What states actually sell W. L. Weller 12 year old

[Barclay Beach]

Not sold in PA by the LCB.

[Crowes]

Is there a logical reason why one state can get the Special Reserve and the Antique but not the 12 year?

[jeffrey r]

Is there a logical reason why one state can get the Special Reserve and the Antique but not the 12 year?

Probably not, but what do I know. I was in Shoppers Vineyard recently, which is a good liquor store here in NJ, and I asked why they didn't carry Weller 12, and they simply said it was not available in their market. I'd imagine they'd carry it if they could, as they carry OWA. In NJ, I have only seen OWA at SV and at local Total Wine outposts, and I've only found the WSR and Weller 12 in NYC. Fortunately, the Weller 12 is $21 around here, which is pretty surprising NYC would have one of the better prices on anything, let alone something scarce.

[ebo]

I can tell you that if you want anything other than the standard pours, Ohio won't have it. Ohio has to be one of the worst states for anything whisk(e)y.

[JLH3]

I've never seen it in Arizona, but bought some in Austin during deer season this year.

[smokinjoe]

Is there a logical reason why one state can get the Special Reserve and the Antique but not the 12 year?

For starters, it's 12 years old. We all know what kind of dent the bourbon renaissance has put into aged whiskey. You'd probably see less availability on even the OWA and SR, if not for the dropping of the age statement on them. Fans of the 12 should count themselves lucky that it's available anywhere. I'm pretty sure that the talk on this board 5-6 years ago was that the 12 yr was being discontinued. It certainly has gone through very, very prolonged droughts of availability. Also, up until a couple of years ago it was available in maybe 2-3 states...if that?...Heck, it may have been a Kentucky only product ~2004ish. Honestly speaking, I'm surprised that as many states that carry it have been named. But, I'm doing my part to increase availability for my SB brothers and sisters. I don't much care for it, so I don't buy it. The last bottle I bought, was just because I could, as it had just appeared here in Jawjuh...

[Crowes]

For starters, it's 12 years old. We all know what kind of dent the bourbon renaissance has put into aged whiskey. You'd probably see less availability on even the OWA and SR, if not for the dropping of the age statement on them. Fans of the 12 should count themselves lucky that it's available anywhere. I'm pretty sure that the talk on this board 5-6 years ago was that the 12 yr was being discontinued. It certainly has gone through very, very prolonged droughts of availability. Also, up until a couple of years ago it was available in maybe 2-3 states...if that?...Heck, it may have been a Kentucky only product ~2004ish. Honestly speaking, I'm surprised that as many states that carry it have been named. But, I'm doing my part to increase availability for my SB brothers and sisters. I don't much care for it, so I don't buy it. The last bottle I bought, was just because I could, as it had just appeared here in Jawjuh...

That makes sense. I just wish I could try it and see if it's a worthy substitute for 12yr Lot "B", which I absolutely love. Oh well, may be time for a road trip soon to get some.

[TheOakMonster]

Fortunately, the Weller 12 is $21 around here, which is pretty surprising NYC would have one of the better prices on anything, let alone something scarce.

I'm looking at the NYS wholesale price book and for whatever reason the Weller 12 wholesales for about $5 less than OWA in NY. I can only speculate the distributor has older stock sitting collecting dust because stores aren't buying the product.

[BFerguson]

Add MN to the list, albeit on a very limited scale, I know of two places that have it currently in the cities.

B

[JB64]

I have seen it in Springfield, Missouri but not in Kansas City where I live.

[fishnbowljoe]

Like others have posted, it's available here in Illinois. That being said.....ATTN: THREAD DRIFT! THREAD DRIFT! :grin: Like I have stated before in another thread (threads), I've heard from a couple of different sources that Weller 12 is supposedly becoming a once a year release like the BTAC and Van Winkle bottlings. Not sure if it's true or not, but it sure seems that way. Stocks in my general area tend to dwindle a bit, then just when you think it may disappear, voila!, shelves are somewhat full again. I'm gonna go out on a limb here with a word I hate to use, I am assuming that this is a direct result of the BT wheated distillate being used entirely for the Van Winkle bottlings now. Dohhhhh! Ya' reckon? :slappin:

FWIW, I love Weller 12. A 12 year old bourbon that tastes pretty darn good, and is available at under $30 is, or should be a bargain in anyones book. But that's just my opinion. I also would never use it for the SB blend. It stands alone as a great bourbon in and by itself. I use Weller SR and OWA for my SB blend. Just makes more sense to me.

