Do you have a "Bourbon Guy"?

[TunnelTiger]

My bourbon journey is approaching a year now and another post made we wonder do most of us have a "Bourbon Guy"? I have 15 stores within a 20 mile radius but early on I narrowed my shopping down to two because they have best selections. Now the prices are not as good as my SB brothers an hour and half south of me but I'm fine with that.

I visit one store every week because I pass it every day on the way to work and it's just damn convenient. The other one I visit every other week. Because I visit so often and always buy a bottle of something we address each other on a first name basis.

Most of the time they only get one to three bottles of limited items, OFBB, BTAC, etc but they always keep it behind the counter and let me know it's available if I want it and which I appreciate very much.

What I'm trying to say is that if you don't visit a store very often and build a relationship you won't get that bottle even if it is listed on a web site. The "Bourbon guy" is holding it for someone like me.

As a side note I found out today my main competition for these bottles are a couple of Drs. Most likely I'm paying for those bottles too.

[kjbeggs]

I've got a couple of guys who keep my name on their list that know me well enough to let me know when things come in.

however (and my post might be the one you were referring to), I find I often have to educate my "bourbon guys" on when things are being released, etc.

I stumbled across a new (to me) store a couple of days ago, and struck up a new friendship with a pretty knowledgeable guy who gets a good allocation, and they just so happened to have a fairly small list of people in search of stuff.

[flaminiom]

I try to buy everything I can from one store. I always make a point to chat up the owner or manager to make sure they know I'm buying. I bring in samples once in a while to share. Especially if they hook me up with something, I bring them back a taste.

[BFerguson]

Yep and happy to have him.

Its nice to have somebody that does look out for you, asks your opinion on how a product is, invites you to store barrel pick tastings, and sends you emails when things come in.

As a frequent customer, I know that they appreciate my business, and I appreciate the level of service. It's not any different than having a good butcher or other service provider.

Face it, it's nice to feel special once in awhile.

B

[mbroo5880i]

Yep, and he is a member of the forum. I am certain that he has other customers who are members and who spend a lot of money either at his store or his chain's main store. I know they are probably first in line for limited releases. I am ok with that. I do enjoy the opportunity to get an occasional limited release or something special, like I did today. I like him because he knows what I like, our tastes are very similar, great selection and fair prices, and unlike other stores, he knows bourbon and whiskey. I am pretty loyal. I may stray on an occasional purchase while traveling but I know he can get pretty much what I want and like. I often see lower prices on standard fare at Sam's or the drug store but I will pay the extra buck or two to buy at his store because I want to support his expertise and selection. His store (and he personally participates in selection) has great store select options. I prefer to do business with someone who knows bourbon and provides unbiased perspective on what is a good value.

[risenc]

Especially here in New York, you have to. When there's just one case of, say, Booker's 25 in town, there's no other way to get one than to have a friend on the inside. So, yeah, I have a "guy." But I also find it helps to know a few bartenders and beverage-program managers at whiskey-centric bars, because they'll often know even before the retail guys what is on the way to town.

[ThirstyinOhio]

I try to buy most of my stuff from just one guy here in Ohio and it has helped me get a few of the hard to find releases. The only down side is the look I got from my wife when the guy said "hello Mr. Spicer" the last time we both went in there.

[nd2005]

Yes.

There are 4 stores in my area with enough stock/selection to get access to the limited release products like BTAC/Van Winkle/etc.

Store 1 is the farthest away - so I don't make the trip often enough to be a "regular"

Store 2 jacks up the prices to nearly double state minimum, so I never shop there

Store 3 has a great selection and does a lot of barrel picks, but they are strictly first come first serve for limited releases. I give them business because of the barrel picks, but don't go out of my way to shop there.

Store 4 - the owner has set aside every limited release in the past year for me, often without me even asking. I go out of my way to stop in regularly on the days when I know the owner will be there. I also buy my beer and wine from them to keep a strong relationship. I'm also going to be buying all the booze for a 60 person party from them in a week or so. Loyalty begets loyalty.

[Ishad]

Don't have a guy. Majority of my shopping gets done at a big box store due to both price and convenience, however I'll never spend enough there to be a "good" customer. There is another store that I really like the people at, that gets a good allocation of limited releases, but prices combined with it being out of the way keep me from being a regular.

As such I have resigned myself to the fact I will not get many of the limited release products, and likely none of the very desirable limited releases. Such is life.

[HOF44]

I live in VA which has a State controlled ABC store system. The people working in the stores generally know nothing about bourbon. I do try to stop by once a week to a few local stores and get to know the managers. That's how I stumbled onto my PVW20 score last month. You can special order and I do, but it is way short of a guarantee you will get what you want.

[TunnelTiger]

I've got a couple of guys who keep my name on their list that know me well enough to let me know when things come in.

however (and my post might be the one you were referring to), I find I often have to educate my "bourbon guys" on when things are being released, etc.

