Pa state stores now and the old days

[dave ziegler]

I remember well the good old days when Whiskey and Bourbon were king at the state stores in Pa. All the Continental brands were there and there was very little wine. Those were the good days for pa. Now almost 3/4 of the stores are nothing but Wine and if there is something you really want a special Bourbon forget it if they can't buy it cheap and on their list you are doomed! The stores then were small but full of Great Whiskey's. I remember many a Friday after work driving to the old State store in Pottstown and getting some Old Hickory and some Rittenhouse Rye. I just am not much for wine and I guess I'm just to old fashion but I think back to those good old days and wish we had stores like they do in other states. You will never find anything old in a Pa state store and the Whiskeys are few and slim! I asked the one worker about getting me Rittenhouse rye and he said No one wants rye! so much for the modern days. I am as I write enjoying a shot of Old Hickory from the bottle Kurt gave me and it is as good as it always was in the old days. You are all very Lucky to be able to buy from private Liquor stores The Pa system is something that to me is terrible. I would like to hear about Liquor stores in other states the good and the bad.

Dave Z

[Jazzhead]

As you know, Dave, I just moved to Pennsy from Jersey and the State Store system is one of the few things I don't like about my new home. There's just no room for innovation, for the individual store to cater to its customers. I'm not that far from Jersey, of course, so that is where I go to buy booze. Once in a great while they run sales in Pennsy that are too compelling to ignore. Like Wild Turkey Rye 101 for $15.95. They've had good specials on Lagavulin, too.

Another good place to shop is the Maryland/Delaware state line. I found the high-zoot Dickel there I'd never found in Jersey. But the liquor business in Jersey still seems about the best. Who knows what you'll find in a Jersey liquor store? Maybe an 20-year old bottle of Old Hickory!

- Kurt

[callmeox]

Just be careful if you shop across the border. There was an article from the Philly paper posted here recently regarding PA being po'd about people bringing in stuff from out of state. They do patrol some of the out of state stores now and then and will bust folks when they cross back over into the state. One of the state legislators was quoted as saying that they had a monopoly and didn't like people going around it.

We have the same kind of system in Ohio but without the nice website that allows you to search for inventory online. I read that the sales of liquor in Ohio generated about $350,000,000 in profits last year, so there's little incentive for the state to change the system.

[snakster]

Very true Dave. If you want vodka or tequila, then the world is your oyster. Scotch is decent selection. Bourbon? Rye??? Thin and getting thinner.

And you actually have a decent store near you in Collegeville. But even that place has an embarrassing bourbon selection. (Though I did pick up a bottle of Bruichladdich XVII on clearance there.)

The way they keep closing items out, it will be painful to see what our selection will be in two years.

[dave ziegler]

Boy Ron are you ever right about the Close outs. They used to have Old Overholt then the close out came and it will never return. When they did I quick got a couple of Bottles but they just keep getting more Wine and less Bourbon and very Little Rye! The Collegeville store is a nice store but Bourbon is few and far between!

Dave

[dave ziegler]

Hey Kurt The State Stores sure do not make you happy when you move Here! If you ever Find another group of Old Hickory in NJ grab me some will gladly Pay to get some more. Had a Shot last Night and a toast to you for giving it to me. No matter What Kind of Bourbon I have it seems Old Hickory always just seems to be my Favorite. Guess working for them made my Taste Buds Like it more! But for what it cost back then it was quality Stuff which you know from testing it yourself! Did you see that Mr B. Neuman the grandson Of Si Neuman Publicker Chairman back then wrote me a note he liked what I have done to keep the History of Publicker Industries alive. Joined just to send me a note That was a thrill for me when I opened my Memories spot and saw the Name there. Hope all is well with you. Did you ever get any Reading Beer? I had one with my Old Hickory Last night!

Dave

[Chupacabras]

There's a reason for those two Roger Wilco's on 73 just before the Tacony.

[boss302]

You certainly hit the nail right on the head. I am lucky enough to live just a mile away from the "Premium" state store in Hummelstown, and just a 20 minute drive away from the one on Jonestown Road near Harrisburg. Those two stores at least carry a few things I might like.

