In search of Pappy 15

[dridge11]

I don't want to pay eBay prices but it may come down to that.

But then you'd be buying it from yourself, I'm sure you could give you a good deal if you do find one. Unlikely it will be from anyone on this forum.

[Old Lamplighter]

Back to the original question (kind of), I quit searching for any PVW15 early last year...even before all the hoopla. They weren't to be found and I just decided to be happy with the few '08-09s that I had put away. Chances are now if I ever come across any more it will be off the scale in terms of a 'reasonable' price point.

[SMOWK]

Reward you don't say...? I need a fancy watch and a pricey ink pen.

I'll stick with my casio g-shock and a dixon ticonderoga. :cool:

[Bmac]

I have never been offered a Pappy to buy. Two years in a row on a waiting list has gotten me two bottles of Lot B.

I paid eBay prices for the one Pappy 15 i have now. Thankfully, it was before the huge boom. I paid 150 for it and i have to say that it was worth it. Can't get it for that cheap anymore. It's sad when you think the the Van Winkles arent seeing 1/3 of what these scalpers are making.

[Trey Manthey]

Back to the original question (kind of), I quit searching for any PVW15 early last year...even before all the hoopla. They weren't to be found and I just decided to be happy with the few '08-09s that I had put away. Chances are now if I ever come across any more it will be off the scale in terms of a 'reasonable' price point.

I was tenacious in my hunt this Spring, as I'd gotten shut out of 2010/2011 altogether (before I even knew there was a "hunt"). Being a good customer to my local liquor store and "asking nicely" (flirting incessantly with the checkout girl) was enough to get them to call me when it came in. Basically, I totally bought in to the hoopla.

Now that I've got a few bottles to sip on, I understand why it's popular, but all that makes it a craze is the scarcity. So like many others at SB, the thrill is gone, and the chase (and many times, the money) isn't worth the prize.

I gave that speech to my fiancee this weekend when she asked if I was going to be scouring liquor stores like the last time we went on a trip. So you can't imagine how hard she rolled her eyes when we went to a liquor store to pick up some beach booze and I came out of the store with three bottles of that I spied behind the counter when walking in.

So as much as we love to hate Pappy, I would wager most of us would not be able to pass up picking up at least one bottle if the price was right.

[The Boozer]

txaggie76

I know a store that's got 3-4 bottles of Pappy 15, real cheap. Its near the corner of McNichols and Connor streets in Detroit. And don't worry about the 6 inch plexiglass between the customers and the store clerks, its just for decor.

[Special Reserve]

txaggie76

I know a store that's got 3-4 bottles of Pappy 15, real cheap. Its near the corner of McNichols and Connor streets in Detroit. And don't worry about the 6 inch plexiglass between the customers and the store clerks, its just for decor.

Hey, I was in that store! I didn't see any Pappy.

[bourbonNOOG]

I have never been offered a Pappy to buy. Two years in a row on a waiting list has gotten me two bottles of Lot B.

I paid eBay prices for the one Pappy 15 i have now. Thankfully, it was before the huge boom. I paid 150 for it and i have to say that it was worth it. Can't get it for that cheap anymore. It's sad when you think the the Van Winkles arent seeing 1/3 of what these scalpers are making.

$150 is a cheap markup in your mind? Where are you shopping? You can definitely still find pappy 15 at $150 or below in the store. I would say $150 is on the high end of retail markup. I would agree you can't get it on eBay for less than that.

Either way, the stuff ain't worth it. There are plenty of Willett's out there that far exceed the quality of Pappy 15. But, it all comes down to marketing I guess.

[Restaurant man]

$150 is a cheap markup in your mind? Where are you shopping? You can definitely still find pappy 15 at $150 or below in the store. I would say $150 is on the high end of retail markup. I would agree you can't get it on eBay for less than that.

Either way, the stuff ain't worth it. There are plenty of Willett's out there that far exceed the quality of Pappy 15. But, it all comes down to marketing I guess.

"far exceed the quality?" do tell please. I'd love to try them. next you'll tell me they are half the price. (the regular retail price. not $150) :skep: :skep:

[bourbonNOOG]

"far exceed the quality?" do tell please. I'd love to try them. next you'll tell me they are half the price. (the regular retail price. not $150) :skep: :skep:

As you know, the Willetts are all SB offerings, so no two are alike (unless they came from the same barrel). In my experience the majority of them I've had are far more complex than Pappy 15.

And yes, actually they are half the price or less. Most of them ranging from $40-$75 but some do exceed that range and do venture up into the $150 range on occasion.

None of this is news to you though, judging from your user name. Although, from the way you write you strike me as someone who believes their industry experience makes them more knowledgeable than or better than others.

To each their own.

[Tico]

$150 is a cheap markup in your mind? Where are you shopping? You can definitely still find pappy 15 at $150 or below in the store. I would say $150 is on the high end of retail markup. I would agree you can't get it on eBay for less than that.

Either way, the stuff ain't worth it. There are plenty of Willett's out there that far exceed the quality of Pappy 15. But, it all comes down to marketing I guess.

Willet's are a crap shoot though. I haven't seen any 15 year wheated Willet's for $75. While the ones I have tried vary from really good to ok, it all comes down to the ability to taste before buying or trusting the person selecting the bottling.

