Goin' to Florida...

[MikeDS]

Hello all - Can I get any bourbons in Florida that I can't get in Illinois? I'll be there next week for about 6 days and I want someone to say I can get Four Roses there! Even if that's not possible is there anything available there that isn't here? Thanks!

[luv2hunt]

Easy answer. No. Right now the Four Roses SB and Sm Batch are only available in KY. You have a much better bourbon selection in IL than I've ever seen in FL

Dawn

[full_proof]

Where in Florida, if you don't mind me asking? It really depends on the market you visiting. The larger the market, or the more affluent area, the better chances you will have more selection or of spotting a hard-to-find bottling, or a top shelf brand. I frequent Destin in the panhandle where property values (and property taxes! :smiley_acbt: ) are relatively high. The selection there is fair, as I've seen a variety of bourbons that are not available in Alabama or Georgia (excluding Atlanta--the selection there is much better). I've been able to find PVW in very limited supply, but no Maple Hill, probably because, as pointed out above, some bourbons distributions are merely regional.

[reg]

Beer warning!!! alcohol content is 3.2%. when sitting on the beach its just like drinking water. if you are drving though alabama dont stop for bourbon, very limited selection. but do buy beer if you drink it.

[TNbourbon]

..if you are driving though alabama dont stop for bourbon, very limited selection. but do buy beer if you drink it.

I just assumed he's flying or else he'd, well, just stop in Kentucky and buy whatever he wanted.

If you're driving, Mike -- stop in Kentucky!

[fussychicken]

I'm not sure about the rest of the state, but you can get Conecuh Ridge in north Florida. I picked up a bottle last year in Pensacola but haven't opened it yet.

[MikeDS]

I was just trying to be optimistic. I guess next time I better drive. Thanks to all!

[cowdery]

It's worth going into a large liquor store just to see how it is different. You probably will see something you don't see in Chicago, at least not routinely. You'll see a lot of Heaven Hill's brands, with generous shelf space, and Luxco and Sazerac, and just more American whiskey in general than what you see up here. You'll see who's buying all the Henry McKenna, Fighting Cock, Cabin Still, Rebel Yell, George Dickel and Old Charter.

[smokinjoe]

I've looked around several parts of Florida, and yes, there isn't much of the regular stuff that you can't find in Illinois. But, I have seen several of the "dusty bottle" variety finds there, if you're into that sort of thing. As always, look for the crappy, old package store in a seedy part of town. Preferrably with neon lights. Scout the parking lot for potential unfriendlies and a close to the door parking spot. Exit your car with authority and move in quickly, giving it that Richard Pryor "we bad" walk. Go directly to bourbon aisle, and peruse quickly. Don't look right in front of you. The dusties will be low or high on the shelf, and probably behind something else. Remember, you should be in and out in 90 seconds. If you find something(s), pick up and go directly to counter. Don't get too greedy. I mean, time is not your ally. Don't give the bad guys time to group. Plus, it doesn't hurt to save a few dusties for the next team we send in. Always, pay in cash. Grab bag with goods, go directly to car looking satisfied, and not hurried. If you pass someone going out, keep head up, and make eye contact. Project that you're the "man on a mission". Get in car, back out without hitting anything. You don't want that kind of delay here. Quickly exit parking lot. Begin breathing again. At this point, it's OK to finger your new finds and ask yourself the question: "Why the F@%&! did I just do that?"

Cheers!

JOE

[full_proof]

Great answer and technique, Joe. I've also found that looking the part (unshaven and dressed down) and bringing a wingman helps--there is strength in numbers. Going into an ill-kept liquor store solo, clean shaven and in a lavender Brooks Brothers polo shirt is not a good idea, unless you enjoy overwhelming popularity among the filthy and wretched locals.

Is it me, or is there a lack of consensus of what bourbonites here consider what "is generally available," and what is "a dusty"? :confused:

[TBoner]

Yeah, full_proof, there's definitely no consensus. Do you know how freaking overjoyed I'd be, for instance, to find Rittenhouse BIB on a local shelf? Or AAA 10-star, which at one time got sent here and now is only available as a very rare dusty?