I stumbled across a new (to me) store a couple of days ago, and struck up a new friendship with a pretty knowledgeable guy who gets a good allocation, and they just so happened to have a fairly small list of people in search of stuff.

I should have made a distinction between having a " my Bourbon Guy" and "that bourbon guy" which is a pain in the a$$.

[rndenks]

I am only about 18 months into "lifestyle", and I have been trying to taste as much as possible. Living in a control state, you can only find so much that really differs from store to store. The few repeat bottles I do buy (FRSB and EC12) I can get at any store in Ohio, so I usually go for convenience.

I am lucky to have a friend who has family in Cincy, and visits TPS frequently on his trips to their house. That has allowed me the opportunity to broaden my tasting search. I will say, that as I hone down on my favorites that I can get local, there are two local stores that I frequent. I have started to talk a bit more on my visits in hopes of building those relationships.

[Jiggity]

5 months into the bourbon life and I've tried making nice w/ one particular store, but I get no love. I've tried to chat up the whiskey buyers, but I'm finding their list is a long one that will take much more than the few thousand dollars that I've spent this year to make it on this special will call list...

Maybe its time to find an alternate store to spend my money at, as I'm not getting anywhere with my current shop of choice. Of course, I've often debated which is more affordable: buying what I want on the secondary market at inflated prices or spending/building a relationship with the right shop owners...who may jack up their prices anyways.

[393foureyedfox]

I couldn't care any less about 'special' or 'limited' releases.....plus the clerks at the local stores that actually do have good selections are about as knowledgeable as the autozone staff on their offerings, so I just buy what I want from whomever has the best prices. Sometimes it's the big box store, sometimes the grocery liquor section, sometimes the local pharmacy...

[ramblinman]

I couldn't care any less about 'special' or 'limited' releases.....plus the clerks at the local stores that actually do have good selections are about as knowledgeable as the autozone staff on their offerings, so I just buy what I want from whomever has the best prices. Sometimes it's the big box store, sometimes the grocery liquor section, sometimes the local pharmacy...

I'm pretty much there. I've got a clerk who my wife has bought a lot of wine/champagne from over the years, and he'll mention things to me if he's got something different behind the counter, but in general the store is overpriced, doesn't carry many of the HH BiBs that I tend towards for daily pours (people look at me like I'm nuts for suggesting that they order some EWBiB, but happily have shelf space for Beam White and Black, I don't get it), and is on the low end for allocations. I don't think they've seen a bottle of ECBP yet.

I give them the business since they're the neighborhood store and he keeps us up on the local information, but I don't have any particular loyalty to them nor they to me. Last time I was around I told him that I wanted a bottle or two of the 4RSB 2014 whenever it came out, we'll see if he comes through for me.

[Flyfish]

Living in a control state, you can only find so much that really differs from store to store. The few repeat bottles I do buy (FRSB and EC12) I can get at any store in Ohio, so I usually go for convenience.

I buy from three local stores because each is allocated stock according to "demographics" as interpreted by The Ohio State Liquor Gods. One store, for example, doesn't stock any FR product whatsoever. They have never even heard of Smooth Ambler. One store theoretically stocks FR barrel proof (according the Liquor Control Board's website) but they have never actually seen any. I've been on their waiting list more than a year. Special store picked barrels? What are you talking about? I know one knowledgeable and sympathetic clerk but he can't get any PHC or stuff with LE in its name. Or Weller in its name for that matter. Like mdenks, I count on KY and other states when looking for something special.

I was tempted to compare OH liquor stores to the DMV but I renewed my driver's license last week and the DMV has improved.

[upStomp]

My main store doesn't have a bourbon guy (I actually don't think there is such a thing in New England) that could feed me limited releases, but they do have a fair rewards program for allocating them, so that's where I shop. I'm there every week, so I always get a few extra punches in my rewards card. They also do a good number of barrel selections every year and so far I haven't been disappointed in them. Nowadays, the only time I don't shop there for bourbon is when I'm making a trip across the border to stock up on BT for $7 less per bottle. I'll be fishing for WLW and/or GTS this fall - the local hipsters can have their Pappy :grin:.

I used to bourbon shop at a place 1 mile away from home at least twice a week, but I've never gotten any "favors" from them. I don't know if they hold allocated items for folks, but I do see Lot B on the shelf around that time of year where I've never seen the other Pappy's or BTAC. Their prices are fair, but I'll stick with my new store since they're generally a bit cheaper and it gives me a chance at some of the special stuff.

[Phil T]

One store theoretically stocks FR barrel proof (according the Liquor Control Board's website) but they have never actually seen any. I've been on their waiting list more than a year..

I have a theory about why this is...at some point they have ordered that product from the state, but never got it. However, since they DID order it, the state website now says they have it.

I have tried to get baby Saz and ECBP through my local store, to no avail. But the state website says they carry both. And it showed that my store had it, ONLY after I had ordered it

Edited May 14, 2014 by Phil T

[jmj_203]

Living in a control state, you can only find so much that really differs from store to store. The few repeat bottles I do buy (FRSB and EC12) I can get at any store in Ohio, so I usually go for convenience.

