Bad news for Canadian Scotch enthusiasts

[Megawatt]

Finally, an explanation:

http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/story.html?id=a2fefb1d-25d7-4497-b61e-ca70fa50fd5f

[Jono]

Please explain how the LCBO operates....is it a totally publically financed operation? National or provincial?

Does it act as an umbrella public company that sells franchises?

Just curious where their operating funds come from and who determines what is purchased.

[Dramiel McHinson]

Finally, an explanation:

http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/story.html?id=a2fefb1d-25d7-4497-b61e-ca70fa50fd5f

I have been watching this for some time. I actually like a lot of the Diageo products but I have cut way back as the prices have nearly doubled in the last couple of years. At some point my favorites no longer make since to buy. Basically, they aren't that damn good.

It won't be long before Diageo and other importers for scotch whisky will become the best thing that ever happened to American whiskey. Still plenty of bargains in that market.

[Megawatt]

Please explain how the LCBO operates....is it a totally publically financed operation? National or provincial?

Does it act as an umbrella public company that sells franchises?

Just curious where their operating funds come from and who determines what is purchased.

It is entirely provincial government owned and operated. They set the prices, and unless you find something on sale the prices are the same across the province. According to Wikipedia they're one of the largest single purchasers of alcoholic beverages in the world.

[Megawatt]

I have been watching this for some time. I actually like a lot of the Diageo products but I have cut way back as the prices have nearly doubled in the last couple of years. At some point my favorites no longer make since to buy. Basically, they aren't that damn good.

It won't be long before Diageo and other importers for scotch whisky will become the best thing that ever happened to American whiskey. Still plenty of bargains in that market.

American whiskey isn't cheap here either, and there are only about ten brands available: Jim Beam, Jack Daniel's, Knob Creek, Woodford, Maker's Mark, Wild Turkey...that's about it, actually.

[ILLfarmboy]

I have been watching this for some time. I actually like a lot of the Diageo products but I have cut way back as the prices have nearly doubled in the last couple of years. At some point my favorites no longer make since to buy. Basically, they aren't that damn good.

It won't be long before Diageo and other importers for scotch whisky will become the best thing that ever happened to American whiskey. Still plenty of bargains in that market.

I noticed here that JW Green is 75 dollars at a local Hy-Vee, up about 12 or 15 dollars from a year or so ago. Same deal with Talisker.

[ThomasH]

Every year, I take a least one trip to Windsor, Ontario and while there visit at least one LCBO store. While their selection is not the best I've ever seen, I have bought some nice different bottles there. Sometimes the prices are a little high and other times they are right in line with comparable brands in the US. Many of the more popular brands are elevated in price because the market will support it. I usually buy bottles I can't get in the US. I agree that the American whiskey offerings in Canada are too few. The duty free at Windsor has a better selection of bourbon than the LCBO stores, which is sad. All in all, I still enjoy the trips to Canada!

Thomas

[Dramiel McHinson]

American whiskey isn't cheap here either, and there are only about ten brands available: Jim Beam, Jack Daniel's, Knob Creek, Woodford, Maker's Mark, Wild Turkey...that's about it, actually.

Just the opposite here in Alabama. On average, the Canadian whiskey is the least expensive, followed by the Kentucky bourbons, and then the outrageous scotch. In 2006 I bought a bottle of the Balvenie 21 yo Portwood for a little over 60$. It is now $203. I can find very few single malt scotches in my area for under $100. Glenlivet 10, Glenfiddich 12 haven't broken the century mark yet. The basic blends are creeping up with Johnnie Walker Green, Gold, Blue tearing your wallet to shreds.

I went to the local Windmill and they had a New bottle Hancock's Presidents Reserve single barrel from Buffalo Trace for $65. Most people draw the line at $25-30 for this whiskey.

Usually the ABC stores are the least expensive and all other stores must buy from them so its their price plus mark-up. I love my whisk(e)y, but I'm going to have to cut back until the supply backs up and busts the distributer's warehouses then we'll get a price break.:smiley_acbt:

[Art_H]

Finally, an explanation:

http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/story.html?id=a2fefb1d-25d7-4497-b61e-ca70fa50fd5f

The Scoth problem is really enhanced by provincial taxes and duties etc.

BC makes you pay 85% of the bottles worth plus more taxes.

Alberta charges duties per case and is much lower. Cheaper by far and sometimes 50% of the BC pricing.

There will be a recovery of sorts but may be a long time coming. There will be more new distilleries opening and current ones will ramp up production if possible, or expand possibly.

I could live without JW green and most blends anyway, but the Islays are my favorite...