As for smokinjoe's technique, I'm in absolute agreement, right down to the incredulous self-questioning in the car. The question is even more appropriate when no dusties are found and you've had to avoid three guys who are trying to make you pay for parking in an otherwise vacant, untended lot that has never seen more than three cars at once.

That said, I've been known to get stupid and go in shirt and tie after work on Friday (yep, just about the time the crazies go out in full force). But my height and the man-on-a-mission look have done the trick so far...and I'm always pulling out of the last lot before dark.

[MikeDS]

This is all good info. I'm now a man on a mission. I guess if they have the Fighting Cock I'll snatch (ha ha cock & snatch in same sentence) up a bottle of it. Never seen it up here. Thanks!

[Gillman]

I have never had bad experiences (other not finding anything - lots of those) and I've hunted in some dicey areas in many, many cities. Like in anything, you have to use common sense and keep alert. What I do, and I find it seems to put people at ease, is say I collect bottles which have red or green stamps on them (which is true in effect). Many owners remember those from years ago. This seems to make sense to people and sometimes I get tips, a guy will say, George across the street, he has a lot of those. But those comments about Florida were somewhat sobering, sounds like its urban badlands are especially bad and special precautions are in order.

Gary

[tango-papa]

I'd say it would be a good rule to NEVER wear a lavender shirt regardless of brand name!

[ILLfarmboy]

Great answer and technique, Joe. I've also found that looking the part (unshaven and dressed down) and bringing a wingman helps--there is strength in numbers. Going into an ill-kept liquor store solo, clean shaven and in a lavender Brooks Brothers polo shirt is not a good idea, unless you enjoy overwhelming popularity among the filthy and wretched locals.

Is it me, or is there a lack of consensus of what bourbonites here consider what "is generally available," and what is "a dusty"? :confused:

Unshaven and dressed down. Most definitely. And to this I might add if you wear contacts or glasses wear your contacts and a pair of cheap sunglasses, preferably reflective lenses.

[ThomasH]

I went into a liquor store in a rough area of a nearby town. This town is not at all unfamiliar to me as I have lived in the area all of my life. I walk in to the store to buy some minis and immediately see about 10-12 people, male and female, with t shirts with some sort of spray paint design on them. Immediately the thought of gang members comes to mind. The owner of the store was angry with them and told them to either make there purchases or get out. I went over to one of the isles and picked up a bottle of very cheap blended whiskey and got in line, totally acting business like and not appearing afraid. A guy got in line behind me and tapped me on the shoulder. When I turned around, he held up a bottle of Bombay Sapphire gin and proceeded to ask me if it was any good. In a very cordial manner I replied that it was top shelf and in fact it was so good that I had to give up drinking it. Everybody in the group sort of chuckled and the chaotic situation quicky ended. They left the store after purchasing most of the 750's of Sapphire on the shelf. After the group left, I told the store owner which minis I wanted (they were behind the counter) and after he rang up the minis, he motioned for the 750 of blended whiskey still in my hand. I had completely forgotten about it and started to laugh. The clerk asked what was so funny. I told him I didn't want to purchase the bottle, I only picked it up as a backup in case I needed to use it for self defense. the owner laughed and complimented me on my quick thinking, for not choosing a bottle of single malt scotch and for the slick sales pitch I gave that crowd that helped move them on there way. Now, each time I go to that store, I stick my head into the room with the hard liquor, look both ways and immediately get a big laugh from the owner. He has now become one of my top local sources for minis and a good friend. Even a familiar rough area can be a problem if your not careful. That day, the parking lot was empty but the store was still full of people. Never under estimate the area your in!

Thomas

[TnSquire]

Great answer and technique, Joe. I've also found that looking the part (unshaven and dressed down) and bringing a wingman helps--there is strength in numbers. Going into an ill-kept liquor store solo, clean shaven and in a lavender Brooks Brothers polo shirt is not a good idea, unless you enjoy overwhelming popularity among the filthy and wretched locals.