[bourbonNOOG]

Willet's are a crap shoot though. I haven't seen any 15 year wheated Willet's for $75. While the ones I have tried vary from really good to ok, it all comes down to the ability to taste before buying or trusting the person selecting the bottling.

very true. I have had Willetts at half the age (7-9 years) that had a more unique and enjoyable taste than any bottle of pappy 15 I've had.

[jcg9779]

"far exceed the quality?" do tell please. I'd love to try them. next you'll tell me they are half the price. (the regular retail price. not $150) :skep: :skep:

Kevin, there were a couple on Joe's table that fit this description during our last get together. However, as we know, taste is always subjective. To some people (not saying that this describes you) PVW15 might be the end-all be-all of bourbon.

[Restaurant man]

Kevin, there were a couple on Joe's table that fit this description during our last get together. However, as we know, taste is always subjective. To some people (not saying that this describes you) PVW15 might be the end-all be-all of bourbon.

Good point. I remember those well. Had some amazing willetts at Doug's house as well. I like their rye's that I've had but guess I haven't had enough experience with the full breadth of their bourbon offerings. Not great availability in Atlanta. Thanks for the reminder.

[Restaurant man]

As you know, the Willetts are all SB offerings, so no two are alike (unless they came from the same barrel). In my experience the majority of them I've had are far more complex than Pappy 15.

And yes, actually they are half the price or less. Most of them ranging from $40-$75 but some do exceed that range and do venture up into the $150 range on occasion.

None of this is news to you though, judging from your user name. Although, from the way you write you strike me as someone who believes their industry experience makes them more knowledgeable than or better than others.

To each their own.

No need to take shots bro. When I said "do tell" I was hoping for a recommendation. The willetts haven't had great distribution in the ATL so I'm not that familiar with their bourbons and we have never had a bottle in our restaurant. fWIW I don't think I'm better than anyone and when I act as though I am, I'm usually just having fun. :grin:

[T Comp]

fWIW I don't think I'm better than anyone and when I act as though I am, I'm usually just having fun. :grin:

And man he likes to have fun :cool: !

[Trey Manthey]

I checked up on this turd burgler and he's got three more bottles of WLW (a 2008-2010 vertical no less) up on the 'bay. It almost makes me sad that he might never get to taste the incidental contents inside those highly collectible bottles.

[SMOWK]

those highly collectible bottles.

highly drinkable.

[Restaurant man]

txaggie76

Novice

Member #: 8624

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Join Date: May 2012

Posts: 5

Re: Van Winkle in Little Rock

Man,

I really really want to try a bottle of the 15 Pappy! I wish this wasnt so hard to find!

[LostBottle]

Just remember, it is guys like this browsing the "What did you pass up today" thread. My advice is to not give any clues and post random cities

[MacinJosh]

I no longer search for Pappy15 and have passed a few bottles up recently. DO NOT PM ME, I'M SURE THEY ARE LONG GONE AND WILL NOT REPLY. <----- Kind of sad that was necessary.

Anyway......

It's no longer SW juice....so who gives a crap? It's good BT juice and there's plenty of that to be found on countless shelves. As others have mentioned, get some OWA for much cheaper and far less hunting effort.

As for eBay, I buy whiskey to drink it. That's just me. I don't begrudge anyone who wants to flip whiskey for a profit. Have a good time and good luck. I can work some overtime if I want to make a little more money. For me, it's not worth my time and effort to flip whiskey. If I buy it, I'm drinking it and sharing with family and friends.

The Pappy allure is dead to me. If I can find some Old Rip 10/107 for $35ish or some VWFRR for a decent price....I'll bite and enjoy it.

There are SOOOOO many better bourbons than 2012 Pappy 15 out there. Sorry to burst your bubble lurkers....

[cigarnv]

Some very good points Josh. I refuse to chase whiskey.... Nothing I need that bad....

[ebo]

Some very good points Josh. I refuse to chase whiskey.... Nothing I need that bad....

I agree.

I asked at the store today about the BTAC.... do they ever get any, or can they get any. I was told I was they are asked almost daily about it, and they just don't want bothered with it. Again.... Ohio sucks for whisk(e)y

[rebelfred]

Guy's just keep looking because it is still out there. With in the last 30 days been able to buy the following just going in a few stores each day.

1 AH Hirsch 16 Gold Foil (3rd one in last six months)

3 George T Stagg

6 William LaRue Weller

1 Pappy 23

1 Pappy 20

1 Pappy 15

2 Pappy 12

1 ORVW 90

4 Black Maple Hill 23 Rye

9 Black Maple Hill 16 Bourbon

2 Parkers Heritage Collection 3rd Release

4 Sazerac 18

[Max Power]

Guy's just keep looking because it is still out there. With in the last 30 days been able to buy the following just going in a few stores each day.

1 AH Hirsch 16 Gold Foil (3rd one in last six months)

3 George T Stagg

6 William LaRue Weller

1 Pappy 23

1 Pappy 20

1 Pappy 15

2 Pappy 12

1 ORVW 90

4 Black Maple Hill 23 Rye

9 Black Maple Hill 16 Bourbon

2 Parkers Heritage Collection 3rd Release

4 Sazerac 18

You must really like Black Maple Hill. :bigeyes: