What Bourbon Did You Purchase Today (Spring 2018)

[Bob_Loblaw]

Had to get some work done in the city. The Wellers were picked up a week ago by a friend with much more clout then I. Luckily he doesn’t drink bourbon.  Before I knew for certain whether I was getting the Wellers I snagged the BT and EC picks hoping to be offered an Antique bottle. No luck. Everything was a touch overpriced, but no complaints considering its a downtown Chicago store and are all SiB picks except the W12. 

[Cigars&Bourbon]

Figured this was worth the try...

[reeko]

My understanding in Virginia's case (where my cousin lives) is that it means that all spirits are sold by government owned or run (not sure which) ABC Liquor stores.  Pricing is all at MSRP and universal across all stores.  All allocated items are sold via online lottery on the ABC website.  If you win your are notified by email and the bottle is sent to the store of your choice for pickup.  
 
I am very happy to NOT live in a liquor controlled state.  

Thank you for the explanation. Isn't this better if that's the case? Because everyone has a fair equal shot of obtaining a rare bourbon such as a btac? When maybe a regular Joe blow normally wouldn't dream of getting anything unless they're good friends with a liquor store owner. Plus the msrp price is a bonus too.

[Harry in WashDC]

1 hour ago, reeko said:

On 5/6/2018 at 9:13 AM, Bob_Loblaw said:

My understanding in Virginia's case (where my cousin lives) is that it means that all spirits are sold by government owned or run (not sure which) ABC Liquor stores.  Pricing is all at MSRP and universal across all stores.  All allocated items are sold via online lottery on the ABC website.  If you win your are notified by email and the bottle is sent to the store of your choice for pickup.  
 
I am very happy to NOT live in a liquor controlled state.  

Thank you for the explanation. Isn't this better if that's the case? Because everyone has a fair equal shot of obtaining a rare bourbon such as a btac? When maybe a regular Joe blow normally wouldn't dream of getting anything unless they're good friends with a liquor store owner. Plus the msrp price is a bonus too.

Well, MSRP is not the only variable.  Persons purchasing in control states are subject to the state's product decisions.  For example, in Wash DC, the stores can sell anything the three or so wholesalers can get for them, BUT the stores can set whatever price they want.  In Virginia, the stores can only sell what the STATE purchases from the wholesalers and only at the retail price set by the state.  If it isn't on the Virginia Product list, it isn't available in a state store.  EXCEPT, several of the Virginia stores have a special designation (like the one in Williamsburg) which has an upscale sales room larger and "nicer" than the average store, and it sometimes offers things not on the product list.   RE: price - Virginia sells Knob Creek 750ml for $35 statewide.  I can find it in Wash DC for $22 to $30 depending on the store.

 

EDIT - Ideally, I'd be able to get anything I want for $8 a 750, but life's not like that; it is full of twists and turns and disappointments and pleasant surprises.

Edited May 8, 2018 by Harry in WashDC

[Jfletchgu]

Picked up a Blantons and Stagg Jr this weekend.

[JoeTerp]

2 hours ago, Harry in WashDC said:

Well, MSRP is not the only variable.  Persons purchasing in control states are subject to the state's product decisions.  For example, in Wash DC, the stores can sell anything the three or so wholesalers can get for them, BUT the stores can set whatever price they want.  In Virginia, the stores can only sell what the STATE purchases from the wholesalers and only at the retail price set by the state.  If it isn't on the Virginia Product list, it isn't available in a state store.  EXCEPT, several of the Virginia stores have a special designation (like the one in Williamsburg) which has an upscale sales room larger and "nicer" than the average store, and it sometimes offers things not on the product list.   RE: price - Virginia sells Knob Creek 750ml for $35 statewide.  I can find it in Wash DC for $22 to $30 depending on the store.

 

EDIT - Ideally, I'd be able to get anything I want for $8 a 750, but life's not like that; it is full of twists and turns and disappointments and pleasant surprises.

