The price we pay

[Nebraska]

I've been noticing some pretty hefty price increases. Inflation? I'm a BIG fan of Binny's in Chicago but have noticed several large increases in prices, there and elsewhere. Anybody else notice this?

[luv2hunt]

You obviously haven't read my "whining" about the prices in Indy! Increases have occurred within the past 6-8 months.

Dawn

[jsgorman]

Mostly everyone is starting to see the effects of gas pricing throughout the retail chain. Most folks think we only see it at the pump, but it will be rippling through everything from bourbon to banannas.

[T47]

Must be time for the Government to invade Kentucky...the protesters will have signs that read...No Blood for Bourbon...

[Sijan]

Perhaps also a sign of the bourbon shortage we hear Chuck mention occasionally?

[cowdery]

I'm not sure how much of it is related to the tightness of supplies, but that could be a factor, especially with extra-aged products such as the BT Antiques.

Oil could be a factor.

This is price increase "season" too in that industry, to get new prices established well in advance of the holidays.

As you might imagine, the cost of a product that has to be stored for many years before it can be sold is pretty sensitive to interest rates.

I also think all of us can take some credit for it. The American whiskey category is more robust than it has been in decades and there's a little understandable profit-taking going on.

[Nebraska]

I'm not responsible:smiley_acbt: I haven't had any bourbon for the last...20 hours (not counting the drink I have in my hand now). And I sure haven't talked to anybody:soapbox: about bourbon for the last...humm 90 minutes (other than now). What a preposterous notion. And lord knows I haven't purchased any bourbon (other than the two cases I ordered yesterday).:bigeyes:

[Nebraska]

Dawn I noticed your comments about Indy, I just thought that prices were higher in general there and had been for a while.

[gothbat]

Odd about what you are all saying about the gas prices, they seemed to have dropped significantly around here and I’m hearing that same is true in many other areas. I’m sure this is only temporary though.

As for the bourbon prices, putting inflation aside, I think they will most certainly continue to rise. This is something I think about every now and then when I’m reading here or drinking one of my favorites which are probably becoming the favorites of more and more people. As much as I love it, I mostly blame the internet. In searching for places to buy or find out more about different brands I’ve come across other brands that I want to try just as thousands of others have. Before the internet the diligent collector/hobbyist could have still learned of and tracked down these brands but the web makes it almost effortless so there are plenty more people doing this. The companies know this and since this generates demand it also generates higher prices in the long run, especially on the premium stuff. While most of the increases I have noticed have been small I’m sure they will be steady. My theory anyway…

[FlashPuppy]

I know that here in Sunny San Diego, I just have to suck it up and pay whatever (59 for lot b, 73 for RHF, 42 for WTRB, etc). If I'm lucky to even find the stuff, I guess I have to pay whatever they are asking, that ir stick to WT101, JBW, JBB, or MM.

[bluesbassdad]

The prices you quote are excessive. Perhaps you've tried only touristy places, rather than where the locals shop. Come to think of it, I have no idea where savvy bourbon buyers shop in San Diego County.

Anyway, Hi Time Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa lists Rock Hill Farms at $38.99, just to give one example. Okay, one more. What they call "Van Winkle SR 12 y/o", which I think is another way of saying "Lot B", for $36.99.

On Sale! Rare Breed for $25.99. Sometimes I wish I hadn't moved. Here it's over $30, even on sale.

Ooops! You haven't relocated lately, have you?

Yours truly,

Dave Morefield

[CrispyCritter]

Oddly, for many things, I've found Binny's prices to be better than Sam's - but sometimes Sam's has the better deal, or has something Binny's just doesn't carry.

For a bottle of OGD BIB, though, smaller stores tend to have better deals than either of the megastores. Sometimes I think that the prices are set by the rolling of dice, though.

[FlashPuppy]

Dave -

The prices that i quoted were from the only shop i found with that kind of selection. I have been meaning to get up to HitTImesWine, it is just so dang far (over an hour). one day...