Destination Retailers

[sailor22]

With families getting ready to hit the road for summer vacation I thought it would be fun to develop a list of Destination Retailers. Bourbon retailers that because of great selection, great prices or just plain super friendly staff make the shop a worthwhile stop if your driving anywhere nearby. Lets list the store and why it's worth a stop or even worth driving out of your way a little.

There are a lot of well known ones that other people can describe better than me (Party Source, Julios etc) so I'll start with my local shop.

Market Square Liquors in Tallahassee Florida, 1415 Timberlane Rd

- The strong point is selection. They stock a surprising number of high end Bourbons and single barrel picks. They still have 4Roses 12012 LE Small Batch on the shelf!

- They have a bar you can enter from the liquor store and they pour samples of most the Bourbons for sale, really helps you decide what to buy.

- They might have the largest single barrel selection in US.

- Very knowledgable Bourbon guy (Barry) who can help steer you to the best ones and will pour samples.

- Quick easy access from I-10

- The negative is that the prices can get higher than some folks are used to - this is three tier state and that keeps prices a little high.

[petrel800]

No offense, but you might want to have this moved into the premium section that doesn't wind up in the search engines, unless you want your local shops raided by non community members.

[p_elliott]

No offense, but you might want to have this moved into the premium section that doesn't wind up in the search engines, unless you want your local shops raided by non community members.

Found the post took care of it. Paul

[sailor22]

Thanks Paul and Petrel. Should have thought of that before I posted.

[squire]

Buster's Liquors in Memphis has a good selection and good prices. It's the only store outside of Kentucky where I've found four BIBs by HH, EWW, HH, JTS Brown and JW Dant.

[theglobalguy]

Swung through Knoxville, TN few weeks back, have to give respect for;

McScrooges

307 N Peters Rd, Knoxville, TN 37922

- Handful of store bottlings

- Wide array or Bourbon, Rye, other American Whiskey

- Just a ridiculous amount of Scotch if that's your preference. Hands down most rare releases i've seen in one spot.

- Tastings and an email/twitter feed with specials (Ok, have to admit...awful website but seem to keep twitter up to date)

- Easy access off i40/75 in Knoxville

[AGarrison]

- Tastings and an email/twitter feed with specials (Ok, have to admit...awful website but seem to keep twitter up to date)

McScrooges does have the best selection of Scotch and whiskies in TN, period. I just wish their website had an inventory or they would at least let us know when something new comes in. For all their great inventory, they pay much more attention to wine customers. Customer service is just not great, at least imo.

[smokinjoe]

McScrooges does have the best selection of Scotch and whiskies in TN, period. I just wish their website had an inventory or they would at least let us know when something new comes in. For all their great inventory, they pay much more attention to wine customers. Customer service is just not great, at least imo.

Ask for Brent or Matt the next time you go in. Both are extremely knowledgeable about whiskies, and will give you all the attention you can take. Most of the time, I have to make up something like: "Really y'all, I really have to go. I'm already late for a client dinner..."

By the way, I've heard that their scotch selection is among the most expansive in the country. Don't know about that, but it's what I heard...They do have a lot of it, though, and Brent is especially well versed in the Dark Side.

Their bourbon selection is generally excellent, but it can depend on when you hit it, and when the shipments are coming in. Also, they're not afraid to take a flyer on new and special things. Always keeping the selection fresh.

I will say that some of their private barrel selections are some of the finest I have ever tried. I've tried dozens of private OWA selections from various retailers and groups, and the McScrooge's paper label they did a few years back was the best of any. The more recent ones are at the top, as well.

It's a must hit if you're going through Knoxville.

[theglobalguy]

It's a must hit if you're going through Knoxville.

Not even kidding when i say i keep reminding my wife we have friends in Knoxville and should visit "yah yah, i know we were just there".

[theglobalguy]

It's a must hit if you're going through Knoxville.

Not even kidding when i say i keep reminding my wife we have friends who live in Knoxville. "Yah yah, i know we were JUST there".

[theglobalguy]

Ok, will root for the home team.

Granted Louisville and the surrounding area are overloaded with great choices. Have respect for;

Westport Whiskey and Wine

1115 Herr Lane, suite 101

- If it's low/mid shelf, they have it. Oh so many value plays i read about here only to find first trip out there.

- Majority of the staff very up to speed on Bourbon and what's coming soon

- Tasting and Special events (again, twitter, Facebook and email newsletter)

- Have added a lot of craft bourbon and other American whiskey in recent months

- Store bottlings lately of Angel's Envy and EC12 lots of variety in what brands they cover in their hand picked barrels

- If you're cutting through Louisville on i-64/i-65 it's a 10 min detour. Close to i-264 ramps.

[Old Dusty]

Not news to anyone on these boards, but add The Party Source ( 95 Riviera Dr. Bellevue, Ky) to the must visit list. Bellevue is just across the river from Cincinnati and they have great selection, prices and knowledgable staff( ask for Eric). Plus lots of single barrel store picks especially Four Roses.

[HighInTheMtns]

There's no "destination" stores in Utah, but there are some that are better than others, and sometimes things sit around on shelves here long after they're sold out elsewhere. If anyone comes into town, send me a PM and I'll give you some tips on what there is to be had.

[mark fleetwood]

If you're dragging the kids to a western driving trip this summer to Yellowstone/Grand Teton via Denver or other points east, check out Supermarket Liquors in Cheyenne. Nice selection and some high end stuff (Handy, Tornado) sitting on the shelves.

[ethangsmith]

Any Pennsylvania state store. You'll be floored amazed at the stellar lack of selection, high prices, and terrible service! It's so unbelievable, you have to see it for yourself!