Road Tripping

[NickSmithIsDead]

I've been working a ton of overtime for the past 6 months, and in 3 weeks my wife and daughter will be up North staying with family while our contractors tear out the (poorly) finished basement in our house and get rid of our mold problem. As a reward to myself, I'm planning on making the 4 hour drive down to The Party Source in KY while they're out of town. My main target is the SAOS Single Barrel/Barrel Proofers that aren't distributed here in MI as the Old Scout has become one of my favorite bourbons. Currently my shopping list looks like this:

SAOS 9YR TPS PRIVATE BARREL 869 x4

SAOS 8YR TPS PRIVATE BARREL 892 x4

Larceny x4

I'm trying to decide on what else I want to round out my haul. I'm considering the 1792 Private Barrel, Jefferson's SmB Private Barel, and/or Knob Creek SB Private Barrel. I haven't had the 1792 or Jefferson's, but the price tag on all three of those is significantly lower than the state minimum here in MI. If there are any 4R Barrel Selections, I will likely grab a few of those as well, though the website shows that those are all currently out of stock. I'd really love to pick up 6-12 bottles of the Heaven Hill 6 yr BIB that I've heard so much about, but the TPS website doesn't list it as something they carry.

Anyone have any thoughts on what I should definitely be making an effort to pick up? I'm trying to reign my spending in to around $500, but we don't travel a lot so this is my one chance to load up on stuff I can't find here in MI for the next year or so. And am I crazy for spending my one family-free, work-free day in the car driving 8 hours round trip to a liquor store?

[petrel800]

The only advice I would give you is place your order for pick up online before you make the trip. The last few times I've been to the Party Source, they've been pretty cleaned out and some of their selections disappear quick. I'd hate to see you drive down only to be disappointed.

Good news is you can try anything you're on the fence about if their tasting bar is open.

As for things not listed online, occassionally they have a few items in the $$$ case that don't show up online, but as for getting a highly limited release, don't get your hopes up, but sometimes you get lucky.

I've been working a ton of overtime for the past 6 months, and in 3 weeks my wife and daughter will be up North staying with family while our contractors tear out the (poorly) finished basement in our house and get rid of our mold problem. As a reward to myself, I'm planning on making the 4 hour drive down to The Party Source in KY while they're out of town. My main target is the SAOS Single Barrel/Barrel Proofers that aren't distributed here in MI as the Old Scout has become one of my favorite bourbons. Currently my shopping list looks like this:

SAOS 9YR TPS PRIVATE BARREL 869 x4

SAOS 8YR TPS PRIVATE BARREL 892 x4

Larceny x4

I'm trying to decide on what else I want to round out my haul. I'm considering the 1792 Private Barrel, Jefferson's SmB Private Barel, and/or Knob Creek SB Private Barrel. I haven't had the 1792 or Jefferson's, but the price tag on all three of those is significantly lower than the state minimum here in MI. If there are any 4R Barrel Selections, I will likely grab a few of those as well, though the website shows that those are all currently out of stock. I'd really love to pick up 6-12 bottles of the Heaven Hill 6 yr BIB that I've heard so much about, but the TPS website doesn't list it as something they carry.

Anyone have any thoughts on what I should definitely be making an effort to pick up? I'm trying to reign my spending in to around $500, but we don't travel a lot so this is my one chance to load up on stuff I can't find here in MI for the next year or so. And am I crazy for spending my one family-free, work-free day in the car driving 8 hours round trip to a liquor store?

Edited October 17, 2014 by petrel800

[NickSmithIsDead]

Thanks, petrel800! That's definitely what I will do.

[Harry in WashDC]

Around Washington DC, I can find the LEs with a little looking, but it's hard to find things like VOB bonded or most HH branded offerings. I realize they aren't LEs, but if I were traveling through KY, I'd check lower and mid-shelf, too, and pick up brands, like the basic VOB and HH BIB (age or not) that I can't get easily around here to fill in around the PBs and LEs.

[amg]

If you come through Indianapolis on your way back (and it's not Sunday ), Crown Liquors has some good private selections right now, including all 10 recipes of Four Roses. You can also get HH6 BiB here.

[393foureyedfox]

TPS took HH6BIB off their inventory list a month or so ago. This led to me panic buying 2 cases of it locally. Many places here seem to have restocked the new labelled HH6, though, so it is still out there. Try some of the local KY pharmacy stores, like CVS or RITE-AID, as they often have it, especially the Rite-Aids.

[NickSmithIsDead]

TPS took HH6BIB off their inventory list a month or so ago. This led to me panic buying 2 cases of it locally. Many places here seem to have restocked the new labelled HH6, though, so it is still out there. Try some of the local KY pharmacy stores, like CVS or RITE-AID, as they often have it, especially the Rite-Aids.

Thanks for the advice! I'll make sure to hit up some drug stores or other liquor stores!

[NickSmithIsDead]

If you come through Indianapolis on your way back (and it's not Sunday ), Crown Liquors has some good private selections right now, including all 10 recipes of Four Roses. You can also get HH6 BiB here.

Of course the day I plan on going is a Sunday. :frown:

[Lepisto]

PM me when you get closer to your trip. I might be able to do some advance scouting for you on locations for HH6BIB. I've seen it at a couple of places, and at the Kroger Liquor store near my house. I know there is a Kroger LS one exit south of the TPS, but I'm not sure if they have it.

[NickSmithIsDead]

PM me when you get closer to your trip. I might be able to do some advance scouting for you on locations for HH6BIB. I've seen it at a couple of places, and at the Kroger Liquor store near my house. I know there is a Kroger LS one exit south of the TPS, but I'm not sure if they have it.

I really appreciate that, Lepisto! I will PM you few days before I plan to leave (tentative date is 11/09).

[sutton]

I've had good luck with two of their FR Private Selections - OESO and OBSO - don't know if they are still available, but I'd recommend those. Good luck on your hunt!

[Phil T]

At TPS, the spirits library (tasting bar) opens daily at noon. If you're looking to buy bottles that you've never had before, this is a good starting point.

At TPS, the tap room opens at 11am daily. They have a good selection, including some of their own brews.

At TPS, in the parking lot, is New Riff distillery. If you have the time, take a tour, its pretty cool.

Going about 10 minutes west of TPS, is Cork n Bottle. They also have a good bourbon selection. And they have their own single barrels of OWA, standard FRSB, and OBSK, and I think a couple others. They also have a tasting bar.

Have fun!

**and if you decide to go on any other day then 11/9..you're welcome to stop by and we'll crack a bottle or 3. I'm only a couple minutes off I-75**

Edited October 18, 2014 by Phil T