Why wont Blantons Sell Its straight from the barrel Domestically?

[Attila]

I used to feel like I got ripped off for seeking out one of the few "rare" Japanese bourbons that was more or less widely available in the States

If you need any help finding a bottle of something you want to take home with you, just let me know.

[wxman]

If you need any help finding a bottle of something you want to take home with you, just let me know.

Just out of curiosity, how does a premium bourbon compare in price to quality single malts in Japan? I'm surprised that bourbon's produced and shipped in the US cost much less in Japan (especially considering the weak dollar). Any explanation?

[wxman]

Although they use the Age International corporate entity, the Blanton's brand is owned by Japan's Takara Shozu Ltd., which controls all aspects of its distribution and pricing. Buffalo Trace makes it and distributes it in the U.S., but Takara calls the shots.

Does this also apply to Elmer T. Lee and Rock Hill farms?

[barturtle]

I was visiting the Blantons Website and noticed that on the barrel between and below the "bourbon" and "tradition" barrels it says "Blanton's is distilled in new oak barrels, which are never re-used"...I wasn't aware that anyone was still using wooded stills...

[StraightBoston]

I wasn't aware that anyone was still using wooded stills...

Ha!

Maybe that's what B-F needs to try to balance out the copper in Woodford...

[Attila]

Just out of curiosity, how does a premium bourbon compare in price to quality single malts in Japan? I'm surprised that bourbon's produced and shipped in the US cost much less in Japan (especially considering the weak dollar). Any explanation?

Well, the weak dollar would actually lead to a cheaper price for bourbon here in Japan, since it takes less yen to buy each dollar.

Macallan 12 YO - 3,599 yen
Laphroaig 15 YO - 4,999 yen

[Gillman]

I'm just curious how the premium Japanese malts would compare (in price), e.g., the very fine Yamazaki.

Gary

[Virus_Of_Life]

Age International, former -- but not current -- partner in what is now Buffalo Trace, owns the Blanton's brand.

I haven't read this whole thread but find this info very interesting because I have never heard it before. Don't know if I wasn't listening or what, but I just had no idea Blanton's label was owned by someone else!

I hope this agreement ends soon and they start distributing all the labels here or at least the SFTB and Gold. I love Blanton's but really think it is better at a higher proof.

[StraightBoston]

In my personal experience, brands equally available in the US and Japan are comparably priced when you factor in exchange rates, etc. -- with the unique exception of Blanton's, which is much cheaper in the Original version in Japan than in the States.

The "low-cost" bourbons in Japan, especially in the $10-30 range, are usually the low-volume ones that aren't sold in the US: EW 12yo and 15yo and a bazillion other HH labels, Maker's Mark black wax (in the past), I.W. Harper, Early Times as KSBW etc. Four Roses used to be in this category until they expanded US distribution. Then you get the $50-100 range dominated by KBD (and Julian's stuff in the past -- there are some great VW expressions in the bars!) followed by the crazy $200 stuff like some of the 20-plus yo ryes and EW23.

[Attila]

I'm just curious how the premium Japanese malts would compare (in price), e.g., the very fine Yamazaki.

Gary

From internet retailers:

Hibiki 17 YO - 6,799 yen
Yamazaki 10 YO - 3,550 yen
Yamazaki 18 YO - 18,000 yen
Taketsuru - 10,500 yen