What Bourbon Did You Pass On 2024

[Kepler]

3 hours ago, mbroo5880i said:

...I saw a lot of bottles of interest but the prices just seemed out of line with what they are.  I try to be realistic about pricing in today's market but two stores had ECBP private barrels for $80 and $85, respectively.  One was 8 years old and the other 9 years old.  

...

 

 

I hear ya.  I refuse to purchase the new EC 8-9 year store picks of barrel proof at $80 to $100.

 

I bought an 11 year and a 10 year store pick EC from Lincoln Road a couple of years ago for around $100 when these things first came out. 

 

But I won't buy anymore, especially these 8 and 9 year ripoffs that we are seeing now.

 

EC 94 proof at 12 years and $30 or less is what built the brand.   And I'll pay a lot for a good 12 year age-stated Barrel Proof.  

 

But I'm not paying 80 to 90 bucks for an 8-9 year Elijah Craig single barrel. Sorry.

 

[MyBrainOnWhiskey]

17 hours ago, Kepler said:

 

I hear ya.  I refuse to purchase the new EC 8-9 year store picks of barrel proof at $80 to $100.

 

I bought an 11 year and a 10 year store pick EC from Lincoln Road a couple of years ago for around $100 when these things first came out. 

 

But I won't buy anymore, especially these 8 and 9 year ripoffs that we are seeing now.

 

EC 94 proof at 12 years and $30 or less is what built the brand.   And I'll pay a lot for a good 12 year age-stated Barrel Proof.  

 

But I'm not paying 80 to 90 bucks for an 8-9 year Elijah Craig single barrel. Sorry.

 

 

+1.  I still look when I see an EC store pick, but I quickly put it down and move on for the exact same reasons.

 

Something that I passed on multiple times but eventually caved in and bought a bottle, was/is a 9-year RR store pick for $75.  Yes, overpriced for what it is.  However, my bunker was void of RR store picks, and that's how I rationalized the purchase.  Money well spent? Probably not, but I love RR so I'm OK with it for a one-off.  The regular RR in my area is $60-65... $75 by comparison for a store pick doesn't seem horrible. 

 

Others that I am currently passing on...

 

1. ShortBarrel bourbon store pick (6.8 years at $79).  I was able to sample an open bottle at the store and it didn't wow me.

2. 13th Colony Cask Strength (NAS at $129).  I'm sure it's very good, but I'm not paying $129.

 

[jvd99]

1 hour ago, MyBrainOnWhiskey said:

 

+1.  I still look when I see an EC store pick, but I quickly put it down and move on for the exact same reasons.

 

Something that I passed on multiple times but eventually caved in and bought a bottle, was/is a 9-year RR store pick for $75.  Yes, overpriced for what it is.  However, my bunker was void of RR store picks, and that's how I rationalized the purchase.  Money well spent? Probably not, but I love RR so I'm OK with it for a one-off.  The regular RR in my area is $60-65... $75 by comparison for a store pick doesn't seem horrible. 

 

Others that I am currently passing on...

 

1. ShortBarrel bourbon store pick (6.8 years at $79).  I was able to sample an open bottle at the store and it didn't wow me.

2. 13th Colony Cask Strength (NAS at $129).  I'm sure it's very good, but I'm not paying $129.

 

If you like something and can afford it, it's always money well spent. Dont let anyone else's notion of "value" influence your purchases

 

I could care less what other people think of me on almost every front, especially what I spend on scotch and bourbon and other hobbies

[Skinsfan1311]

Old Forester 1924   $114.00 at a VA ABC store.

 

 

[MyBrainOnWhiskey]

18 hours ago, jvd99 said:

If you like something and can afford it, it's always money well spent. Dont let anyone else's notion of "value" influence your purchases

 

Yes, well said.  I certainly won't be thinking about what I paid as I am enjoying the bottle.  Generally speaking, the price was was fair based on current market prices, and RR is among my favorite "available" bourbons... so all is good .      