And I'll add on here as a Virginia resident my biggest complaint is the lack of store picks.  I would love to be able to get a Four Roses Private Selection, but need to go out of state to find those.

[smokinjoe]

State controlled ABC stores generally give me the creeps when I go into them.  It always feels like the sterile environment that one would expect in some bizarro world/Twilight Zone alcohol store that would exist if we were an adjunct of some sort of Soviet style government that would exist had Communism taken hold in America a century ago.  The buildings are many times these large nondescript red brick blocks with nothing to tell you what it is except a big ABC sign and a big RED dot. When I walk in it has that impressive very well organized layout that are all the same, and way more space than needed, but with a disheartening lack of choice and selection.  All bottles are precisely lined up on the shelves in functional order.  Little to no advertising, character, or style.  Just mind numbing order.  Just like the Central Planning Committee of the State Alcohol and Beverage CONTROL Board has centrally planned for efficient alcohol distribution.  The only thing missing is the State hasn’t yet required the people’s ABC  workers to wear uniforms with arm bands signifying position in the ABC apparatus.  I am always polite and agreeable when I make my purchase at one of these places, as to not attract attention of the Superior in the back, and somewhat disheartened that I have logged another entry into the State’s database of my alcoholic purchases.  But, I am sure to always smile contently and obviously to let the ABC know that this citizen approves and is content with the State’s decisions in alcohol procurement for the betterment of the People.  They really do know best.  I am careful to not attract attention as I head out to my car (secretly ruing the fact it’s not a mass-produced, nondescript, model...(but I do take solace in the fact that my auto is one of the 2 approved colors.  In this case, Black). I orderly exit the parking lot figuring the Authorities are watching my every move, gleefully awaiting entry onto the Freeway where I can open the windows and sunroof, crank up Ozzie’s Boneyard on Sirius, and breath easier again...BEEP! Beep!  Beep!  Beep!  What?!?!  What did I...Oh NO!!!!!’n They’re coming afte........

 

.....Huh? Oh...Whew!  It’s just my alarm.   Time to wake up....  

[Richnimrod]

12 minutes ago, smokinjoe said:

State controlled ABC stores generally give me the creeps when I go into them.  It always feels like the sterile environment that one would expect in some bizarro world/Twilight Zone alcohol store that would exist if we were an adjunct of some sort of Soviet style government that would exist had Communism taken hold in America a century ago.  The buildings are many times these large nondescript red brick blocks with nothing to tell you what it is except a big ABC sign and a big RED dot. When I walk in it has that impressive very well organized layout that are all the same, and way more space than needed, but with a disheartening lack of choice and selection.  All bottles are precisely lined up on the shelves in functional order.  Little to no advertising, character, or style.  Just mind numbing order.  Just like the Central Planning Committee of the State Alcohol and Beverage CONTROL Board has centrally planned for efficient alcohol distribution.  The only thing missing is the State hasn’t yet required the people’s ABC  workers to wear uniforms with arm bands signifying position in the ABC apparatus.  I am always polite and agreeable when I make my purchase at one of these places, as to not attract attention of the Superior in the back, and somewhat disheartened that I have logged another entry into the State’s database of my alcoholic purchases.  But, I am sure to always smile contently and obviously to let the ABC know that this citizen approves and is content with the State’s decisions in alcohol procurement for the betterment of the People.  They really do know best.  I am careful to not attract attention as I head out to my car (secretly ruing the fact it’s not a mass-produced, nondescript, model...(but I do take solace in the fact that my auto is one of the 2 approved colors.  In this case, Black). I orderly exit the parking lot figuring the Authorities are watching my every move, gleefully awaiting entry onto the Freeway where I can open the windows and sunroof, crank up Ozzie’s Boneyard on Sirius, and breath easier again...BEEP! Beep!  Beep!  Beep!  What?!?!  What did I...Oh NO!!!!!’n They’re coming afte........

