Handles?

[Rutter]

Ten years or so I toured the Glenfiddich distillery, and they were bottling handles when we got to that part of the tour. The guide said (I know, I know) that they were just for the American market. Apparently we are the only ones who like to buy in bulk.

And, yes, I know, it was a "thing tour guides say", but she gave the impression that she had been doing this for a while and knew her stuff, unlike any guide I've had at a bourbon distillery except Freddie.

Sounds about right, I've never seen a handle for sale over here.

[moose]

Handles, I will grab some if they are on sale, say its $2-$4 more for the handle than the 750ml size, then its really a no brainer. This usually is more common for the lower shelf offerings, EWB, OGD, JBW, etc... But more often than not I just get the 750ml size for bourbons, I too suffer from the leaky 1.75L size, which seem to disappear rather quickly. The only handle I currently have in the bunker is MM, and it was a gift.

Other liquors, I usually reach for the 1.75L size, as they are consistently within <$5 of the 750ml, and having a handle of vodka in the freezer always helps whenever company comes over, and doesn't have a taste for bourbon (fine by me).

[Josh]

Here in Michigan handles are not a better deal than fifths by state law. Occasionally a liter will be a better deal, but that's usually an accident. But I still get handles pretty frequently.

When I go to Kentucky I will stock up on handles of value whiskeys I can't get here. Last time, I picked up handles of HH Green label 6/90 (plastic), Old Forester Signature, VOB 90, AAA 10 y/o (plastic), and Old Weller 12 y/o (!). I usually get the BiB versions of VOB and HH 6 y/o but I got the 90 proofers this time just to shake things up.

I recenly convinced a local purveyor of spirits to stock handles of Four Roses, so I have one of those too. In the past I have purchased handles of Evan Williams, Elijah Craig 12 (both available in MI) and I picked up a very good handle of Binny's BT last year. I have limited space in the house for bottles, so I store the handles in the garage and use them to refill the fifths I have in my cabinet.

[ILLfarmboy]

Hmm. The only place I see liters is Sam's Club.......and they don't have anything in liters that I realy want, well except for WT101 and I hardly ever drink that anymore unless I'm in a bar.

And more handels with actual handles making it easier to poor from would be good too.

[dmarkle]

I've seen some pretty decent handles around Maryland and Virginia:

OWA (I believe the handle still carries the 7 year age statement)

Woodford Reserve

Knob Creek (respectable)

Eagle Rare

and, a bit OT, you're starting to see handles of Macallan 12 and Glenmorangie show up every now and then. Showing up to a party or a beach house with a 1.75 of 12 year old scotch is a good way to make friends.

[gblick]

At first I shied away from the handles, preferring the fifths and liters. But when the fifths and liters of my favorite dusties started to dry up around town, it became open season on the handles.

[cigarnv]

Not many deals on handles in Va. Pretty much stick to WSR and OWA... at times I may grab a Dickel 12....

[ThomasH]

I was on vacation in Florida last year and one Liquor store had liters of JD for 29.00 and handles for 31.00. That is a no brainer if you like JD!

Thomas

[Flyfish]

I'm with you Oscar. Here in WA they never stock anything but bottom shelf juice in handles. The few 1.75s I have were purchased elsewhere. I only have a few: Weller 12, OWA and SW Old Fitz(see a trend here).:grin:

Really? I mean, come on. Really?

I'm with Crotchety. "Bottom shelf" doesn't have to mean crappy bourbon. VOB is worth a lot more than what they charge for it. I have even been known to buy more than one handle of JB Black when it's on sale at the Homestead, FL MegaDiscount Liquor store for about $25.

[steeltownbbq]

I've never really considered buying handles before reading this post. I'm a bit concerned with the leaky bottle syndrome mentioned by others. But since I will be close to my favorite PA store this weekend I thought I would check on line and see what's available.

OGD BIB 1.75 $29.99 (sale price) vs $18.99 750ml

EW BLK 1.75 $23.99 vs $11.99 750ml

not huge savings - but I need to stock up anyway

[craigthom]

I've never really considered buying handles before reading this post. I'm a bit concerned with the leaky bottle syndrome mentioned by others. But since I will be close to my favorite PA store this weekend I thought I would check on line and see what's available.

OGD BIB 1.75 $29.99 (sale price) vs $18.99 750ml

EW BLK 1.75 $23.99 vs $11.99 750ml

not huge savings - but I need to stock up anyway

[Lab Walker]

We buy handles almost always. OGD, BT, and Bushmill's.

Man do they go quick!!!

Might get a KC when it's on sale, but at $65.00...very steep!

[tmckenzie]

The leaky bottle syndrome is true. I always drink more than I should on handles.