Edited July 1, 2024 by MyBrainOnWhiskey

[jvd99]

Passed on a couple JD Ryes at the grocery store a good price, which may have been mislabeled, and a pallet of OGD 114 at Costco (errands today)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited July 1, 2024 by jvd99

[Davesnothere]

I'm not certain this counts, but we stopped at Honeysuckle's in Franklin TN on Sunday and passed on the bourbon.  Some of the prices were not too bad for a bar pour.

I stuck with the unsweet tea, which was well done.

The burger was one of the best I have ever had!

 

 

Edited July 2, 2024 by Davesnothere

[Skinsfan1311]

21 minutes ago, Davesnothere said:

I'm not certain this counts, but we stopped at Honeysuckle's in Franklin TN on Sunday and passed on the bourbon.  Some of the prices were not too bad for a bar pour.

I stuck with the unsweet tea, which was well done.

The burger was one of the best I have ever had!

 

 

Whoa!

All those are all easy passes for this Cheap Bastard.

I would've stuck to iced tea too..

 

Edited July 2, 2024 by Skinsfan1311

[b1gcountry]

7 hours ago, jvd99 said:

Passed on a couple JD Ryes at the grocery store a good price, which may have been mislabeled, and a pallet of OGD 114 at Costco (errands today)

 

 

 

 

 

 

That looks like a jewel-osco label

[Skinsfan1311]

19 hours ago, jvd99 said:

Passed on a couple JD Ryes at the grocery store a good price, which may have been mislabeled, and a pallet of OGD 114 at Costco (errands today)

 

 

 

 

 

 

They definitely stuck those on the wrong shelf and someone is going to be pissed when it rings up for North of $65.00!

[Grady330]

On 6/30/2024 at 12:48 AM, Kepler said:

 

I hear ya.  I refuse to purchase the new EC 8-9 year store picks of barrel proof at $80 to $100.

 

I bought an 11 year and a 10 year store pick EC from Lincoln Road a couple of years ago for around $100 when these things first came out. 

 

But I won't buy anymore, especially these 8 and 9 year ripoffs that we are seeing now.

 

EC 94 proof at 12 years and $30 or less is what built the brand.   And I'll pay a lot for a good 12 year age-stated Barrel Proof.  

 

But I'm not paying 80 to 90 bucks for an 8-9 year Elijah Craig single barrel. Sorry.

 

We just had our second barrel pick show up here. I'm part of the tasting group. My LS prices at $40 or 2 for 37 each. 

[Anwalt]

On 7/1/2024 at 3:05 PM, MyBrainOnWhiskey said:

Yes, well said.  I certainly won't be thinking about what I paid as I am enjoying the bottle.  Generally speaking, the price was was fair based on current market prices, and RR is among my favorite "available" bourbons... so all is good .      

 

That's a good price, in today's market, for a solid RR SP. I'd have paid it sans regrets.

[mbroo5880i]

I haven't passed.  I just haven't chosen yet.  

 

My name was drawn in my local bourbon club's recent allocated bourbon drop.  I believe they are on Day 3 with about 10 bottles each day.  They had some cool bottles Camp Nelson, ORVW, OF1924, etc.

 

I have a choice between ECBP A124, ECBP B524, Larceny BP (not sure which releases), Blanton's, OF Rye SiB BP, Bookers, plus other stuff that I am not interested in like Blood Oath, Angel's Envy Cellar Collection, etc.  Their prices are close to MSRP.

 

I am leaning toward ECBP but I am not certain which release.  Thoughts on any of these?

 

Usually when I go in the shop manager will let me pick anything from the allocated shelf in the back that isn't spoken for.  So, I am not locked into any pick until I go to the store.

[b1gcountry]

51 minutes ago, mbroo5880i said:

I haven't passed.  I just haven't chosen yet.  

