What Bourbon Did You Pass On 2022

[Skinsfan1311]

Booker's  $119.00

 

[LvR Mike]

4 hours ago, Skinsfan1311 said:

Booker's  $119.00

 

Damn. Is there a thumbs down button?

[Wedelstaedt]

2 hours ago, LvR Mike said:

Damn. Is there a thumbs down button?

What the heck has happened to Booker's.  I will tell you what.. novice Taters. 

 

Cheers

[apt43bear]

2 minutes ago, Wedelstaedt said:

What the heck has happened to Booker's.  I will tell you what.. novice Taters. 

 

Cheers

At my local stores, I’m starting to see the Booker’s 2021 releases still sitting on the shelf at the new msrp price of $99. I’d have a hard time finding Bookers before so hopefully this is a sign that less and less people want to pay that much for Bookers now. 

[Jazzhead]

On 2/9/2022 at 6:47 AM, geclbxf said:

Makes me glad to be in Ohio - wow that mark up is rough.

I hadn't seen Eagle Rare in three years.  I saw it a month ago at a place in Camden for $49.95.  I got change back from a fifty so I counted my good fortune.   I haven't opened it yet, but it's the first non-Kosher BT product I've purchased in many moons.   

[Skinsfan1311]

9 hours ago, LvR Mike said:

Damn. Is there a thumbs down button?

I've seen it as high as $139.00.

I bought the occasional bottle,  years ago, back when it could be had for ~ $60.00.

Give me JDSBBP any day.

I fear the day it wins an award, or Minnick declares it "Nectar of the Gods",  the price skyrockets, and the taters clear the shelves.

 

[fosmith]

9 hours ago, Wedelstaedt said:

What the heck has happened to Booker's.  I will tell you what.. novice Taters. 

 

Cheers

This exactly.  I'm a member of a couple of Booker's Facebook groups and people are constantly posting pictures of their Booker's collections; whole walls of shelving of every batch going back to when they started naming the batches (or before) and often with multiples of each batch.  And newbies expressing admiration and jealousy.  People hunt Booker's now and anxiously await the release of each new batch. 

 

I like Booker's but, to me, this is insanity.  I stopped buying it when the price passed $60 and have enough stashed away to last me a few more years.  When that runs out, I'll just drink something else.  What really gets me though is that, as the price has gone up, the age statement and quality (IMO) of the product has gone down.  Kudos to Beam for brilliant marketing of a product that they thought was underappreciated but it's still a shame...

[flahute]

1 hour ago, fosmith said:

This exactly.  I'm a member of a couple of Booker's Facebook groups and people are constantly posting pictures of their Booker's collections; whole walls of shelving of every batch going back to when they started naming the batches (or before) and often with multiples of each batch.  And newbies expressing admiration and jealousy.  People hunt Booker's now and anxiously await the release of each new batch. 

 

I like Booker's but, to me, this is insanity.  I stopped buying it when the price passed $60 and have enough stashed away to last me a few more years.  When that runs out, I'll just drink something else.  What really gets me though is that, as the price has gone up, the age statement and quality (IMO) of the product has gone down.  Kudos to Beam for brilliant marketing of a product that they thought was underappreciated but it's still a shame...

Exactly this. When they first went to naming the batches along with the price increase a number of us here said it was a play for the completists who would now need to "collect" them all instead of drinking them. Brilliant move by Beam. When they first did this there were notes from a recent Beam Suntory board meeting that were floating around. In them the Suntory CEO was talking about the need for a "premiumization" effort to raise the status of certain products to get them on the same level as scotch. Booker's was the first part of that plan.

 

Like you, I've been out on Booker's since then. I still have 2 in the bunker and they will not be replaced. 

[markandrex]

2 hours ago, fosmith said:

This exactly.  I'm a member of a couple of Booker's Facebook groups and people are constantly posting pictures of their Booker's collections; whole walls of shelving of every batch going back to when they started naming the batches (or before) and often with multiples of each batch.  And newbies expressing admiration and jealousy.  People hunt Booker's now and anxiously await the release of each new batch. 

 

I like Booker's but, to me, this is insanity.  I stopped buying it when the price passed $60 and have enough stashed away to last me a few more years.  When that runs out, I'll just drink something else.  What really gets me though is that, as the price has gone up, the age statement and quality (IMO) of the product has gone down.  Kudos to Beam for brilliant marketing of a product that they thought was underappreciated but it's still a shame...

