PRICE CHECK...What to buy as I drive through Kentucky

[1990Z51]

I will be driving through Kentucky on Friday. I am planning on stopping at a Liquor Barn or similar store. Looking for suggestions on what to buy.

My past enjoyments are/were (and current going prices locally):

Buffalo Trace (Binny's selection) $18,

Elmer T Lee $23

ERSB 10YO $24

Wild Turkey Rye $18

Sazerac Rye $23

Blanton's $45

Makers Mark $20

VWFR lot B $40

Wild Turkey Rare Breed $36

Four Roses Yellow $18

Four Roses Small Batch $27

....just to name a few....

Most the prices above reflect current sales and normal prices at Binny's locally. Just wondering what to expect versus prices above and what specialties I might find there that I cannot find here in the Chicago land area....

I did see that Liquor Barn has a sale on Hancock Reserve Single Barrel for $28. It is $50 at Binny's. I have not tried it yet, but think I might nab a few bottles if there are any available.

Any other Suggestions???

[Dr. François]

When I went shopping in Kentucky, I found that selection, not price, was the strong point. Sure, several bottles were a buck or two cheaper than in Michigan. Generally, though, prices seemed comparable or even high compared to Chicagoland mega stores. Of course, one big advantage is the lack of sales tax on liquor in Kentucky.

While I was there, I decided to sample several of the Bottled in Bond brands that aren't widely available where I live. JTS Brown BIB, Barton BIB, and a few more. I found that most of the BIB expressions were very solid bourbons without fancy bottles or marketing hype.

One other great thing to check out is the ample selection of pints and half-pints of nearly everything. I love this tradition. Sample around and see what suits you the best! Then buy the 1.75 of it, sales tax-free!

[cowdery]

Liquor Barn has as good a selection as anyone, and generally the best prices. If traveling in Kentucky, don't hit the stores just across the river in northern Kentucky, as their prices are a little higher, but on the other hand they also (especially Party Source) have special bottlings. Best prices probably are the Liquor Barns in the Louisville and Lexington metros.

[mozilla]

I second the vote for Bottled in Bond. They are always priced right....and the flavor can't be beat. My favorites are Barton's lineup....then HH is a close second. Most bottles range around $11-13.

[mgilbertva]

Very Old Barton BIB is on my list of all-time so-great-it's-crazy values. If I could get it in my state I would always have a bottle open. And it sells for, what, $15 in KY?

[Dr. François]

Very Old Barton BIB is on my list of all-time so-great-it's-crazy values. If I could get it in my state I would always have a bottle open. And it sells for, what, $15 in KY?

I picked up my 750ml of Barton 100 for $11.49. That's a pretty standard price at most places in KY.

[ThomasH]

If you stop at liquor Barn, they regularly sell Hancocks Reserve for 27.99 instead of the 45.00-50.00 you see it for most other places!

Thomas

[jwevan01]

Kevin,

Agree with the comments of the previous posters. Hancock's Reserve for $27.99 at Liquor Barn is worth the money IMHO. If you are coming through Louisville, Bridge Liquors on State Street in New Albany Indiana is not far out of the way and easy on and off using the 265 connector between I-65 and I-64. They can't match Liquor Barn on most Boubon pricing because of sales tax and a recent head-scratching decision to raise most of their bourbon prices. However, they do have Noah's Mill for 43.99 plus tax - about $47 total, which seems to be $5-$10 below the going rate in Louisville. They also have Laphroaig 15yr for about $52 which is about $10-$15 less than Louisville pricing, if you are a single malt person.

HTH,

Joel

[wildcatdon]

Get some 4 Roses Single Barrel...fine stuff..

[1990Z51]

Thanks for all the info. Tomorrow morning I am heading out!

Thanks Guys!!

[mozilla]

Have a safe trip....good hunting!

[1990Z51]

Well, here is what I hauled in:

2 bottles Very Old Barton BIB - Great Stuff

1 Bottle Old Fitz BIB - also great value

1 Bottle Hancock's Pres. Reserve (Liquor Barn selection) - Great tasty stuf... I want more

1 Bottle FR SB

Not a lot, but good stuff IMO

[mozilla]

What other BT product does the HPR taste similar to? How is the body? Heavy or light?

I really like the VOB and OF, not to mention the FR.

You scored very well. How many stops did you make?

[1990Z51]

What other BT product does the HPR taste similar to? How is the body? Heavy or light?

Well, I think it is similar to Blantons. Before I list my tasting notes, I must admit I am just getting the hang of picking out different flavors......

Lots of caramel and vanilla, some pepper/heat in the finish. I could definitely taste the age and wood. Smooth and sweet enough! A very fine Bourbon.

I wish I had purchased a whole case. Reading some other reviews, I am sure the bottle I got was different from the standard stock b/c this was a hand selected barrel for Liquor Barn and well worth the $28 I paid.

I really like the VOB and OF, not to mention the FR.

You scored very well. How many stops did you make?

I was only able to make one stop, which was on my way to Florida. On the way back, we were there too early on Sunday (Liquor Barn did not open until 1 PM) and with 3 kids in the car, I just wanted to get home.

Next time through, I will make sure that I buy more of the HPR from Liquor Barn.

I would like to add though, that I will not buy HPR at the $50 Binny price in the Chicago-land area when I can get Blanton's for the same price.

[DeanSheen]

Found this thread because I was wondering the very same thing. Since I'm coming down for the Sampler I'm trying to plan my purchases.

I called Party Source today and found that a case, with 5% discount, plus the new 6.5% sales tax of BT in 1.75's ends up being $66 less than if I buy 750's here for retail or about 3 750's.

Works out by volume to buy 11 get 3 free.

Shocking how much prices from just last June quoted earlier in this thread have gone up.

Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

[ThomasH]

I don't know which direction you are going to get to the sampler, but if you go through Louisville, you might check out Liquor Barn. Many times they have better prices than Party Source. They regularly sell Hancocks Reserve for less than 30.00!

Thomas

[kickert]

you may even be able to get someone to pick you up a case in advance of the April 1 tax hike.

[DeanSheen]

Well I just called Liqour Barn in LX to try to get prices and was told "we can only give prices on kegs."

All this double secret pricing data stinks. Too bad KY does not offer pricing on the web.

[ThomasH]

Call the Liquor Barn on fern Valley in Louisville. They have always been helpful with me on the phone!

Thomas

[DeanSheen]

Thanks, Thomas. They did hook me up.

I'm def. going to grab a case of the ER 10/90 1.75 which come in 3.

With the discount and the new tax gets me $52 off retail 750's here.