[Kyjd75]

Like others have posted, it's available here in Illinois. That being said.....ATTN: THREAD DRIFT! THREAD DRIFT! :grin: Like I have stated before in another thread (threads), I've heard from a couple of different sources that Weller 12 is supposedly becoming a once a year release like the BTAC and Van Winkle bottlings. Not sure if it's true or not, but it sure seems that way. Stocks in my general area tend to dwindle a bit, then just when you think it may disappear, voila!, shelves are somewhat full again. I'm gonna go out on a limb here with a word I hate to use, I am assuming that this is a direct result of the BT wheated distillate being used entirely for the Van Winkle bottlings now. Dohhhhh! Ya' reckon? :slappin:

FWIW, I love Weller 12. A 12 year old bourbon that tastes pretty darn good, and is available at under $30 is, or should be a bargain in anyones book. But that's just my opinion. I also would never use it for the SB blend. It stands alone as a great bourbon in and by itself. I use Weller SR and OWA for my SB blend. Just makes more sense to me.

I can tell you with some certainty that Weller 12 yr is now a once a year, allocated release (at least in Ky). Spoke with the Republic rep who handles the Weller account in my area and he confirmed this. We won't see Weller again until the fall in Ky.

[fishnbowljoe]

I can tell you with some certainty that Weller 12 yr is now a once a year, allocated release (at least in Ky). Spoke with the Republic rep who handles the Weller account in my area and he confirmed this. We won't see Weller again until the fall in Ky.

Thanks Kyjd75. It's good to know that my sources might be correct at least once in a while. Even if it's not quite a good thing. :frown:

[fishnbowljoe]

Binny's certainly has upped the prices on this bourbon in the last 2 years...in 2010 it was $22.99, then $24.99, now they're up to $27.99. At $25 and under I would buy this bottle but now at $30 otd there are many other choices that I would make before getting this one!

By the way Bob, you're wrong. Weller 12 at Binny's was $24.99 from 2008 through 2010. I have the receipts to prove it. From multiple stores no less. :bigeyes: Maybe you should get your facts straight before you come in here and try to wow us with you extemporaneous bs. :skep: But thanks anyway for your erroneous input. :bowdown: God Bless Enid Strict. :pope:

PTI folks, but I must say this pour of Weller 12 sure does taste good tonight. :yum: Cheers!

[Cigar Dan]

Sounds like I need to stock up while the getting is good. I'm going shopping tomorrow.

[cowdery]

Is there a logical reason why one state can get the Special Reserve and the Antique but not the 12 year?

[David D]

Do other states (Georgia in particular) happen to fall in that group that can be shipped to if the order is called in rather than ordered over the internet? Seems like I have tried by phone in the past and was not able to place an order.

Yes, but Georgia isn't one of them. The state says, "No booze."

[Crowes]

There could be. Some control states limit the number of listings so producers have to pick and choose. They can't list as many products as they want to. Some states accomplish the same thing through listing fees. Companies don't want to pay the listing fees on products that don't sell very well. In license states (i.e., not control) it's up to the distributor what they want to carry. They may put limitations on which of a producer's products they'll carry, even if the state doesn't.

Sometimes producers won't make things available in some places because their supplies are limited and so they don't offer those products in states where they don't think they will sell well. Sometimes it's the producer's decision, but more often it's the state or distributor.

That's goof info, thanks.

[tdig]

It is also sold here in Montgomery County, Maryland....although they frequently go out of stock for long stretches of time.

For only 18.99 at that...bought 4 bottles last time it was available.

[tanstaafl2]

Yes, but Georgia isn't one of them. The state says, "No booze."

OK, thanks for the follow up. Didn't realize it was a state thing as I have gotten shipments from at least one SF area store in the past (maybe a year or so ago?).

DUNY, TPS and Astor have been able to send me booze in the (very recent) past. Unfortunately, they just don't always have what you have. Like Hooker's House bourbon for example or things from Old World Spirits.

Perhaps the rules are different between different states. I know the booze laws in Georgia are pretty whacky and largely incomprehensible for mere mortals.

Oh well, never hurts to ask!

[cowdery]

Some stores don't follow the rules. It makes some sense. The State of Georgia really has no authority over a store in San Francisco. Their rescourse isn't against the store, it's against the customer. Stores that follow the rules anyway do so because they think it's good customer service to not be the cause of a visit from the ABC cops.

[MauiSon]

Has anyone here ever had such a visit?

[tanstaafl2]

Not I! And I have had several shipments arrive from London full of delightful delicacies with nary a revenuer in sight!

But I respect the stores right to do as they feel is appropriate. May not like it but I respect it. I place the blame squarely at the feet of the state.

[squire]

An acquaintance asked my assistance in getting a special brand of champagne to celebrate her 10th wedding anniversary and I found one (surprisingly hard to find, she did pick a special one) from a store that didn't ship to our State. When she explained the circumstances they sent it anyway and even paid the shipping. When travel takes me to that city I always drop by and give them some business.

[Josh]

Has anyone here ever had such a visit?