 

My name was drawn in my local bourbon club's recent allocated bourbon drop.  I believe they are on Day 3 with about 10 bottles each day.  They had some cool bottles Camp Nelson, ORVW, OF1924, etc.

 

I have a choice between ECBP A124, ECBP B524, Larceny BP (not sure which releases), Blanton's, OF Rye SiB BP, Bookers, plus other stuff that I am not interested in like Blood Oath, Angel's Envy Cellar Collection, etc.  Their prices are close to MSRP.

 

I am leaning toward ECBP but I am not certain which release.  Thoughts on any of these?

 

Usually when I go in the shop manager will let me pick anything from the allocated shelf in the back that isn't spoken for.  So, I am not locked into any pick until I go to the store.

That's not a huge choice...I've passed on basically all of those recently. If they aren't at msrp, I wouldn't give him my money. 

[Skinsfan1311]

1 hour ago, mbroo5880i said:

I haven't passed.  I just haven't chosen yet.  

 

My name was drawn in my local bourbon club's recent allocated bourbon drop.  I believe they are on Day 3 with about 10 bottles each day.  They had some cool bottles Camp Nelson, ORVW, OF1924, etc.

 

I have a choice between ECBP A124, ECBP B524, Larceny BP (not sure which releases), Blanton's, OF Rye SiB BP, Bookers, plus other stuff that I am not interested in like Blood Oath, Angel's Envy Cellar Collection, etc.  Their prices are close to MSRP.

 

I am leaning toward ECBP but I am not certain which release.  Thoughts on any of these?

 

Usually when I go in the shop manager will let me pick anything from the allocated shelf in the back that isn't spoken for.  So, I am not locked into any pick until I go to the store.

That's pretty slim pickin's....

The Bookers is a little intriguing.

[Kepler]

7 hours ago, Grady330 said:

We just had our second barrel pick show up here. I'm part of the tasting group. My LS prices at $40 or 2 for 37 each. 

Barrel proof or 94 proof?

[mbroo5880i]

30 minutes ago, b1gcountry said:

That's not a huge choice...I've passed on basically all of those recently. If they aren't at msrp, I wouldn't give him my money. 

 

17 minutes ago, Skinsfan1311 said:

That's pretty slim pickin's....

The Bookers is a little intriguing.

 

Yep, not a lot but still some decent bottles that are very allocated in my area.  ECBP, Larceny BP, Blanton's or Bookers for MSRP are not bad options for a change of pace in my area.  He also might not have given me the entire list.  I know last time there was more on the shelf than he had told me.

 

I don't know which Bookers batch. 

[Anwalt]

13 hours ago, mbroo5880i said:

I haven't passed.  I just haven't chosen yet.  

 

My name was drawn in my local bourbon club's recent allocated bourbon drop.  I believe they are on Day 3 with about 10 bottles each day.  They had some cool bottles Camp Nelson, ORVW, OF1924, etc.

 

I have a choice between ECBP A124, ECBP B524, Larceny BP (not sure which releases), Blanton's, OF Rye SiB BP, Bookers, plus other stuff that I am not interested in like Blood Oath, Angel's Envy Cellar Collection, etc.  Their prices are close to MSRP.

 

I am leaning toward ECBP but I am not certain which release.  Thoughts on any of these?

 

Usually when I go in the shop manager will let me pick anything from the allocated shelf in the back that isn't spoken for.  So, I am not locked into any pick until I go to the store.

 

ECBP B524, not even close. My friends who've tried thought it way better than A124, still waiting on mine. And if you win the right to get something cool that you are tempted to pass on due to Cheap Bastard nature, there are others of us with phones....

[LW25]

15 hours ago, mbroo5880i said:

I haven't passed.  I just haven't chosen yet.  

 

My name was drawn in my local bourbon club's recent allocated bourbon drop.  I believe they are on Day 3 with about 10 bottles each day.  They had some cool bottles Camp Nelson, ORVW, OF1924, etc.

