EC18 Fair Price

[funknik]

Just curious.....I bought my bottle of Elijah Craig 18yr @ the NH Liquor Store for $34 and recently saw it at Julio's for $55 (I didn't see a Julio's Hand Selected sticker on it or anything). Knowing the New Hampshire is dirt cheap, I was wondering what the going rate for this bottle is out in the rest of the world....

[gothbat]

In NJ: I got this for $32 or $35 when I tried it but it appears to average closer to $45 these days although I do know a place that has it on sale for $37 right now. $55 is pretty high, imo.

[smokinjoe]

I agree with Goth. $35 is really good. I also see it in the Low/mid $40's. I have never seen it as high as $55 anywhere, though. That does seem very high.

FWIW, my last bottle of this has been a terrific pour. Unlike some of the EC18's which can be a tad tannic, this one has been most enjoyable. I hope you like it. Plus, with the weather you've been having, EC18 seems like a perfect warmer-upper.

[funknik]

I agree with Goth. $35 is really good. I also see it in the Low/mid $40's. I have never seen it as high as $55 anywhere, though. That does seem very high.

FWIW, my last bottle of this has been a terrific pour. Unlike some of the EC18's which can be a tad tannic, this one has been most enjoyable. I hope you like it. Plus, with the weather you've been having, EC18 seems like a perfect warmer-upper.

I'm almost done with my EC18 -- I've been nursing it since OCT. It's one of my favorites, but not for everyday drinking. I'm not sure what is meant by "tannic" -- I know there are tannens in wine & spirits -- is this an "oaky" taste? Anway, I DO think that this whiskey is very oaky and charred tasting (same flavor I've noticed in some tainted bottles of EC12 but to a much lesser degree), almost sharp and musty -- I had attributed it to the age. This taste really doesn't bother me in the 18yr though, I think it adds to the charm.....And, yes, it's excellent in the cold, snowy weather.

[smokinjoe]

Glad you're enjoying it, Andy. You have correctly described by what I meant with tannic. Overly oaky, and charrey (word? ). I too, don't mind this. It's only when it goes to the point of being almost astringent, does it or any spirit lose me. I think that's why EC18 has a fair amount of detractors on the board. Nice bottle too, eh?

[funknik]

Nice bottle too, eh?

My wife knows I love EC12 (it's my go-to bourbon) and when she saw the 18yr on the shelf she was all, "OOOO, Andy look at this bottle of Elijah Craig, it's pretty!" I replied, "Yes, inside and outside." :grin:

That woman has a good eye -- think I'll keep her.

[smokinjoe]

Yep, I've often used the "I know how pretty you think the bottle is, honey." defense, when I bring another bottle of FRSB home, to add to an already full bunker. I hope she continues to buy that line, though.

[funknik]

Glad you're enjoying it, Andy. You have correctly described by what I meant with tannic. Overly oaky, and charrey (word? ). I too, don't mind this. It's only when it goes to the point of being almost astringent, does it or any spirit lose me. I think that's why EC18 has a fair amount of detractors on the board. Nice bottle too, eh?

Joe, looks like our pick impressed someone other than just us....Wine Enthusiast picked it as the first bourbon on their Top 50 Spirits list (may be an alphabetical list, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it). :grin:

[polyamnesia]

hey andy...around here, it goes for (i believe) $38.99...my big ole EC12 is getting lower....and i've been vatting it with WTRB (now gone) and the diminishing OGD114....both are quite a contrast to the smooth/thick/sweetness of the EC12...but i will be sad when it's gone.

actually, for the month, the large EC12 is on sale in PA for $32.99!

back to the 18...i will have to snatch one up when funds appear or it goes on sale. i spent enough on premium pours this past week (handy saz...still at a good price of $51+)

[funknik]

hey andy...around here, it goes for (i believe) $38.99...my big ole EC12 is getting lower....and i've been vatting it with WTRB (now gone) and the diminishing OGD114....both are quite a contrast to the smooth/thick/sweetness of the EC12...but i will be sad when it's gone.

actually, for the month, the large EC12 is on sale in PA for $32.99!

back to the 18...i will have to snatch one up when funds appear or it goes on sale. i spent enough on premium pours this past week (handy saz...still at a good price of $51+)

Andy, I wish I could get EC12 in a big bottle up here....that's another thread...

As for the 18, it's a whole other thing like Luna said, but I really dig it -- my bottle's almost gone and I think I'll have to wait to replace it.....reason being....I can only get it in NH and next time I go there I'm going to pick up one of those Handy Saz & ER17 from the BTAC for $48...also a good price.

[polyamnesia]

wow, $48 for the HSaz! this bottle i have ought to last me until early january....unless holiday cheer takes over unexpectedly!

i am now an EC believer. i will certainly nab an 18 one day SOON. don't think i've had anything over 12 years actually.....Van Winkle, EC12.....that's it!

[CygnusX-1]

Its $39.99 Here in Va though it sometimes goes on sale for $36

[AVB]

EC 18 is $38.99 here in PA with the big 12 yo currently on sale for $30.99 until 3 May when it will go up to $34.99

[independant]

In Virginia EC12 is listed at 22.95 for .75 and 34.95 for the 1.75 and the EC18 is 39.90. It is not uncommon for these to be onsale for up to 4 dollars off.

[dcb]

past few winters, NH has put the EC18 on ridiculous sale for one month, this January it was for a mere $24 so I stocked up on it then (and it's from a good barrel, too.) dense flavor and big rye bite.

[Luna56]

past few winters, NH has put the EC18 on ridiculous sale for one month, this January it was for a mere $24 so I stocked up on it then (and it's from a good barrel, too.) dense flavor and big rye bite.

Wow, are you sure it was the 18 and not the 12? I live in NH and haven't seen the 18 under 30 bucks ever. If that's the case; Damn!! Sorry I missed that one, EC18 is one of my faves.

Cheers!

[funknik]

Wow, are you sure it was the 18 and not the 12? I live in NH and haven't seen the 18 under 30 bucks ever. If that's the case; Damn!! Sorry I missed that one, EC18 is one of my faves.

Cheers!

Yeah, in Dec or Jan it was $26.99 . . . I saw it, but I bought VW & BTAC instead.

[tommyboy38]

Right now...I sort of wish I lived in NH.

[Luna56]

Sorry I missed out on it back in January. Must've been during my west coast trip and subsequent flu catatonia.

i like EC18 a lot, might be time to grab one.

Cheers!

[funknik]

Sorry I missed out on it back in January. Must've been during my west coast trip and subsequent flu catatonia.

i like EC18 a lot, might be time to grab one.

Cheers!

still, it's $20 cheaper than Mass @ $34.

[Luna56]

Prices here in NH can be crazy good sometimes, a fact that offsets the somewhat narrow selection. I'm still moaning about the fact that we almost had Four Roses here; it was announced on the FR website and everything. Somehow the deal came apart.

At least Julio's (man, what a great selection Julio's has, eh?) will ship here and their prices aren't bad at all.

Cheers!

PS- EC18 is currently $33.99, not too bad.

[leebo]

I bought a bottle @ $26 from the NH State store. Still way too woody for me. Vatted with the 12 yr for two good bottles.

[fishnbowljoe]

Saw some today for $35.99 here in northern Illinois. Joe

[smokinjoe]

I picked up a bottle to take with me to Cumberland Falls, KY last week. $46 and change. Another stellar bottle, though $46 per is a lot to pay compared to what some of ya'll see.