It is absolutely sickening to see an entire frickin' WALL of NOTHING BUT VODKA, where continental whiskeys get maybe 6 feet of space, with the scotches getting maybe 9 feet of space. You'd think that the scotch selection would be decent, but, as a scotch drinker, I have to tell you that you'd be wrong. There are so many excellent scotch whiskies that I have never seen in a state store at any time.

As for continental whiskies, the thin, watery Canadian junk has more space allocated for it than American whiskies. Oh sure, there's a lot of Jack Daniel's. But the state didn't even bother to order ANY of the Sazerac Antique Collection this year. So, if anybody asks me how the 2007 THH or WLW taste, I would have to tell them I haven't the foggiest idea.

A privatized liquor store, run by someone in the know, in PA would easily trounce the state stores. I'm pretty sure that Fast Eddie and the rest of the PA state government realize this.

[BourbonJoe]

I'm pretty sure that Fast Eddie and the rest of the PA state government realize this.

You betcha. :hot: No relief in sight. :hot: :hot:

Joe :usflag:

[dave ziegler]

You certainly hit the nail right on the head. I am lucky enough to live just a mile away from the "Premium" state store in Hummelstown, and just a 20 minute drive away from the one on Jonestown Road near Harrisburg. Those two stores at least carry a few things I might like.

It is absolutely sickening to see an entire frickin' WALL of NOTHING BUT VODKA, where continental whiskeys get maybe 6 feet of space, with the scotches getting maybe 9 feet of space. You'd think that the scotch selection would be decent, but, as a scotch drinker, I have to tell you that you'd be wrong. There are so many excellent scotch whiskies that I have never seen in a state store at any time.

As for continental whiskies, the thin, watery Canadian junk has more space allocated for it than American whiskies. Oh sure, there's a lot of Jack Daniel's. But the state didn't even bother to order ANY of the Sazerac Antique Collection this year. So, if anybody asks me how the 2007 THH or WLW taste, I would have to tell them I haven't the foggiest idea.

A privatized liquor store, run by someone in the know, in PA would easily trounce the state stores. I'm pretty sure that Fast Eddie and the rest of the PA state government realize this.

They have not had Pinwinnie Scotch since the days when Continental Distilling had import rights the last year 1979. You ask the guy he says what is Pinwinnie! And if you love Rye Whiskey as I do forget it, they keep discontinuing it only Bean left! And as far as special order lots of luck either they don't have it on their list or they say they can't get it right now what a joke it is Wine World. Fast Eddie and the boys must be getting a wine kick back or something!

Dave Z

Old Hickory America's most Magnificent Bourbon

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[boss302]

They have not had Pinwinnie Scotch since the days when Continental Distilling had import rights the last year 1979. You ask the guy he says what is Pinwinnie! And if you love Rye Whiskey as I do forget it, they keep discontinuing it only Bean left! And as far as special order lots of luck either they don't have it on their list or they say they can't get it right now what a joke it is Wine World. Fast Eddie and the boys must be getting a wine kick back or something!

Dave Z

Old Hickory America's most Magnificent Bourbon

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Well, Dave, I think it is becoming an unfortunate sign of the times. Individualism and the love of freedom-- two traits common to whiskey drinkers-- are falling by the wayside.

You can special order something-- you just have to order 12 of them (a whole case)! Needless to say, going this route for $50 per bottle spirits really doesn't suit my budget...

[dave ziegler]

Well, Dave, I think it is becoming an unfortunate sign of the times. Individualism and the love of freedom-- two traits common to whiskey drinkers-- are falling by the wayside.

You can special order something-- you just have to order 12 of them (a whole case)! Needless to say, going this route for $50 per bottle spirits really doesn't suit my budget...

Back in the old days there was a Ford Boss 302 in Pottstown stock that nothing on the street could beat it was one fast Ford! It figuers that they would do it that way no such things as a customer in the Pa State stores, we Owe them that we Can buy from them that is the way most of them Act! So if you want something not on the list you have to buy a case. Boy Fast Eddie and the Gang really care!

BE WELL

Dave Z

Old Hickory America's Most Magnificent Bourbon

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[BourbonJoe]

Well, in adition to everything else, now they're getting rid of Old Forester.

I give up.