I buy from three local stores because each is allocated stock according to "demographics" as interpreted by The Ohio State Liquor Gods. One store, for example, doesn't stock any FR product whatsoever. They have never even heard of Smooth Ambler. One store theoretically stocks FR barrel proof (according the Liquor Control Board's website) but they have never actually seen any. I've been on their waiting list more than a year. Special store picked barrels? What are you talking about? I know one knowledgeable and sympathetic clerk but he can't get any PHC or stuff with LE in its name. Or Weller in its name for that matter. Like mdenks, I count on KY and other states when looking for something special.

I was tempted to compare OH liquor stores to the DMV but I renewed my driver's license last week and the DMV has improved.

Don't feel bad Flyfish, I live in Pennsylvania and we are controlled, pretty much EXACTLY the same thing here as you put up with. I can search on the state site, and see all these stores near the burgh that have all these ETL bottles in stock, but not ONE single etl bottle can be sent to my local store. They just use demographics, algorithms, previous sale records, etc to determine which state stores get which allocations.

I WILL admit, the one nice thing is if you can find something in the state, they will ATTEMPT to have another store ship it to them for you to pickup (You pay extra shipping of course). However this just doesn't happen with anything even Remotely rare, as the store that gets that rare item you can guarantee the manager has it behind the counter for his buddies/usual customers. So while I can look at live (up to the previous nights close) inventory, it doesn't mean much as only my 2 or 3 close state stores recognize me and would go out of their way to help me acquire things.

[JonRob]

It took me almost six months of buying and chating before I got on my guys "list." Anything limited he doesn't put out on the shelves and he is the only one in the store allowed dish it out. It's a good feeling knowing you are almost garanteed a bottle if you want it. He will also invite me upstairs to taste store selected bottles and other fun things every now and then. Last week we tried 7 FRSB (4 of them BP) and a blend of two single barrels of EC12 they just got in.

[BourbonRob]

Great thread... I did have one for years, but bourbon girl actually, but the store was 1 hr plus from my home and just couldn't get to the top of their list for calls. Man I miss getting first picks of limited supplies.

[Tony Santana]

I've got one store where the owner actually knows me by name and has now started putting limited edition bottles aside for me, at least if I ask. He owns more than one place in the area - so I try to bounce around to one of the others on occasion too, and have chatted up the "bourbon guy" there, who's now started a e-mailing list that I believe is a short one. The majority of my purchases go through them - good to very good selection (but not the best in town) and fair prices (but I can find better on some items).

Then I've got another two places that have probably slightly better selection, slightly worse prices. One has a mailing list where I can get notice of special stuff, but no more priority than anyone else on that list. I go to another one often enough that their bourbon guy recognizes me, but doesn't know my name yet. Haven't particularly gotten any special treatment there.

Then there are a couple of grocery stores that have very good selections, including occasional limited/high end stuff, and generally very good prices as well. And they're the places that are actually closer to my house. I'm just another faceless customer though, at least so far. So I'd rather throw my business to place #1 if possible. But as far as I can tell one of the grocery stores pretty much just throws any limited edition stuff they get out on the shelf when it comes in, so I'm not sure anyone gets priority there (not sure they don't, either).

[garbanzobean]

I have two stores I frequent that have employees who will generally make an effort to set bottles aside for me, or will give me a heads up if they expect something good will be coming in soon. One of them hasn't been getting much attention lately, as it is about an hour away, right by a medium distance gun range I normally frequent but haven't been able to get out to with as much regularity. My plan to butter that guy up involves relieving him of a bottle of Caol Ila 25.

[tylermke]

I have two stores near me who were fairly consistent for the past few years, but after the fiasco this last fall, I'm down to one. The one store doesn't get large quantities of everything, but he charges very fair prices and tries to spread things out. I can appreciate that.

I also have a guy a good distance away, but he is a very solid guy and has helped me out many times. I try to give him my business whenever I'm in town, even if it's a 6-pack.

[Paddy]

I make a purchase approximately 50% of the time I'm in a store, which leaves me leaving empty handed on a regular basis. Until about 12 years ago, my in laws (brother in law and later my nephew) were in the "business" and I usually bought most of my bourbon from them.

Since they have sold their license, I often check for specials at Kroger or local pharmacies, and usually buy regular fare at these locations around town. They do have limited offerings, but I have had great success at these locations (and learned that they will often place a special order for you for an item that they do not carry and/or have in stock). I also frequent the three large LB locations, as well as a few other stores both in town and around the eastern and NE part of the state.

I know its probably better to find one source and stick with them, but I enjoy looking around the various stores, checking prices and inventory and just getting to know the staff. I've got one local (female) owner friend who will call on occasion and ask if I want such and such, but for the most part I just go in, look around and ask. I've been very fortunate to meet and get to know a lot of great folks, who are generally very helpful and appreciative of a good customer, no matter how much or little you purchase. Especially if they know that you will come back.