Pricing

[squire]

The way I see it is we don't expect much from cheap whisky so we're rarely disappointed.

[DBM]

Like so many things, it's all relative. Heck, I can go into a bar with a couple of friends, I buy a round or two, they buy a round or two, and easily spend $50-60 with a tip, and that's not buying any top shelf stuff. If I can buy an ECBP (don't feel like the Lone Ranger, Black Tot, I never see it on a shelf either) or a 4R store selection for that price range, it's going to last me a heck of a lot longer and I'll be drinking a better quality bourbon. Heck, I jus dropped over $200 on a meal last night. It was a special occasion, and it was an excellent meal - don't regret it, but I've got nothing to show for it today but a credit card slip.

So, the answer for me is - it depends. I won't usually spend more than $100 a bottle, but the collector and explorer in me wants to see - and taste - what's in those limited edition or unusual/harder to find bottles. I still drink more EWSB than any other selection, and have more of it in the bunker than anything else, but if I feel like drinking some BTEC or Very Old Scout - or even some Rhetoric for that matter - it's nice to have that option.

I'm not paying crazy money on the secondary market. I am treating myself on occasion. I'm not so filthy rich I don't look at price and take it into consideration, but I'm paying all my bills without hardship. My wife hasn't made me cry uncle - at least not yet. So within what I deem to be reason, I'll buy what I want without fretting too much about price.

^^^^ my response, as narrated by Tony Santana.

There are only two variables at play - 1) Can you and 2) do you want to. People answer differently based on income, lifestyle and desire, and will adjust over time.

Right now I'm buying whatever I want, at whatever price makes it to retail (on average), though not interested in any exaggerated inflation. That will undoubtedly change over time, though I don't know yet what direction it will take me.

[squire]

It's the journey that counts.

[Harry in WashDC]

Just read the whole thread. I guess I'm spending the same this year, adjusted for inflation, what I spend in an average year, BUT the mix has changed. I now buy a few LEs and more value brands instead of all upper shelf. That may not be true, but it's what I'm telling myself.

[Paddy]

Just read the whole thread. I guess I'm spending the same this year, adjusted for inflation, what I spend in an average year, BUT the mix has changed. I now buy a few LEs and more value brands instead of all upper shelf. That may not be true, but it's what I'm telling myself.

Go with it Harry....it sounds good!

I think I'm just gonna keep filling a empty RHF bottle up with BT or AAA and kid myself that I'm drinking the good stuff!

Nobody but me will ever know the difference.

[TunnelTiger]

Just read the whole thread. I guess I'm spending the same this year, adjusted for inflation, what I spend in an average year, BUT the mix has changed. I now buy a few LEs and more value brands instead of all upper shelf. That may not be true, but it's what I'm telling myself.

Yeah, that's what I've been telling myself too but the bunker says otherwise.

[squire]

As Mae West famously said, "Sometimes too much of a good thing can be wonderful".

[GerryM]

I guess being also into wine I have a little more tolerance for bourbon prices rising. I somewhat agree with what someone said earlier that bourbon in general is well priced. Where it is going off the tracks is with the ultra premium PVW's and those that pretend to be. The market is becoming saturated with new sexy labels and wacked out marketing BS that is laughable. For the most part there are some great offerings out there from $20-$50 that satisfy my thirst. If it's from a quality producer and good stuff I'll push the envelope towards $100 but that's few and far between. I'm balking right now on WT Diamond for $130. For some reason I can't pull the trigger and wonder if I'll regret it later.

[squire]

I've found if I don't regret it now I usually won't later.

[loki993]

I cant say I have an upper limit but for sure the more expensive the more I need to think if its worth it. Its a value thing for me, as long as the price is justified to me Im ok. Example were getting 4RSB price selections here finally and I have no problem grabbing them at 60 bucks a bottle because I feel even at that price its a bargain. We also just got Stranahans, never really heard of it, but its from Colorado, aged for 2 years and its 94 proof..its also 60 dollars......a 2 year bourbon for 60 bucks? Yeah that's a pass for me.

[Renegator]

Good decision on both accounts...

I cant say I have an upper limit but for sure the more expensive the more I need to think if its worth it. Its a value thing for me, as long as the price is justified to me Im ok. Example were getting 4RSB price selections here finally and I have no problem grabbing them at 60 bucks a bottle because I feel even at that price its a bargain. We also just got Stranahans, never really heard of it, but its from Colorado, aged for 2 years and its 94 proof..its also 60 dollars......a 2 year bourbon for 60 bucks? Yeah that's a pass for me.