 

I have a choice between ECBP A124, ECBP B524, Larceny BP (not sure which releases), Blanton's, OF Rye SiB BP, Bookers, plus other stuff that I am not interested in like Blood Oath, Angel's Envy Cellar Collection, etc.  Their prices are close to MSRP.

 

I am leaning toward ECBP but I am not certain which release.  Thoughts on any of these?

 

Usually when I go in the shop manager will let me pick anything from the allocated shelf in the back that isn't spoken for.  So, I am not locked into any pick until I go to the store.

OF SBBP Rye would be my first choice.  EC B524 2nd choice. 

[MyBrainOnWhiskey]

8 hours ago, LW25 said:

OF SBBP Rye would be my first choice.  EC B524 2nd choice. 

^ This... but I love rye whiskey .  The EC B524 would be my first bourbon choice on that list.

 

While "close to MSRP" still might be good pricing for your area, if you won a drawing I think the store should sell the bottles at MSRP.  You only get to choose 1 bottle, yes?  Even more reason to sell it at MSRP.  Whatever you decide, let us know  .  

[mbroo5880i]

1 hour ago, MyBrainOnWhiskey said:

^ This... but I love rye whiskey .  The EC B524 would be my first bourbon choice on that list.

 

While "close to MSRP" still might be good pricing for your area, if you won a drawing I think the store should sell the bottles at MSRP.  You only get to choose 1 bottle, yes?  Even more reason to sell it at MSRP.  Whatever you decide, let us know  .  

 

I hear you but the Indy market is ultra-competitive for allocated bottles.  None of the bottles I mentioned and many more never make their way to the shelves.  If you ask, you are typically told they have none.  I suspect most are held for friends and high $$$ customers and, unfortunately, as I have seen and heard, for distributors who have to buy retail but at cost.  It is a fun game.  

 

I would be absolutely flabbergasted if any of the "basic" allocated bottles I mentioned sell for MSRP in my area.  If I can find one that I want and within 5 to 10% of MSRP that is a win. 

 

I suspect Indy is no different than a lot of areas across the country.  It all depends on the market as to the price.  I am not certain they are even available for MSRP in price control states like Ohio.

 

I ended up opting to a bottle of Blanton's.  As my wife told me, when looking at available whiskeys, company often asks if we have any Blanton's.  The other offerings are often available as store picks (e.g., ECBP).  

 

 

 

 

[fosmith]

On 7/2/2024 at 5:04 PM, mbroo5880i said:

I have a choice between ECBP A124, ECBP B524, Larceny BP (not sure which releases), Blanton's, OF Rye SiB BP, Bookers, plus other stuff that I am not interested in like Blood Oath, Angel's Envy Cellar Collection, etc.  Their prices are close to MSRP.

I really like the ECBP A124.  I know it's gotten mixed reviews, mainly as it's younger and off profile.  But I really liked the sweet, cotton candy vibe it gives off.  I've heard good things about B524 but haven't seen it in my area yet..

[Thomm]

This is on my to do list, but I think I'll keep looking.  This particular grocery store is not known for competitive liquor prices.  

[LW25]

Saw the new Baby Jane last week for $47 - no idea if that's a good price or not.  I've never liked WJ stuff so easy pass for me.  

 

Also passed on a Still Austin Cask Strength (The Musician one) for $50.  I read that it's only 2 years old?  Went back and forth on that one because I usually like cask strength stuff best but that young age gave me pause for $50...

[Double C's]

4 hours ago, LW25 said:

Saw the new Baby Jane last week for $47 - no idea if that's a good price or not.  I've never liked WJ stuff so easy pass for me.  

 

Also passed on a Still Austin Cask Strength (The Musician one) for $50.  I read that it's only 2 years old?  Went back and forth on that one because I usually like cask strength stuff best but that young age gave me pause for $50...

The Still Austin is a minimum of 2yrs old, but that is Texas climate aging. It is good stuff. Just search for reviews on it and see what folks are saying about it.