State run Liquor Stores in WA

[andykeck]

Not looking forward to the price increases in the short-term.

That's going to be painful for sure. I think as the dust settles, the competition kicks in, and some of the worst fees sunset in two years, we'll stabilize at a better place. Back to where we are now? Dunno. I jut got back from vacation/booze shopping in California and just hope to find a place with selection and service like some of the stores I visited there.

[ChainWhip]

The way it was explained to me is that distributors in Washington have a monopoly on brands - eg. Distributor A has the corner on Jack while Distributor B owns rights to Diageo, etc.,

Once that opens up, I think we will start seeing some price relief.

[andykeck]

I've also heard that there's a lot of concern about this year's minimum $150 million payment to the state from the distributors. They're front loading a lot of that fee money into prices right now. That should relax over time too.

[ChainWhip]

I wonder if having to set up logistics/warehouses/etc., is contributing to the price hikes as well - the state used to handle all statewide distribution out of their warehouses no?

[andykeck]

I wonder if having to set up logistics/warehouses/etc., is contributing to the price hikes as well - the state used to handle all statewide distribution out of their warehouses no?

Yeah, I suspect that we're paying in advance for them to build out capacity.

[LostBottle]

Well, I visited a large place in Seattle that recently started carrying liquor. Their prices are ridiculous! I hope when BevMo and Total Wine move into the area, the revenue of places like this takes a significant hit. There is no reason for stores to charge these prices, other than greed and taking advantage of consumers during a confusing transition. Here are some examples:

Whisk(e)y.............Pre-Tax...Post-Tax

Lagavulin 16...........$114........$140

Woodford Rye.........$149........$182

JPS 18...................$125........$153

EH Taylor Sngl Brl...$110........$135

[ChainWhip]

Total Wine is opening up a store in Bellevue by the end of the month:

http://www.bizjournals.com/mobile/seattle/blog/2012/05/total-wine-mores-bellevue-store-ups.html?page=all

I'm avoiding local purchases until I start seeing more reasonable prices (or sale items) - good thing I've got a decent stash.

Edit: prices @ Safeway are no better - Oban 14 was north of $90 pretax!

[LostBottle]

I'm avoiding local purchases until I start seeing more reasonable prices (or sale items) - good thing I've got a decent stash.

I second that, brother.

[andykeck]

Thirded. I stocked up during my last trip to CA. For bourbon, rye and scotch, I'm set for a few months. I'm gonna run out of Cynar and Torani Amer pretty soon, but those just aren't very expensive one way or the other.

[CaptainQ]

I went to Wine World on 45th today. Friggin' outrageous prices. They can keep every bottle as far as I'm concerned. I'm stocked up and can ride this out for a year if I have to. If not, I'll pay the shipping and have it sent to me at home. I figured this would happen and it's really the distributers that are screwing the consumers.

[ChainWhip]

Anybody manage to check out Costco yet?

[CaptainQ]

Anybody manage to check out Costco yet?

[ChainWhip]

Are you out of Makers or Jack?

[LostBottle]

I called Clearview Spirits and Wine, and their prices were much better than other places I saw - nice to see someone not getting into the gouging game. They also said they had just made a trip to Kentucky and picked a new Four Roses barrel. It is a little out of my way, but I think this will be my go-to shop as they are locally owned and really seem to care about whiskey and their customers.

[nivto]

I went to Wine World on 45th today. Friggin' outrageous prices. They can keep every bottle as far as I'm concerned. I'm stocked up and can ride this out for a year if I have to. If not, I'll pay the shipping and have it sent to me at home. I figured this would happen and it's really the distributers that are screwing the consumers.

I'm willing to bet you could ride this out for more than a year. :grin:

[andykeck]

I called Clearview Spirits and Wine, and their prices were much better than other places I saw - nice to see someone not getting into the gouging game. They also said they had just made a trip to Kentucky and picked a new Four Roses barrel. It is a little out of my way, but I think this will be my go-to shop as they are locally owned and really seem to care about whiskey and their customers.

[ChainWhip]

Clearview has been my go-to store for a while now - cannot recommend them highly enough

[CaptainQ]

I'm willing to bet you could ride this out for more than a year. :grin:

Okay, so maybe I am prepared for the Apocalypse(bourbon wise). :cool:

Another recommendation for Clearview Spirits. Great selection.

[Restaurant man]

Washington: Liquor privatization - Another negative consequence

So she's a genius?

[ChainWhip]

For some reason, that link brings me to "page not found"