Holiday sales?

[393foureyedfox]

Since I've only been into bourbon about a year now, and last year at this time I was mostly creating spiced cider-bourbon mixtures, I don't know about any yearly Holiday sales or not. So, do stores put on any significant sales for bourbon/whiskey during this time of year, or is demand high enough already during this time of year that stores have no incentive to do so? If so, I may just load up over the holidays....maybe grab a bunch of new things I haven't tried yet.

Doug

[squire]

Around here they do, it's the peak sales time for some stores.

[Richnimrod]

Hey Fox, in Michigan the stores aren't allowed to do 'sale-priced' items per se.

They are allowed to reduce 'inflated' prices down to the "State Minimum" allowable price for retail sale. Many/most retailers already sell at State Minimum and advertize such to maintain a competitive profile. I do know that many brands do special 'Holiday' packaging as promotion for their stuff. In Michigan, I don't think they're allowed to raise the price, so you wind up with a couple free 'rocks glasses' or some other packaged 'sweetener' along with your bottle for no upcharge. So, you can re-supply your glassware for free, but get no "bargains" on the actual Bourbon you buy in these packages.

[TunnelTiger]

No sales in my area. Not enough competition.

[theglobalguy]

KY it seems to be more "gift sets" where they include glassware, etc. Though a few stores take $1-2 off a bottle, i don't remember anything extreme last year. As a gift those gift sets are great, but once you have enough glasses...sort of wasteful.

[mbroo5880i]

Several larger chains in Indiana run special holiday tasting events and sales, with pricing for spirits between 10% to 20% off, depending on the chain. They often run even better sales on wines. Most start in late November or early December.

As an example, http://www.crownliquors.net/Tastings.aspx?EventId=445

Edited November 18, 2013 by mbroo5880i

[Flyfish]

If I were in Louisville, I'd stop by the Liquor Barn and Costco. They always have something on sale regardless of season. In control states, the price is what it is, also regardless of season, and the selection is what they think we would like if we were only smart enough to figure it out.

[393foureyedfox]

I didn't think about control states.....so, for non-control states, what kind of sales do they put on and when should one start looking?

also, I've never been to Costco, as it is waaay across town where we practically never go. But, I just looked on their website, and it doesnt require Costco membership to shop their liquor store, and they have Booker's for $39.99. That may warrant a trip out there during the Christmas shopping season.

Edited November 18, 2013 by 393foureyedfox

[BourbonGuy]

In NY more stuff comes in gift giving packaging. If the price is lowered, I never noticed.

[Flyfish]

It need not be a "sale" to be a great value. I bought a liter of WT101 at Costco for $22.95. In OH, a liter goes for $30.80. One should "start looking" every time one passes a liquor store.

[mbroo5880i]

My Costco used to have more variety. Now it just has WR, MM and Kirkland.

[squire]

At least you have a Costco, I would have to travel.

[PaulO]

My impression is, if you like something popular, you might be able to get some free glasses.

[soonami]

PA is a control state, so there's not a lot that individual stores can do at holiday time. Some manufacturers will pair glasses, 50 ml samples of alcohol, flasks, and other gifts into a gift box set for the same price as the normal bottle. In non-controlled states, these holiday gift packs often go on sale after christmas since they take up more space on shelves than bottles alone

[393foureyedfox]

So far, all I have seen is some gift boxes. Like, there are a few places I have seen a Beam gift set with a 750 bottle of JBW, and a 30 or 50oz sample of Jacobs Ghost and JBB and I think even a set of glasses with it for $14. That would be a steal, if I actually liked any of the contents inside other than the glasses.

I was hoping more for sale prices on regularly offered stuff, but even if they do that, it is probably just going to be the regular popular stuff like JB, WT, KC, MM, etc.

New Year's ought to be the mother of all liquor sales. Do sale prices typically show up more around then?

[Vosgar]

I've never been to Costco, as it is waaay across town where we practically never go. But, I just looked on their website, and it doesnt require Costco membership to shop their liquor store, and they have Booker's for $39.99. That may warrant a trip out there during the Christmas shopping season.

Really??????? Driving across town is something you have to talk yourself into?

[jonhalter]

His gas isnt 100 proof and smells of 4r and ECBP, so he doesnt like to use it. HAHA Just playing fox.

[P&MLiquorsEric]

So far, all I have seen is some gift boxes. Like, there are a few places I have seen a Beam gift set with a 750 bottle of JBW, and a 30 or 50oz sample of Jacobs Ghost and JBB and I think even a set of glasses with it for $14. That would be a steal, if I actually liked any of the contents inside other than the glasses.

I was hoping more for sale prices on regularly offered stuff, but even if they do that, it is probably just going to be the regular popular stuff like JB, WT, KC, MM, etc.

New Year's ought to be the mother of all liquor sales. Do sale prices typically show up more around then?

[callmeox]

If I were in Louisville, I'd stop by the Liquor Barn and Costco. They always have something on sale regardless of season. In control states, the price is what it is, also regardless of season, and the selection is what they think we would like if we were only smart enough to figure it out.

Ohio runs monthly specials on liquor, as does Pennsylvania.

Living in a control state isn't all gloom and doom (not all, but some).

Edited November 19, 2013 by callmeox

[VAGentleman]

For anyone in Virginia, all ABC stores are having their annual 10% off sale on Black Friday

[Kyjd75]

Westport Whiskey and Wine will be having a "small business Saturday" sale this Saturday (11/30). I was by there a couple of weeks ago, and the owner/manager told me that they would have a sale on that day, to include some "held-back" special bottles and discounts on a lot of items. Since they are normally a little bit more expensive, I can imagine that their "discounts" probably aren't too exciting, but the "held-back" bottles sounded interesting. Starts at 9am. If you are in the area, might be worth stopping by.

Since I've only been into bourbon about a year now, and last year at this time I was mostly creating spiced cider-bourbon mixtures, I don't know about any yearly Holiday sales or not. So, do stores put on any significant sales for bourbon/whiskey during this time of year, or is demand high enough already during this time of year that stores have no incentive to do so? If so, I may just load up over the holidays....maybe grab a bunch of new things I haven't tried yet.

Doug

[Old Lamplighter]

If you ask about "sales" around this area, well....I can't say exactly the kind of face you'll see glaring back at you. They might even tell you that prices are going up after Jan 1 and leave it at that. :crazy: