that I'll know I'll want to have again in the future.
I think the small increase in price will actually increase the amount of people who are able to enjoy it. The hoarders are already claiming "foul!" due to the increase. But it means that they won't buy 12 this year, leaving them on the shelves for others to actually enjoy them. They also increased the # of bottles of most of them.. 19,000 bottles of Stagg! That should decrease the ebay market quite a bit. This may be one of the first truly easily available BTAC release yet.
Virus_Of_Life
10-20-2010, 17:48
19,000 bottles of Stagg! That should decrease the ebay market quite a bit. This may be one of the first truly easily available BTAC release yet.
It's not so much the quantity that causes this, its also the allocations. From what I've read it's already selling out in Kentucky, as I know it will sit on shelves for years in Montana, places in between; such as here in Minnesota the Saz18 will be gone within days and the Handy will likely have to be reduced to move.
doctorkeyvil
11-22-2010, 17:35
I'd love to see something less than $70 for GTS or WLW. Cheapest I found here is $100 for GTS, 75 for WLW and 70 each for ER and Handy. SW Florida here, so at these rates even Ebay doesn't look bad. It figures, just when I got into the BTAC offerings, the prices went through the roof.
darkluna
11-24-2010, 14:45
In Oregon, 2010 BTAC is selling for the same amount as last year: $77.10 a bottle (as determined by OLCC). Not a great price, but... it's worth mentioning that we don't have a state sales tax either.
BBQ+Bourbon
11-27-2010, 18:30
They were the same price as last year here in KC. I saw an ER17 and a Saz18 on a shelf tonight at $65. The only reason they are there is that nobody wants them, because WLW PVW15 and GTS disappear from this place within hours.
I grabbed three ORVW 10/107 at $38 a Handy at $63ish, Pappy 15 for 58 and something else. Everything was the same as or less than last year.
CorvallisCracker
12-03-2010, 14:24
In Oregon, 2010 BTAC is selling for the same amount as last year: $77.10 a bottle (as determined by OLCC). Not a great price, but... it's worth mentioning that we don't have a state sales tax either.
Yes, despite my earlier statements that we wouldn't get any, it seems we got a small amount of the ER 17, WLW, GTS and Handy. No Saz 18.
However the price has bumped to $81.95. That applies retroactively, as in, the unsold 2009 Handys I've previously mentioned are now at the new price.
Which is just too damn high for me. Pass.
I don't understand the large price differences all across the country. Weird tier systems and regulations. Last time I checked, Crack was priced comparatively no matter where I went.
I don't understand the large price differences all across the country. Weird tier systems and regulations. Last time I checked, Crack was priced comparatively no matter where I went.
I dunno, around here it depends on the size of the crack.:lol:
BlueRobot
12-06-2010, 18:16
$64.99 for everything in NE Wisconsin (Same as last year)
Everthing is gone except the Handy and Saz...
DeanSheen
12-06-2010, 20:53
Once place in IL I know of went from 59.99 to 79.99. They said it got passed on to them from the distributors.
I guess in 2 more years 99.99 will be the standard.
Still amazing considering how low inflation has been. I know, supply and demand............
I don't understand the large price differences all across the country. Weird tier systems and regulations. Last time I checked, Crack was priced comparatively no matter where I went.
Since the drug marekt operates entirely outside the law, it is as pure free market as you are going to find. In a free market with active competition, prices across the market will inevitably seek the same, low level, that being the lowest level the market will support.
The market in alcohol, by contrast, is the closest thing we have in the United States to a socialist command economy. Funny how the ostensibly conservative people who favor tight control of alcohol sales support such a Stalinistic way of doing it. Central control defeats competition and leads not only to artifically high prices but also large variations in price since neither goods nor customers may travel freely to seek more favorable terms.
Since the drug marekt operates entirely outside the law, it is as pure free market as you are going to find. In a free market with active competition, prices across the market will inevitably seek the same, low level, that being the lowest level the market will support.
I've always thought of Crack dealers as pure capitalists. If the guy across the street has cheaper Crack than you. Just shoot him and take it. Now you've cornered the market.
fishnbowljoe
12-07-2010, 15:07
Once place in IL I know of went from 59.99 to 79.99. They said it got passed on to them from the distributors.
I guess in 2 more years 99.99 will be the standard.
Still amazing considering how low inflation has been. I know, supply and demand............
I was told the same thing Robert. Only difference is, it went from $69.99 to $79.99. I've heard many things about the distributors here. None of it really good. I agree with Chuck in that it sure seems funny how some politicians favor tighter control of the sprits industry, yet the current system sorely leaves something to be desired. Where does all that extra money go? Silly me. I forgot. I live in Illinois. :slappin: Just kidding. :rolleyes: Joe
I have to say that there is one store close by that has had the BTAC priced consistently from year to year. They started carrying it in 2007, and each year it has been priced the same. $99.99.
i bought a few WLW off of ABC's store website. I checked again yesterday just out of curiosity, and they were, of course, out of stock. That wasn't a surprise, but what I found interesting was that they have already raised the price on the website from $75.99 to $80.99 for next year's release.
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