 

.....Huh? Oh...Whew!  It’s just my alarm.   Time to wake up....  

Yeah, I have the same impressions... and it's virtually identical in Ontario, Canada's LCBO stores. 

The only virtue in Ontario is the availability of several options not seen in the US, and the fact that it's just a short jaunt over the Ambassador Bridge (with a bonus stop at the 'duty-free', of course).

[Bob_Loblaw]

12 hours ago, reeko said:

Thank you for the explanation. Isn't this better if that's the case? Because everyone has a fair equal shot of obtaining a rare bourbon such as a btac? When maybe a regular Joe blow normally wouldn't dream of getting anything unless they're good friends with a liquor store owner. Plus the msrp price is a bonus too.

I guess that depends on your point of view.  I think in these discussions the idea of being "good friends" with a liquor store owner is often wrongly interchanged with "good customer"  At the end of the day its still a business and, as such, the store owners can and should reward customers who are regular patrons.  That's just smart business.   I am friendly with my LS managers and feel that I get treated very well, but we are not friends or drinking buddies or anything like that.  I do not get insider info or heads up of when products will arriving and they do not automatically hold bottles for me.  Nor do I expect them to.  

 

As consumers, I think the burden is on us (if we want the good stuff) to make sure that we are getting the benefits of every dollar spent on liquor purchases.  I think of it like reward miles/points for using a credit card.  Be a regular, find out how the limited stuff is handled in June, not November one week before BTAC drops.  If the store does anything Janky take your dollars elsewhere and do not look back.  An example, there is a store in the Chicago Area that will put the allocated stuff on the shelf at about 30% markup over MSRP.  Not terrible, but ok, I will bite.  But wait, in order to buy the allocated item you need to purchase the same amount of non allocated (but still 30% marked up product).  PVW 20 is $169 retail so let's say it is $225.  Now you have to find another $225 worth of purchases, $450 total plus tax we are at $500 for that day's purchase.  No thanks, not interested in the slightest to play that game, so I just do not shop there.  But that's me, I bet the regular customers who have developed a relationship with the store are just fine supporting that system.  

 

Regarding lotteries I often wonder what percentage of lottery entries are unique true bourbon drinkers and not additional entries from friends/family?  If I was in that system I would enter myself, my wife, my brother/sister in law, my mom, and my in laws.  That is a quick 7 entries all representing me, already down to 14%.  Let's say I stop there because I do not want to game the system.  But that doesn't mean Regular Joe Blow isn't finding 20 friends to help him out.  This is an absolute guess with zero supporting data, but I think for stuff like PVW it will be 10% or less unique entries.   And to be honest, if that was the only chance I had at those bottles I am not ashamed to say I would get as many people as were willing to sign up. 

 

9 hours ago, JoeTerp said:

And I'll add on here as a Virginia resident my biggest complaint is the lack of store picks.  I would love to be able to get a Four Roses Private Selection, but need to go out of state to find those.

 

Wow, I did not even think of this.  And all 4R Barrel Proofs are private picks . . .  Man, what a kick in the dick.  Just Brutal.  Shoot me a PM Joe and we will see if I can help you out.

[gurgalunas]

Knew these were in the distributors warehouse a week ago.  Finally got them released for delivery to the store I frequent.  The EB12 was bottled in '15.  The RY10 is a 12 year old barrel.  Looking forward to these...

[Masset1982]

 

Another tasty delivery, first time I’m getting a SAOS from James. 

 

Will.

[VAGentleman]

14 hours ago, Harry in WashDC said:

Well, MSRP is not the only variable.  Persons purchasing in control states are subject to the state's product decisions.  For example, in Wash DC, the stores can sell anything the three or so wholesalers can get for them, BUT the stores can set whatever price they want.  In Virginia, the stores can only sell what the STATE purchases from the wholesalers and only at the retail price set by the state.  If it isn't on the Virginia Product list, it isn't available in a state store.  EXCEPT, several of the Virginia stores have a special designation (like the one in Williamsburg) which has an upscale sales room larger and "nicer" than the average store, and it sometimes offers things not on the product list.   RE: price - Virginia sells Knob Creek 750ml for $35 statewide.  I can find it in Wash DC for $22 to $30 depending on the store.

