Chicago

[JoeTerp]

I'm traveling to Chicago next week and was hoping I could get some advice from the locals on the Board (seems that we have a lot of folks from around there). 

 

I was planning to visit Binny's ( the one in the Loop on Grand if it makes a difference) and was looking for any recommendations.   I'm mainly looking for stuff that I either can't get or is difficult to get in Virginia (state system). If anyone has any recommended store picks (I'm on the mailing list and I'm intrigued by an older KCSB or one of the HWDR finishes if they're still around)or anything else if appreciate it.

 

I can go to other stores too, but I don't know if any other good ones in the area (I've had good luck in the past picking up some FRPS). 

 

Thanks in advance. 

 

Joe

 

 

[DonutsNBourbon]

sorry man, wish I could help ya, but I only know of places in the burbs.  The one other place that might be good is Ezra's in Lincoln Park, but I find their prices are somewhat gougy.  ECBP was $100!!!

[silverc]

You can search Binny's bourbon inventory online. They also have a specific list of what is in stock at each store.

 

http://www.binnys.com/spirits//1/72/titleasc#&varietal=Spirits%2FWhiskey%2FBourbon

 

There are some good things to get that aren't available in Virginia....

 

Barrell Bourbon (batch 009)

Belle Meade Single Barrel Selections

JTS Brown BIB

 

They did have several KCSB store picks, but nothing listed for 4R PS or SAOS single barrels, which is a bit surprising.

[jvd99]

The South Loop or Lincoln Park will have the best selections.  Binny's is notoriously bad at listing inventory online - it's best to show up and look for yourself.  Make sure you have someone let you into the locked walk-in rare and collectibles room.  They will lurk over you while you admire all unicorns (mostly scotch), but look carefully for bourbons mixed in.

 

EDIT:  if they have any of the MM private selections, get one, they were really good.  They may be gone by now though.

Edited November 2, 2016 by jvd99
add content

[JoeTerp]

Thanks guys. I'm definitely going to take a look in. I didn't know about a walk in room and will defend nicely take a look (although I'm really just looking for a few good store selects). 

 

I've been before on a prior trip and was able to come back with 4 different four roses recipes. As a control state resident I'm definitely jealous of the people who have regular access to stores with barrel picks. 

[DonutsNBourbon]

not all Binny's have secured room, but the Lincoln Park one does.  I was there last week and they had ER10, Blanton's, baby Saz and I think the Barrel Bourbons in there.  All the KCSB selections... there hasn't been a FRPS for 6 months I believe and they only had 3 this year (that I saw).  No SAOS store select, but they had one earlier this year in April for the women in whiskey event, but those bottles are long gone.  KC2001 was there... ha, but that's everywhere around here.  RY10SB is in full supply as well if you're looking for that.

[foster016]

On 11/2/2016 at 11:07 AM, DonutsNBourbon said:

not all Binny's have secured room, but the Lincoln Park one does.  I was there last week and they had ER10, Blanton's, baby Saz and I think the Barrel Bourbons in there.  All the KCSB selections... there hasn't been a FRPS for 6 months I believe and they only had 3 this year (that I saw).  No SAOS store select, but they had one earlier this year in April for the women in whiskey event, but those bottles are long gone.  KC2001 was there... ha, but that's everywhere around here.  RY10SB is in full supply as well if you're looking for that.

Holy cats was that SAOS select for the women in whiskey event good.  So many chocolate notes and unique.

 

If you go to the Binny's in Lincoln Park on Marcey St. be sure to stop into their tasking room.  Really cool building and bar area and I've manage to sample 2014 George T Stagg and Old Rip Van Winkle in there.

 

One of my other favorite stores with great barrel selections is West Lakeview Liquors up on Addison.  It's a little bit of a trek if you're staying downtown but well worth it.

[JoeTerp]

Circling back here. I did end up going to Binny's and ended picking up:

Whistlepig store select ("Home")

High West Double Rye (finished in Boulevardier barrel)

High West Double Rye (finished in Quady Black Muscat barrel)

Knob Creek Single Barrel store select (23 years, 6 months)

 

thanks all

[meadeweber]

14 hours ago, JoeTerp said:

Circling back here. I did end up going to Binny's and ended picking up:

Whistlepig store select ("Home")

High West Double Rye (finished in Boulevardier barrel)

High West Double Rye (finished in Quady Black Muscat barrel)

Knob Creek Single Barrel store select (23 years, 6 months)

 

thanks all

What was the age of the KCSB?  I think there is a typo there?  If not, I'm taking the next flight to Chicago. 

[JoeTerp]

53 minutes ago, meadeweber said:

What was the age of the KCSB?  I think there is a typo there?  If not, I'm taking the next flight to Chicago. 

Yes a little typo. It's pretty old at 12 years and 6  months though 

[DonutsNBourbon]

1 hour ago, meadeweber said:

What was the age of the KCSB?  I think there is a typo there?  If not, I'm taking the next flight to Chicago. 

 

haha, I thought the same thing, gotta get to Binny's now!