Weller 12 Distribution?

[TBoner]

So a couple of weeks back I noticed a local high-volume liquor store I frequent was out of Weller 12. I asked if they had more in the back and was told they're having trouble getting it now, because of a lack of supply to meet the demand. I thought this sounded odd, but as I've looked around at other stores in the area, most of them have very depleted stock (except the places that sell very little and still have the old-label stuff around). I've asked a couple of other places about distribution and gotten vague answers.

So, anyone know if this is a legitimate distribution problem, and if so, is it just a short-term problem or a long-term one?

[barturtle]

I wouldn't doubt there being issues with availability. Most distillers are having issues with longer aged product...nobody really expected the increase in demand that has occurred over the last decade or so and having been burned by excess stock not too long ago, are reluctant to risk overproducing.

This is a situation not likely to change in the short term.

[Jazzhead]

I think that "midshelf" bourbon with age statements of 10 years and more will soon become a memory. I understand, for example, that OC 12 is being discontinued. Well-aged bourbon is in high demand, and can fetch a premium price.

[TBoner]

This is what I feared. I know of a few bottles around town, so I'll scoop up a couple. It's not something I pour often, but I hate to see it disappearing.

And Jazzhead, don't look now, but those mid-shelf 10-plus years old bottlings are already pretty much a memory. Only BT and HH have any on the market at all, and the HH bottles (EWSB, Mckenna BIB) are at or near the $30 mark everywhere I go now.

[ggilbertva]

Holy cow! $30 for EWSB? I was fortunate enough to pick up two bottles a couple of weeks ago for $17 a piece.

[luv2hunt]

I'm betting that your EWSB at $17 was mis-priced. I've never seen it regularly priced at less than $25.

Dawn

[cowdery]

Weller 12 may take some price increases, but I don't think it's going away. Nor is it in danger of losing its age statement, like some of the Heaven Hill products have.

We may see this whole "shortage" thing ebb and flow, as producers evaluate and adjust their inventories annually.

[ggilbertva]

I'm betting that your EWSB at $17 was mis-priced. I've never seen it regularly priced at less than $25.

Dawn

Nope, not mis-priced. Here in VA, it's on sale right now for $21. In Montgomery County, MD, where prices are silly cheap, the sale price for EWSB is $17. Normal price is somewhere around $20. I also found Weller Antique 107 for $15. For whatever reason, Mont. Cnty is dirt cheap.

[wku88]

Nope, not mis-priced. Here in VA, it's on sale right now for $21. In Montgomery County, MD, where prices are silly cheap, the sale price for EWSB is $17. Normal price is somewhere around $20. I also found Weller Antique 107 for $15. For whatever reason, Mont. Cnty is dirt cheap.

You are one very fortunate enthusiast!

[ILLfarmboy]

Weller 12 is one of those bottling I can only get by ordering from Binny's or Sam's The recently discovered well stocked liquor store down in Peoria doesn't have it either.

[cowdery]

Brad,

Have you asked any of the retailers in your area if they would be willing to carry it? It's clearly available in Illinois and, at its price point, shouldn't be too hard of a sell. I strongly encourage people to do that, as retailers generally are more responsive to that sort of request than you might think. It's just nuts that you should have to order it through Chicago. Weller 12 isn't that esoteric.

[ILLfarmboy]

I suppose I could. And I probably should. But I have so many bottles in my collection (and about 18 currently open) I would only buy one or two Weller 12's every few blue moons. I would feel bad if I cajoled the retailer into carrying it and hardly any one but I bought any. I did that once with the Antique collection. But as you say it shouldn't be that hard to move. The store where I usually buy Weller 107 sells quit a bit of it, I can't be the only one buying it. Weller 12 would be a natural extension and should sell.

[cowdery]

Some of it has to do with the way you present it and the way the retailer perceives it. If you put it as a "special request," almost like a special order, then the retailer is liable to be offended if you don't seem to buy your "share." But if you put it as a suggestion--"you know, there's this product I like and can't seem to find around here, that I think you would do well with"--it's solely the retailer's decision to stock it. Then if it doesn't sell maybe he won't be as quick to act on your suggestions in the future, but otherwise there shouldn't be any hard feelings.

I don't mean to harp on this with you, Brad. I'm addressing this to everybody who is similarly situated. I strongly encourage everyone to get to know your whiskeymonger. The relationship should benefit both of you.

[ILLfarmboy]

I detect no harping on your part. Your advice on such matters is always appreciated, Chuck.

[ACDetroit]

I don't know how true this was but last year while in Lexington a store owner told me that the Weller 12 yr. 1.75's were going away. I picked up 4 of them at $38.00 each so I'm pretty stocked for a bit.

I took one to my parent house in the upper so I will be drinking that this weekend!

[Special Reserve]

AC

As you know Weller 12 is another great value bourbons not available in MI.

Will

[ACDetroit]

Will, I guess I'll have to share some! I had a good three finger pour with a cube of ice at my parents this weekend. My dad even enjoyed it and he's not a bourbon drinker.

PM me if you need a 1.75?:grin: