Using WineSearcher to find Whiskey

[Sijan]

I've been using an online search tool for a few months and think you all would likely find it useful as well. Winesearcher (free) and Winesearcher Pro (subscription) are useful not just for finding wine, but also for finding whiskey, since most stores that index their wine inventory with Winesearcher also index their liquor.

So, you can use Winesearcher to find out what the best price is nationally for a given bottle of whiskey, or to find which store in your area carries it. (But keep in mind that not all wine shops or liquor stores index their inventory with Winesearcher.) For running searches for whiskey or other liquor just enter ALL in the Vintage field, and include the age of the whiskey in the name field. So, you might run a search for "Pappy Van Winkle 20." Also keep in mind that not all stores use the full name in their inventory, so "Van Winkle 20" might be a better bet.

The URL is http://www.wine-searcher.com/

I think the Pro version is invaluable, since it shows many more shops. But the basic free version can be useful too. (This is not an advertisement - I have no affiliation with them other than as a satisfied customer.)

[StraightBoston]

Dan--

Thanks for the tip! Already found some new stores to hunt...

[CorvallisCracker]

I've used it for years to valuate my wine collection (I do this for insurance purposes). Very useful site.

Added via Edit:

I see I'm now an Advanced Taster. It's gonna be Hirsch 16 tonight!

[Sijan]

Yes, I agree it is very good insurance purposes. You just have to keep up with your purchases and consumption.

[CorvallisCracker]

Yes, I agree it is very good insurance purposes. You just have to keep up with your purchases and consumption.

I have the entire collection in Excel. I update quantities on a weekly basis, and update values, based on wine-searcher.com searches (USA only, excluding auctions) once every six months.

[Sijan]

I just keep track of my whole cellar on CellarTracker, which links to Winesearcher. I think they use a different valuation system, but it is also decent for a snapshot value. You can download or upload Excel spreadsheets of your cellar to and from CellarTracker if you like.

[JamesW]

Yep, I've used the site years but now the cats out of the bag I guess