Rumor control?

[TNbourbon]

During my quarter-century in newspaper reporting, I found that much of the job is spent in rumor control -- eliminating stories that aren't true in order to pursue the ones with legitimate 'legs'. In that vein, the following:
Our area's distributor for Old Charter brands is advising retailers to purchase large stocks of OC because it is soon to become much harder to find and will take a significant price increase. Frankly, I'm doubtful, but would be happy to learn any hard evidence anyone has that this is either true or untrue. (Note: 'evidence' is stuff like retailers being unable to restock Old Charter, or $5 higher shelf prices, et al. Please don't repeat the rumors -- I've already heard those.)
Anyone?

[Pharaoh]

Tim,

An instance comes to mind with me. Michael Jackson wrote (I believe it was in an edition of Malt Advocate) that W L Weller 19 was going to disappear, at least for a while, better get it now while you can, etc.

At that time the B.T.A.C. did not have the sort of buzz it does now, and to make a long story short, my take on his warning reminds me quite a bit of your position in this instance.

Obviously if I had believed there was an ounce of credibility in Jackson's statement (stateside) I'd be sitting on at least a couple of additional bottles of the said item.

I'm not sure how to take what you "over-heard", but if it makes a difference to you whether or not the rumor comes to fruition, I'd be paying strict attention keeping an eye out for telltale signs.

[Virus_Of_Life]

Tim, my local distributor told me the same thing about Saz Jr. quite a while back, not that it was ever in large supply out here to begin with. It did completely disappear for a few months and is now back (at Hi Time) at $40 a bottle, about a $17 increase in price. I am seeing pretty much an across the board increase in prices here in SoCal, especially on what were the lower priced Buffalo Trace products.

I know this does not directly apply to what you are asking about, but its all related in one way or another...

[tritioch]

Local distributor here gave similar warnings for NYS. Weller and Elmer T. Lee are supposed to be in short / no supply in NYS for a while.

[MikeK]

Tim, my local distributor told me the same thing about Saz Jr. quite a while back, not that it was ever in large supply out here to begin with. It did completely disappear for a few months and is now back (at Hi Time) at $40 a bottle, about a $17 increase in price.

Holy Crap!! What weasels. Saz Jr. is plentiful back here at the other end of the country at around $22. Delightful stuff.

[cowdery]

Mark Brown, President of Buffalo Trace, says:

"Demand has been growing for our older whiskeys, well in excess of the available supply, especially on Charter. So, rather than compromise quality by dropping the age statement or lowering the proof, we are stepping up the allocation system for the brand. In addition, our costs have been rising and will more as the full effect of corn, oil, energy begins to flow through the aging inventory, hence the price increases."

So, in other words, the distributor is (more or less) telling the truth.

[ILLfarmboy]

I think I will fire off a letter to Mark Brown telling him he has my respect and will get an even bigger share of my business in the future. Not compromising quality or dropping age statements/proof in the face of rising production costs deserves to be rewarded! I'd much rather pay higher prices!

[TNbourbon]

Thanks, Chuck (and Mark B.) -- good to know.

[cowdery]

A distributor sales rep telling the truth. What are the odds?

[full_proof]

I think I will fire off a letter to Mark Brown telling him he has my respect and will get an even bigger share of my business in the future. Not compromising quality or dropping age statements/proof in the face of rising production costs deserves to be rewarded! I'd much rather pay higher prices!

I'll pay more, too. I'm impressed with the manner in which Mark Brown & BT are handling the issue. What a great company! My next trip to the store will include a purchase of OC 10-YR, 86 proof!