Joe :usflag:

[ThomasH]

In Ohio, the liquor nazis struck again today. Blantons is up another 2.00 a bottle this month. I guess last month's 2.00 increase wasn't enough. Bulleit also went up 2.05 this month as did JD black half gallons. Again, in the case of the JD black, the 2.00 they raised it a month or so ago must not have filled someones pockets full enough!

Thomas

[dave ziegler]

Joe I guess they want the room for More Wine this is getting unbelievable They should just call them Fast Eddies Fast Wine Shops. I guess I better get some Old Grand Dad before they decide to get rid of it as I see it is on sale. Pa State Stores The Very Worse of All!! Their Moto should be we are for US!

Dave Z

Old Hickory America's Most Magnificent Bourbon

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[snakster]

Pretty soon it will be akin to the Henry Ford quote about the Model T, "you can get it in any color you want, as long as it's black".

In PA it will be, "you can buy any bourbon you want, as long as it's Jim Beam".

They continue to whittle down the selection yet have the gall to threaten people who dare to get spirits from neighboring states.

[dave ziegler]

I can see the slogon now "Fast Eddies Wine stores with just a touch of Whiskey we will wine you to death" Don't ever think because it is on the special order List and you give them money to get it that you will get it for sure I gave them money about middle of last year to get me Rittenhouse BIB it was on the list well 7 weeks later I get a call to come get my money back becuase they don't Make it anymore what a joke I got some from Binney's, boy good thing The state store watchful eyes did not know!

Dave

Old Hickory America's Most Magnificent Bourbon

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[Jaysus]

You certainly hit the nail right on the head. I am lucky enough to live just a mile away from the "Premium" state store in Hummelstown, and just a 20 minute drive away from the one on Jonestown Road near Harrisburg. Those two stores at least carry a few things I might like.

Is the Jonestown road store the best one in the general area? I think there is another premium store nearby as well (Lemoyne??)- would they have the same stuff?

[dave ziegler]

Hi Go on the web type in PLCB click on left side Consumers then next Catolog then pick what you want if they have it then click on the product code and go to the bottom and use the slider to go to the county you live in if they have it the stores will come up and that way you can find them near you and if they have what is on the List! By the way as Joe had said they are closing out Old Forester now so if one you like you can find if stores near you have any.

Dave Z

Old Hickory America's most Magnificent Bourbon

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[Jaysus]

thanks Dave - that is neat!

[dave ziegler]

Well, in adition to everything else, now they're getting rid of Old Forester.

I give up.

Joe :usflag:

How right you were Joe I Just went in my Local one and got the last Bottle they have. Will check the web to see if there are any more near me. I asked the guy what are they trying to do he shook his head and siad he can't understnd it either, as he likes it too! Guess they don't have enough Wine to suit Fast Eddie! They soon will have nothing but Beam & Wine which they can keep! Thanks for letting us know.

Dave Z

Old Hickory America's Most Magnificent Bourbon

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[Jaysus]

I've never had Old Forrester before; it seems to be quite moderately priced, is that because of the closeout, or is OF typically considered to be a bargin?

[dave ziegler]

It is a reduced Price as once they close it out It will never return to Pa. Just another way to make more room for Wine as they make lots of Money on this Wine thing People are Having. Old Forester 86 Proof is really good no bargan Bourbon great flavor has alot of Rye in its mix if the store near you has some give it a try while you can get it. Very Smooth Pour! And it is in a Glass 1.75 Litter not Plastic like so many. I think it sold for around $32. not sure. It will be missed by me and many others.

Dave Z

Old Hickory America's Most Magnificent Bourbon

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[mozilla]

How are the stores in neighboring states? Are there any states that have better supplies of labels to choose from?

If I wanted to travel to another state from Austin....I think the next closest state is....Oklahoma....at about 5 hours. Next, is Louisanna at about 7 hours. I think Mexico is next?!? So....it could be worse.

[PAspirit1]

I can't blame PA for the layouts of the stores. I gather wine is the big money maker and vodka has a big following. What seems to be the problem is the uniformity. ETL, for example, will no longer be avaliable anywhere in the state and if I go to Delaware and buy it, I am breaking a minor law. Thats crazy.