Bourbon findings in Virginia

[juliusrocco]

OK folks, a family wedding on my wife's side brings me down to the Virginia/D.C. corridor next weekend and I wondering what anyone knows about bourbon selection in Virginia--what's available, where the good selection is, etc.

I'm familiar with the Total Beverage stores but it's been so long since I've been down there that all I can remember is that they had a really great beer selection.

Just curious as to what I might find that I can't get here (such as Buffalo Trace, Van WInkle Ryes, etc.)

J. Rocco

CT Shoreline, USA

[Guest **DONOTDELETE**]

Julius the bourbon selection in Virginia isn't that great. You won't find either Buffalo Trace or any Van Winkle whiskies at all. Our prices aren't low, but the sale prices are. Your best bet for selection will be in Maryland. If you've not had the Virginia Gentleman 90 proof ( 'The Fox' ) be sure to pick one up. It's quite good and only $20 per 750ml bottle.

Linn Spencer

Have Shotglass. Will Travel.

[juliusrocco]

Thanks for the tip Linn. I've not had the Virginia Gentleman and will seek it out to try.

J. Rocco

CT Shoreline, USA

[juliusrocco]

As a follow-up...Aside from picking up some otherwise unavailable (in Connecticut) beers at Total Beverage (great store), I stumbled across an ABC store in Springfield, VA, while killing time before the noontime wedding ceremony, and picked up a couple bottles of the VA Gentlemen 90 Proof "Fox." I see what you (Linn) mean about bourbon selection. I was amazed at the wide variety of rot gut/bottom shelf bourbon but the surprisingly small selection of mid-range to top shelf labels. At any rate, cracked open the Fox last night when we got back home and am quite pleased. The bourbon is not as full in taste as it would appear when smelling it, but it's a very nice drink all around. I would definitely buy it again ($19.95). Very nice wheater indeed.

J. Rocco

CT Shoreline, USA

[Guest **DONOTDELETE**]

Julius,

I'm glad you enjoy 'The Fox'. There are quite a few bourbons available on a special order basis. They just sit around in the cental socialist ABC warehouse in Richmond until someone places an order. This is a disservice to the casual shopper that is unaware of the additional products available and especially so to the out of state shopper that would make the purchase if it were on the shelves, but cannot wait a week for a special order to be processed and delivered to their store.

This is one of the main reason's I go to the Bourbon Festival each year. It's a fun yet damned expensive way to buy the bourbons that I can't get here. Yes it would be much quicker, and cheaper to pop up to Maryland every so often, but I'd much rather go to Kentucky!

Linn Spencer

Have Shotglass. Will Travel.