 

EDIT - Ideally, I'd be able to get anything I want for $8 a 750, but life's not like that; it is full of twists and turns and disappointments and pleasant surprises.

In Virginia you can go into an ABC store and special order pretty much anything.  Thats not to say they can always get it but they will try.  Sometimes you have to order a case.  I've done this with Old Ezra 107 before

[flahute]

6 hours ago, smokinjoe said:

State controlled ABC stores generally give me the creeps when I go into them.  It always feels like the sterile environment that one would expect in some bizarro world/Twilight Zone alcohol store that would exist if we were an adjunct of some sort of Soviet style government that would exist had Communism taken hold in America a century ago.  The buildings are many times these large nondescript red brick blocks with nothing to tell you what it is except a big ABC sign and a big RED dot. When I walk in it has that impressive very well organized layout that are all the same, and way more space than needed, but with a disheartening lack of choice and selection.  All bottles are precisely lined up on the shelves in functional order.  Little to no advertising, character, or style.  Just mind numbing order.  Just like the Central Planning Committee of the State Alcohol and Beverage CONTROL Board has centrally planned for efficient alcohol distribution.  The only thing missing is the State hasn’t yet required the people’s ABC  workers to wear uniforms with arm bands signifying position in the ABC apparatus.  I am always polite and agreeable when I make my purchase at one of these places, as to not attract attention of the Superior in the back, and somewhat disheartened that I have logged another entry into the State’s database of my alcoholic purchases.  But, I am sure to always smile contently and obviously to let the ABC know that this citizen approves and is content with the State’s decisions in alcohol procurement for the betterment of the People.  They really do know best.  I am careful to not attract attention as I head out to my car (secretly ruing the fact it’s not a mass-produced, nondescript, model...(but I do take solace in the fact that my auto is one of the 2 approved colors.  In this case, Black). I orderly exit the parking lot figuring the Authorities are watching my every move, gleefully awaiting entry onto the Freeway where I can open the windows and sunroof, crank up Ozzie’s Boneyard on Sirius, and breath easier again...BEEP! Beep!  Beep!  Beep!  What?!?!  What did I...Oh NO!!!!!’n They’re coming afte........

 

.....Huh? Oh...Whew!  It’s just my alarm.   Time to wake up....  

The last part of your dream has an excellent Red Barchetta vibe to it.

[tsangster]

25 minutes ago, flahute said:

The last part of your dream has an excellent Red Barchetta vibe to it.

Was expecting Neil, Alex and Geddy to appear in their bathrobes and throw down with side one from 2112.

[l364cy]

Today I picked up a LS private barrel of BT and a Widow Jane Oak & Applewood.

 

Looking forward to a SBS with a regular bottle of BT tonight.

 

Cheers!

[Dango]

11 hours ago, smokinjoe said:

