Bourbon Hounding/Chasing/Mapping

[bourbonfish]

Everyone has their own way of finding bourbons - I'm sure. Depending on your level of 'love' for the 'bourbon game'...how is everyone going about finding their favorites every year?

From reading around here it seems that some people really chase limiteds, and others just pickup whatever is on the shelf at the time and couldn't be happier not racing around.

What's your favorite method of finding your go-to, your favorite, the limited, etc when fall comes or the release hits your region?

'Blog' lists like the 'PVW Map' that some blogs do? Calling stores every morning? Making friends with the local store owner? Trading sexual favors for PVW?

Just trying to gauge how we all go about this.

Me? Depending on what's missing from the collection- I will get in touch with my 'manager contacts' at certain package stores and call the larger chains on delivery days every week until something comes in. If you call enough and speak to the right associates over time - someone lets a timeline slip eventually!!!

[squire]

The relationship is that of customer to merchant so being a good customer is my approach. Frankly, if I owned a liquor store, all incoming calls during these release periods would go straight to voice mail and only my best customers would have my private cell number.

[Tony Santana]

I never make phone calls. Most of my limited editions are obtained via relationships. Some are pure luck. Otherwise I just drink the many other readily available, perfectly serviceable choices.