Seattle and Washington Area Thread

[ChainWhip]

Welcome to SB DBM. We're in agreement with much of what you've posted - I am optimistic that things will turn for the better but it is difficult right now.

The lamest line I've heard attributed to the distributors (from more than a couple of retailers) is they have high prices on items because Washington state hasn't proven enough demand of said products in high enough volumes - Hello Mr. Chicken & Egg...

Seriously, how dumb do the distributors / retailers think consumers are? With a smartphone in just about every pocket, prices are easy to compare and it's obvious we are being ripped off (even before taxes).

In any event, glad to have you here - there is also a "New to SB" forum where people can introduce themselves to the community at large.

[ChainWhip]

Scouted out TotalWine in Bellevue today and there's some new items (prices are inclusive of tax):

$75.12 4RSB OBSK for 3/16/2013 Bourbon Bash (Daniel's Broiler Selection)
$123.32 Fortaleza Anejo
$87.17 St. George Single Malt Whiskey Batch 12
$79.94 Hakushu 12
$75.12 Hibiki 12
$123.32 Laphroaig Cairdeas 2012 Origins

Stupid prices.

[DBM]

Yesterday Total Wine in Bellevue had Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2012 for $49.99 (not including the many taxes) so I picked up a bottle. I'm guessing it just now made it through distribution because I hadn't seen it anywhere in Washington until that moment.

There's also still plenty of the 4RSB OBSK that ChainWhip mentioned earlier for the Daniel's Bourbon Bash, which I am sadly missing this year.

[ChainWhip]

I think that was at least the 2nd distribution to the Bellevue store but I picked up a bottle too.

[ChuckBiscuits]

The Tukwilla Total Wine also has great customer service, a remarkable change from many of the people I encountered who were on the state payroll.

I have also found this to be true. Genuinely interested employees that want you to have a good retail experience. I don't know enough yet to comment upon their selection, but their beer prices are impossible to best in the area. World class selection, as well. Seattle has a few great "bottle shops", one of which is very close to home--Beer Junction. Bottleworks also deserves mention as being one of the first, and of course Chuck's Hop Shop at 85th and 6th in Ballard. None are cheap, but are certainly dedicated to bringing a huge selection of enthusiast brews to the area.

[squire]

I do favor places where the staff enjoy their work, which make my shopping more pleasant.

[derevaun]

I'm ambivalent but generally optimistic about the change. I used to have to drive to SODO or 7th/Bell to find my fave everyday pours (Old Forester and VOB BIB); now I can run over to Bevmo for Old Forester but have no clue where to find VOB. Anybody know, by the way?

[DBM]

I'm ambivalent but generally optimistic about the change. I used to have to drive to SODO or 7th/Bell to find my fave everyday pours (Old Forester and VOB BIB); now I can run over to Bevmo for Old Forester but have no clue where to find VOB. Anybody know, by the way?

I never saw VOB BiB before or after the regulation changes. Might be worth a call to Young's. I've had reasonably good luck talking to distributors about product availability and being directed to retailers who either stock something, or would pick up a new label if there was customer demand.