State controlled ABC stores generally give me the creeps when I go into them.  It always feels like the sterile environment that one would expect in some bizarro world/Twilight Zone alcohol store that would exist if we were an adjunct of some sort of Soviet style government that would exist had Communism taken hold in America a century ago.  The buildings are many times these large nondescript red brick blocks with nothing to tell you what it is except a big ABC sign and a big RED dot. When I walk in it has that impressive very well organized layout that are all the same, and way more space than needed, but with a disheartening lack of choice and selection.  All bottles are precisely lined up on the shelves in functional order.  Little to no advertising, character, or style.  Just mind numbing order.  Just like the Central Planning Committee of the State Alcohol and Beverage CONTROL Board has centrally planned for efficient alcohol distribution.  The only thing missing is the State hasn’t yet required the people’s ABC  workers to wear uniforms with arm bands signifying position in the ABC apparatus.  I am always polite and agreeable when I make my purchase at one of these places, as to not attract attention of the Superior in the back, and somewhat disheartened that I have logged another entry into the State’s database of my alcoholic purchases.  But, I am sure to always smile contently and obviously to let the ABC know that this citizen approves and is content with the State’s decisions in alcohol procurement for the betterment of the People.  They really do know best.  I am careful to not attract attention as I head out to my car (secretly ruing the fact it’s not a mass-produced, nondescript, model...(but I do take solace in the fact that my auto is one of the 2 approved colors.  In this case, Black). I orderly exit the parking lot figuring the Authorities are watching my every move, gleefully awaiting entry onto the Freeway where I can open the windows and sunroof, crank up Ozzie’s Boneyard on Sirius, and breath easier again...BEEP! Beep!  Beep!  Beep!  What?!?!  What did I...Oh NO!!!!!’n They’re coming afte........

 

.....Huh? Oh...Whew!  It’s just my alarm.   Time to wake up....  

I visit NC stores and always get a weird feeling in them. I could not have said it better than what you describe. Spot on in my opinion. 

[Clueby]

8 hours ago, gurgalunas said:

Knew these were in the distributors warehouse a week ago.  Finally got them released for delivery to the store I frequent.  The EB12 was bottled in '15.  The RY10 is a 12 year old barrel.  Looking forward to these...

I remember I used to pass on Ezra B 12 all the time. The bottle was over the top and it was priced just a bit over EC12 and I think EC12 was a bit better and more consistent. Yes I know EB12 is a single barrel.  What's it go for these days? I remember it being right around $30.

Edited May 9, 2018 by Clueby

[Bob_Loblaw]

$46 for the EB 12 at a grocery store. Only place I’ve seen it. Would give it a go for $30. 

[Mako254]

13 hours ago, smokinjoe said:

State controlled ABC stores generally give me the creeps when I go into them.  It always feels like the sterile environment that one would expect in some bizarro world/Twilight Zone alcohol store that would exist if we were an adjunct of some sort of Soviet style government that would exist had Communism taken hold in America a century ago.  The buildings are many times these large nondescript red brick blocks with nothing to tell you what it is except a big ABC sign and a big RED dot. When I walk in it has that impressive very well organized layout that are all the same, and way more space than needed, but with a disheartening lack of choice and selection.  All bottles are precisely lined up on the shelves in functional order.  Little to no advertising, character, or style.  Just mind numbing order.  Just like the Central Planning Committee of the State Alcohol and Beverage CONTROL Board has centrally planned for efficient alcohol distribution.  The only thing missing is the State hasn’t yet required the people’s ABC  workers to wear uniforms with arm bands signifying position in the ABC apparatus.  I am always polite and agreeable when I make my purchase at one of these places, as to not attract attention of the Superior in the back, and somewhat disheartened that I have logged another entry into the State’s database of my alcoholic purchases.  But, I am sure to always smile contently and obviously to let the ABC know that this citizen approves and is content with the State’s decisions in alcohol procurement for the betterment of the People.  They really do know best.  I am careful to not attract attention as I head out to my car (secretly ruing the fact it’s not a mass-produced, nondescript, model...(but I do take solace in the fact that my auto is one of the 2 approved colors.  In this case, Black). I orderly exit the parking lot figuring the Authorities are watching my every move, gleefully awaiting entry onto the Freeway where I can open the windows and sunroof, crank up Ozzie’s Boneyard on Sirius, and breath easier again...BEEP! Beep!  Beep!  Beep!  What?!?!  What did I...Oh NO!!!!!’n They’re coming afte........

 

.....Huh? Oh...Whew!  It’s just my alarm.   Time to wake up....  

