Maggie Valley, NC

[swampguy]

Anyone live in this area of Western North Carolina? What bourbons should I be looking for around there? Is NC a state where there are state run liquor stores or is whiskey sold in any store? Do they sell on Sundays? I may even be going to Ashville, NC for a day.

[smokinjoe]

Anyone live in this area of Western North Carolina? What bourbons should I be looking for around there? Is NC a state where there are state run liquor stores or is whiskey sold in any store? Do they sell on Sundays? I may even be going to Ashville, NC for a day.

Unfortunately Swampy, NC is a barren wasteland for anything special in the bourbon department. It's a pretty tightly controlled control state. I've hunted it many times, with really nothing of great interest to show for it. The silver lining is that they do carry Virgin 101. It's the same juice as Old Ezra 101. I really enjoy it, and you can pick it up for $11-$12. Like most tightly controlled states, they do have some pretty darn good sales, from time to time. Particularly, if they are closing a product out. So, it's not completely a waste of time to check them out.

Depending on your transportation access and time, you can take runs up to the Johnson City area of Tennessee. Or, head down to the Greenville area of South Carolina. Those areas are ripe with good bourbons. If you have a LOT of time, head to Knoxville, TN and McScrooge's. Chock full o' Bourbons there!!!

BTW, that's beautiful country this time of year.

Good Luck!

[swampguy]

I will be in Athens, Ga the night before and they usually have a decent showing of bourbon. At least from what I remember. If they do I can get a few from there. I am hoping to find the Stagg.

[tsangster]

Other than the two or three bottles in my cabinet the only Stagg I know of in Athens is at 5 Points liquor with a price tag of $199 and it's a couple of years old. Having said that you're still better off shopping in Athens as opposed to MV. Barren wasteland may be an understatement.

If I can be of assistance while you're in the Athens area let me know.

[swampguy]

Thanks Tom but I lived in Athens for 10 yrs and will be seeing my sister in law in Winterville. I was there a few years back and couldn't believe how the whole area had grown. I really enjoyed being there and can't wait to get back. I wish I had more time we could do a couple of shots. Isn't there a liquor store out on Broad St called AB (something another)? They always seem to have a good selection and their prices were decent. They also had a good wine selection if I am remembering correctly. I always found 5 points to be high but a nice quaility selection.

[tsangster]

The store on Broad Street is ABC Package. If you don't find anything you like there you can keep driving West on Broad. Maybe two miles down the road there is another package store on the left. I forget the name but it's attached to a convenience store/gas station. Their bourbon selection is not great but the last time I was there they had several versions of Black Maple Hill.

Another couple of miles, just before you get to the mall, 5 Points has opened a relatively new store - 5 Points West. Selection is similar to the original 5 Points and they have a well stocked walk in humidor.