Is it me, or is there a lack of consensus of what bourbonites here consider what "is generally available," and what is "a dusty"? :confused:

Most of the time I am on business and that means a suit and tie. I get harassed more dressed down than dressed up and I spend alot of time in those types of neighborhoods. That may just be a regional difference and ymmv.

[full_proof]

I'd say it would be a good rule to NEVER wear a lavender shirt regardless of brand name!

Or lavender anything, brother. I was on a fishing charter in the Gulf of Mexico and another fisherman, and I use the word "fisherman" loosely, was wearing a lavender baseball cap. The captain of the boat ragged that poor (|) mercilessly the whole time we were out to sea. At one point I thought the gent was going to jump overboard to the sharks. I couldn't believe the captain was treating a paying customer like that, but, hey, he was the captain, :bowdown: and we were on his boat. Any questions? :slappin:

[JeffRenner]

a lavender Brooks Brothers polo shirt is not a good idea

Is a dusty rose Brooks Brothers polo shirt OK then?

I've had some luck being a little friendly with the clerk, at least if he speaks English. Sometimes they actually find it to be an interesting break from their routine.

Jeff

[tango-papa]

Is a dusty rose Brooks Brothers polo shirt OK then?

I've had some luck being a little friendly with the clerk, at least if he speaks English. Sometimes they actually find it to be an interesting break from their routine.

Jeff

Nooooo! Dusty rose is just metrosexual :skep: pink!

Repeat after me...

Girly colors are for girls...

[ILLfarmboy]

Nooooo! Dusty rose is just metrosexual :skep: pink!

Repeat after me...

Girly colors are for girls...

I have a dark purple shirt. A button down shirt I bought from Cabella's several years ago. It's made of rip stop cotton canvas with cargo breast pockets. It had been a favorite of mine since I bought it. Until my brother in-law said something about the color being gay. It's a good thing I ain't real handsome, I might have attracted the wrong kind of attention:grin: .

I'm a little embarrassed to say it but I just looked up the meaning of metrosexual.

[tango-papa]

I'm a little embarrassed to say it but I just looked up the meaning of metrosexual.

Don't be...

Only reason I know it's meaning is due to a story in the Houston Chronicle some time back. There's a fairly large homo/metro - sexual population here in Houston.

I eagerly look forward to the day when my wife and I can move far, far away from metropolis. But for now, the professional / working side of life mandates our staying here - we just keep away from any/all known 'lavender' zones.

[DSCOTT743]

Scott.743@gmail.com

[damackaroni]

Easy answer. No. Right now the Four Roses SB and Sm Batch are only available in KY. You have a much better bourbon selection in IL than I've ever seen in FL

Dawn

Just for clarification, when you say FR Single Barrel and Small Batch, you're talking about the Limited Editions? Because you can find FR Single Barrel and Small Batch all day long. The FR Barrel Strengths are relatively easy to find in FL as well.

Some of the other bottles you will find on shelves down here will be Weller 12 and Weller Antique, the Orphan Barrel products, Elmer T. Lee, Willet Rye (varying age years), WhistlePig Boss Hog, and Bowman Brothers.

I wouldn't say FL is the worst, but if you are particularly looking for Four Roses I would go into the ABC Stores and browse. They have the best selections of Four Roses I have seen, and carry the FR bottles I listed above.

[johnnybogey]

Just for clarification, when you say FR Single Barrel and Small Batch, you're talking about the Limited Editions? Because you can find FR Single Barrel and Small Batch all day long. The FR Barrel Strengths are relatively easy to find in FL as well.

Some of the other bottles you will find on shelves down here will be Weller 12 and Weller Antique, the Orphan Barrel products, Elmer T. Lee, Willet Rye (varying age years), WhistlePig Boss Hog, and Bowman Brothers.

I wouldn't say FL is the worst, but if you are particularly looking for Four Roses I would go into the ABC Stores and browse. They have the best selections of Four Roses I have seen, and carry the FR bottles I listed above.

damackaroni - not sure why DSCOTT743 rehashed a thread from 2007 by replying with his email address.