 

Funny you posted this. I’m re reading Solzhenitsyn’s ‘One Day in the life of Ivan Denisovich’ right now. Better be careful or we might be in the gulag w/ Shukhov!

 

trade came through today. Back to ol’ reliable. 

 

 

[HoustonNit]

@Mako good reading material and good bourbon.

[gurgalunas]

55 minutes ago, Clueby said:

I remember I used to pass on Ezra B 12 all the time. The bottle was over the top and it was priced just a bit over EC12 and I think EC12 was a bit better and more consistent. Yes I know EB12 is a single barrel.  What's it go for these days? I remember it being right around $30.

 

33 minutes ago, Bob_Loblaw said:

$46 for the EB 12 at a grocery store. Only place I’ve seen it. Would give it a go for $30. 

When I talked to the distributor, he was rattling off pricing info, EB12 "costs them $36 so would probably be mid $40's" is what I recall.  The store got the 2 bottles mixed up, as I paid mid $40s for the RY10 and $60 for the EB12.  Every RY10 I've ever seen was priced at $60, here and in IL.  I "ordered" both bottles from the distributor (after calling the LS), so it didn't matter which was which...  both were mine.  So technically, I paid $60, but it was really $46.

[Harry in WashDC]

10 hours ago, gurgalunas said:

Knew these were in the distributors warehouse a week ago.  Finally got them released for delivery to the store I frequent.  The EB12 was bottled in '15.  The RY10 is a 12 year old barrel.  Looking forward to these...

Thanks for posting this.  I'm printing the pic to take to my local LS.

[reeko]

Well, MSRP is not the only variable.  Persons purchasing in control states are subject to the state's product decisions.  For example, in Wash DC, the stores can sell anything the three or so wholesalers can get for them, BUT the stores can set whatever price they want.  In Virginia, the stores can only sell what the STATE purchases from the wholesalers and only at the retail price set by the state.  If it isn't on the Virginia Product list, it isn't available in a state store.  EXCEPT, several of the Virginia stores have a special designation (like the one in Williamsburg) which has an upscale sales room larger and "nicer" than the average store, and it sometimes offers things not on the product list.   RE: price - Virginia sells Knob Creek 750ml for $35 statewide.  I can find it in Wash DC for $22 to $30 depending on the store.
 
EDIT - Ideally, I'd be able to get anything I want for $8 a 750, but life's not like that; it is full of twists and turns and disappointments and pleasant surprises.

I can definitely see the pros and cons pov of state controlled liquor stores. How does each state decide on which product they get?

[Harry in WashDC]

7 hours ago, VAGentleman said:

In Virginia you can go into an ABC store and special order pretty much anything.  Thats not to say they can always get it but they will try.  Sometimes you have to order a case.  I've done this with Old Ezra 107 before

Generally, I agree.  Some stores are better than others.  I've had some clerk/managers that, in spite of my showing them print-outs from the website, told me I couldn't order something appearing on the website as a special order (and stocked in BIG stores) because I am not a Virginia resident.  Instead of fighting with him (well, two different persons on two separate occasions), I drove 23 miles one way to another store to place the order.  The store closest to me is "tiny".  The next closest (23 miles) has a long-time manager who likes bourbon.  But, that's still a two hour round-trip on back roads.  Your hint on ordering a case is MUCH appreciated.  The store closest to me does not stock OGD BIB, and ordering some, since I can buy it in WashDC, seems silly until I run out when in Virginia.  I hate having to remember what I'm short of in Virginia when I'm loading the car.  And, a case of OE 107 would hold me for an entire winter.  THANKS!  ASIDE - How geeky is it to spend THIS much time planning on how to pick up a bottle of bourbon?

 

[reeko]

And I'll add on here as a Virginia resident my biggest complaint is the lack of store picks.  I would love to be able to get a Four Roses Private Selection, but need to go out of state to find those.

Can you buy whiskey online? I've looked into it and I see that the US have a few sites that offer this, sometimes with free delivery.