I do agree with everything.  My one caveat is that I do still buy when I find some in a realistic price point.  I have seen it as high as $119.99 and leave it on the shelf.  $60 is another matter.

[markandrex]

I was out this morning doing some replenishing.  I picked up an older Rebel Yell 10 year from one store for $65.00.  I walked in to another store  across the street who had one for $279.99.   

[Jazzhead]

I will still purchase Bookers at $90 (the Pennsy State Store price) but have given up on Little Book at $125 (and up).

 

I continue to be of the view that Bookers remains high quality.  My current open bottle, Donahoe's batch,  is excellent and IMO worth what I paid.

[kcgumbohead]

A local store ( walking distance local) emailed a 4R OBSK had dropped and it was available for 99.97. Ok full disclosure 4R and WT are my 2 favorite distilleries but no way in hell am I parting with 100 bucks for what had been a 50.00 bottle not long ago. Comically they urged the email recipients to hurry as there were only X # of bottles. Thank the bourbon gods I snatched up 4R ps bottles back when they were plentiful and 50-55 bucks. No way am I parting with a c- note. I have been premiumized into submission, enough!! I am tapping out, this has gone beyond stupid.

Edited February 15, 2022 by kcgumbohead

[Skinsfan1311]

Larceny Barrel Proof  $108.00

 

[fishnbowljoe]

I stopped at three liquor stores in the last week. Zero purchases.  Just ain’t been feeling it lately.

 

Biba! Joe

[BigRich]

16 hours ago, fishnbowljoe said:

I stopped at three liquor stores in the last week. Zero purchases.  Just ain’t been feeling it lately.

 

Biba! Joe

Same for me.  I'm having a hard time thinking of the last bottle of bourbon I bought at a store at this point. Not counting a certain friend on the other side of Atlanta who keeps me in mind when interesting barrel picks come up on his side of town.  But then I got a note last night about a Weller FP.  I've only ever seen two bottles in real life.  One was Frank's and the other on that ominous back shelf behind the register with no price.  So I guess the streak ends today when I grab the Weller. $50.99 seems like it's missing a "1" at the beginning based on the prices I've heard talked about here so I ain't complaining!

[Harry in WashDC]

4R Super Premium LE (750 ml 86 proof) @ $349 plus local tax.

 

Store also had a six pack of 50ml bottles for $250 --

 

Weller Special reserve 

Weller Antique 107

Weller Full Proof

Weller C.Y.P.B

Weller 12 Year 

Weller Full Proof

 

I may go back for the handle of WSR @ $160 IF there's any left next week AND if I can't restrain myself.  Have to check on-hand inventory.

[BigRich]

3 hours ago, Harry in WashDC said:

4R Super Premium LE (750 ml 86 proof) @ $349 plus local tax.

 

Store also had a six pack of 50ml bottles for $250 --

 

Weller Special reserve 

Weller Antique 107

Weller Full Proof

Weller C.Y.P.B

Weller 12 Year 

Weller Full Proof

 

I may go back for the handle of WSR @ $160 IF there's any left next week AND if I can't restrain myself.  Have to check on-hand inventory.

Hold the line Harry.  You can do it!

[fishnbowljoe]

5 hours ago, BigRich said:

Same for me.  I'm having a hard time thinking of the last bottle of bourbon I bought at a store at this point. Not counting a certain friend on the other side of Atlanta who keeps me in mind when interesting barrel picks come up on his side of town.  But then I got a note last night about a Weller FP.  I've only ever seen two bottles in real life.  One was Frank's and the other on that ominous back shelf behind the register with no price.  So I guess the streak ends today when I grab the Weller. $50.99 seems like it's missing a "1" at the beginning based on the prices I've heard talked about here so I ain't complaining!

Congrats on the FP Rich. I hope everything works out well. Please keep us posted. I was lucky to grab a FP at a Binny’s (Chicago) quite a while ago. I was happy with the $59.99 price tag. Just before Xmas I was told that one (tater) store a little ways away from me had a ps FP. I was told the price was $200.00. If you opened it up in the store, that price dropped to $100.00. I was “talking” with a guy when I was at my local Binny’s the other day. He basically confirmed the $200.00 out the door price at this store. He became rather braggadocios and told me that he bought one. I told him I paid $59.99 for the one I bought. Thus ensued a war of pics from our phones. He started it off by proudly showing me a pic of the FP he bought. I then showed him a pic of my open shelf. He showed me a pic of his meager but nice collection. I showed him a pic of part of my collection. At that time he said he had to go. I win!  FWIW, I could tell by this guys actions and mannerisms that he was a tater, flipper, asshat. He’d look at something on the shelf, then check his phone, shake his head or smile, then rinse wash repeat. He even took a pic or two. Stuff like this normally doesn’t bother me, but I must admit it felt kinda good putting this dickhead in his place.

