Coopers Craft R.I.P.

[kcgumbohead]

A short time ago I came up empty while searching my local N.E. ATL stores ( at least 6) for Coopers Craft 100p. Several positive comments here and a tasty pour while in KY convinced me to add a bottle. When I found none, I ASSUMED that it may have been discontinued, several SB members informed me that west ATL had it on the shelves. I found that to be the case and secured a bottle last time I was on that side of town ( THANK YOU SB members!!) and have since seen it in other stores on the west side.

Today I saw a local FB post about a distributor saying CC was being discontinued to be replaced by a tarted up more expensive release. I can’t confirm any of that but given the continued absence locally, if you’re a fan and there seem to be many, maybe pick up a backup as there MAY be some fire where I was smelling smoke. I hope that’s not the case but over the years we have seen enough with well liked releases either disappearing or changing, this is a PSA in the event that this distributor comment may have something behind it.

Slainte KC.

Edited June 28 by kcgumbohead
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[PaulO]

I haven't seen one in a long time.  I checked the TW site.  They list none in Greenwood.  Check all stores indicated some in Avon, IN.  That could be old inventory.

 

The closest thing I know to Coopers Craft 100 is Old Forester 100.  I gather the main difference between the two is Coopers is aged in the special barrels with grooves cut on the inside.

[kcgumbohead]

On 6/28/2024 at 11:58 AM, PaulO said:

I haven't seen one in a long time.  I checked the TW site.  They list none in Greenwood.  Check all stores indicated some in Avon, IN.  That could be old inventory.

 

The closest thing I know to Coopers Craft 100 is Old Forester 100.  I gather the main difference between the two is Coopers is aged in the special barrels with grooves cut on the inside.

I think CC might also differ in that it, at least in part contains some of the the ET mashbill? But I could be mistaken.

Edited July 1 by kcgumbohead

[MyBrainOnWhiskey]

Interesting .  Coopers Craft 100 is a bottle that I've not given much attention until recently (thanks to another recent SB post).  As recently as last Thursday I saw it on the shelves of several local shops (including a Total Wine).  Plenty of bottles at all locations that had stock.  Pricing was as low as $27.99.  I think the highest price I saw was $30.99.

 

If not for this thread I would have continued to assume that Cooper's Craft 100 production and distribution was still in full swing. 

[Skinsfan1311]

4 hours ago, MyBrainOnWhiskey said:

Interesting .  Coopers Craft 100 is a bottle that I've not given much attention until recently (thanks to another recent SB post).  As recently as last Thursday I saw it on the shelves of several local shops (including a Total Wine).  Plenty of bottles at all locations that had stock.  Pricing was as low as $27.99.  I think the highest price I saw was $30.99.

 

If not for this thread I would have continued to assume that Cooper's Craft 100 production and distribution was still in full swing. 

Same here in the Baltimore Metro area. 

[kcgumbohead]

I have no hard evidence, just a reference on a FB group quoting a local distributor and nothing on shelves anywhere in my general area. Elsewhere in the greater ATL area various SBrs have seen ample inventory, we shall see. I posted as a precaution so CC fans can stock up in case this turns out to be a real thing.

[smokinjoe]

While I did recently find one, it was the last on on the shelf.  As you have noted Kevin, it has disappeared from several stores that regularly carried it.  Has me worried that the rumors may be true.  I think @Old Hippie may have some helpful insight on this, as I believe he has some connection and knowledge with Brown-Forman whiskies.  If so, hopefully his news is good.  

[red38-special]

None in Charlotte for the last two months.

[MyBrainOnWhiskey]

OK, I relent.  To those who said Cooper's Craft will be discontinued... I now believe you. 

 

Today I went to a few local stores and found very little stock.  At my last stop I asked one of the guys behind the counter if they are still ordering and receiving Cooper's Craft and he politely danced around the question.  He said there has been no official notification from the distributor, but at the same time he admitted they are not getting any more bottles.  That was all I needed to know.  I bought one bottle and went on my way. 

 

As previously stated by @kcgumbohead, the tarted up, more expensive release is probably in the works and coming to a shelf near you.  All good, I get it.  It's not easy to produce a well-made and profitable bourbon for sub $30.

 

Cooper's Craft was not a staple for me, and I was only recently turned on to it.  Nevertheless, I will miss it as an option on the shelf. 

 

R.I.P. Cooper's Craft 

[JustDucky]

Our control state has a "Liquor Search" where one can find what is available and where. This discussion prompted me to track Cooper's Craft, which I have on hand from time to time and assumed would always be readily available.

 

On 30 JUN 139 stores in the state had a total of 928 bottles. As of today it is 47/204. Not encouraging...

[Kepler]

I've never tried Cooper's Craft.  I assume it's not available in my state (Texas).  I've been to Kentucky many many times (but not in several years)... but it wasn't on my list to pick up.  What have I been missing? 

[PaulO]

13 hours ago, Kepler said:

I've never tried Cooper's Craft.  I assume it's not available in my state (Texas).  I've been to Kentucky many many times (but not in several years)... but it wasn't on my list to pick up.  What have I been missing? 

It's Old Forester aged in barrels that have grooves cut into the staves to give some more surface area on the inside.  To my taste, pretty similar to standard OF 100, but a little more wood influence from the proprietary barrels.

 

Oh, and when labels get discontinued, MyBrianOnWhiskey, I've seen this song and dance before.  Basically the stuff just vanishes and isn't replaced.  The people making it don't put out an official news story.  Your best source for that sort of thing is probably this site. 

[Jazz June]

The regular version was discontinued a while ago. I asked some B-F people last week and they said there are no current plans to discontinue the 100 proof, but resources for the brand are being cut.

[Kepler]

4 hours ago, PaulO said:

It's Old Forester aged in barrels that have grooves cut into the staves to give some more surface area on the inside.  To my taste, pretty similar to standard OF 100, but a little more wood influence from the proprietary barrels.

 

Oh, and when labels get discontinued, MyBrianOnWhiskey, I've seen this song and dance before.  Basically the stuff just vanishes and isn't replaced.  The people making it don't put out an official news story.  Your best source for that sort of thing is probably this site. 

 

Ok thanks for the info.  It sounds right down my alley.  For my taste buds, all regular OF100 needs is a little more oak influence.  Sounds delicious.

 

[fishnbowljoe]

I regularly receive emails from BInny’s. I received one this morning and had to do a double take. I thought this was being discontinued. WTH!    Upon further review. Sometimes it’s hell getting old. 🫨

 

[Skinsfan1311]

7 hours ago, Kepler said:

 

Ok thanks for the info.  It sounds right down my alley.  For my taste buds, all regular OF100 needs is a little more oak influence.  Sounds delicious.

 

Yeah.....this.    It's pretty damn good, especially for the price.   The first release wasn't so good.....but the they've been very good this past year, or so.   I still see on a lot of shelves here in the Baltimore metro area.   I have an almost full bottle on the bar and, if it's still around when it's gone I'll replace it.   If I never see it again, that's okay too.  I have enough whiskey to last this lifetime 

[natedawg]

I saw it on the shelf in southern Kentucky but not in Lexington. I bought a couple because it is not available at home.