 

Biba! Joe

[bayouredd]

2 hours ago, fishnbowljoe said:

Congrats on the FP Rich. I hope everything works out well. Please keep us posted. I was lucky to grab a FP at a Binny’s (Chicago) quite a while ago. I was happy with the $59.99 price tag. Just before Xmas I was told that one (tater) store a little ways away from me had a ps FP. I was told the price was $200.00. If you opened it up in the store, that price dropped to $100.00. I was “talking” with a guy when I was at my local Binny’s the other day. He basically confirmed the $200.00 out the door price at this store. He became rather braggadocios and told me that he bought one. I told him I paid $59.99 for the one I bought. Thus ensued a war of pics from our phones. He started it off by proudly showing me a pic of the FP he bought. I then showed him a pic of my open shelf. He showed me a pic of his meager but nice collection. I showed him a pic of part of my collection. At that time he said he had to go. I win!  FWIW, I could tell by this guys actions and mannerisms that he was a tater, flipper, asshat. He’d look at something on the shelf, then check his phone, shake his head or smile, then rinse wash repeat. He even took a pic or two. Stuff like this normally doesn’t bother me, but I must admit it felt kinda good putting this dickhead in his place.

 

Biba! Joe

Well He!!...

That was exciting!!! Probably the most exciting thing I've read all day. You may not have done it but add a ' then I slapped the b!tch upside his head' and we got something... 

 

Sorry, OGDBiB taking control... 

Edited February 18, 2022 by bayouredd

[Richdel]

Vacationing down in St Pete's Beach Florida.  Decided to look at a few of the local LS for anything that is not found in my state.  Best find was a 1.75 of WT101 for $31.99,  Not sure what taxes would add, but that is almost $20 cheaper then what I can find at my locals.

 

While I passing the cash register. I saw a woman with two different boxes (that I had never seen) of Blantons.  When she was done, I went to the register and asked if they had anymore of the Blantons available for sale.  He brought 2 more boxes to the counter:  One Blanton's Red and one Blanton's Black.  The price was $299 each.  I also spied a bottle of Stagg Jr and asked about the price, again $299.  

 

That 1.75 of WT101 is sure looking good right now!  I may go back and grab one before I leave town.

[fishnbowljoe]

Out and about yesterday. Passed on Kentucky Owl St. Pats @ $99.99.  

 

Biba! Joe

[Harry in WashDC]

A deli near me has a limited, slightly marked up distilled spirits offering, more gin and vodka than brown.  I passed on a fishnet Blanton's. (regular issue, not a store pick, and not a resale of an overseas release which is allowed in Wash DC) for $186 before tax.  Even asked the clerk if that was a misprint.  He checked his machine and said, "Nppe." I said "Nope" too.  I guess the boom still has not peaked.

[PaulO]

Today I saw a new one for me - Rebel Barrel Proof.  The label says barrel filled  March 2017.  I'm guessing it's from Heaven Hill.  Maybe someone here knows better.

It's so new there wasn't a price on the shelf yet - we'll see.

[FlounderinDC]

Out today at lunch and ran into a couple of places to look. Saw Knob Creek 12 for $85 and Knob Creek 15 for $150. I love the 12, never tried the 15. I have an open bottle of the 12 I paid $65 for but those prices were too much. Oh and the same place had a MM101 for $90. WTH? It is usually available around here for $40. Also had Bookers for $110. 

 

Nope. 

[fishnbowljoe]

On 3/1/2022 at 12:20 PM, PaulO said:

Today I saw a new one for me - Rebel Barrel Proof.  The label says barrel filled  March 2017.  I'm guessing it's from Heaven Hill.  Maybe someone here knows better.

It's so new there wasn't a price on the shelf yet - we'll see.

 

 

I’m not sure exactly when LuxRow first started distilling. A group of us from SB visited the distillery during our Spring Bash back in 2017. The still was up and running, and they had barrels in their rickhouse. Soooooo……..

 

Biba! Joe