Why wont Blantons Sell Its straight from the barrel Domestically?

[Attila]

Just out of curiosity, how does a premium bourbon compare in price to quality single malts in Japan? I'm surprised that bourbon's produced and shipped in the US cost much less in Japan (especially considering the weak dollar). Any explanation?

Well, the weak dollar would actually lead to a cheaper price for bourbon here in Japan, since it takes less yen to buy each dollar.

Macallan 12 YO - 3,599 yen

Laphroaig 15 YO - 4,999 yen

[Gillman]

I'm just curious how the premium Japanese malts would compare (in price), e.g., the very fine Yamazaki.

Gary

[Virus_Of_Life]

Age International, former -- but not current -- partner in what is now Buffalo Trace, owns the Blanton's brand.

I haven't read this whole thread but find this info very interesting because I have never heard it before. Don't know if I wasn't listening or what, but I just had no idea Blanton's label was owned by someone else!

I hope this agreement ends soon and they start distributing all the labels here or at least the SFTB and Gold. I love Blanton's but really think it is better at a higher proof.

[StraightBoston]

In my personal experience, brands equally available in the US and Japan are comparably priced when you factor in exchange rates, etc. -- with the unique exception of Blanton's, which is much cheaper in the Original version in Japan than in the States.

The "low-cost" bourbons in Japan, especially in the $10-30 range, are usually the low-volume ones that aren't sold in the US: EW 12yo and 15yo and a bazillion other HH labels, Maker's Mark black wax (in the past), I.W. Harper, Early Times as KSBW etc. Four Roses used to be in this category until they expanded US distribution. Then you get the $50-100 range dominated by KBD (and Julian's stuff in the past -- there are some great VW expressions in the bars!) followed by the crazy $200 stuff like some of the 20-plus yo ryes and EW23.

[Attila]

I'm just curious how the premium Japanese malts would compare (in price), e.g., the very fine Yamazaki.

Gary

From internet retailers:

Hibiki 17 YO - 6,799 yen

Yamazaki 10 YO - 3,550 yen

Yamazaki 18 YO - 18,000 yen

Taketsuru - 10,500 yen

[Gillman]

Interesting, even for the 10 years Yamazaki the price is not that far below well-regarded malts from Scotland (e.g. Macallan 12). However this is justified IMO since the quality is very high.

Gary

[chefmel]

followed by the crazy $200 stuff like some of the 20-plus yo ryes and EW23.

I guess what they told me at the distillery was right - $200 for EW23! Don't know about you guys, but $200 is way over my budget for any bourbon!

Mark

[barturtle]

Don't know about you guys, but $200 is way over my budget for any bourbon!

Mark

Of course it is!!! It's supposed to be, if they priced it where everyone could afford it they wouldn't have enough to go around.

[Attila]

Hibiki 17 YO - 6,799 yen

Yamazaki 10 YO - 3,550 yen

Yamazaki 18 YO - 18,000 yen

Taketsuru - 10,500 yen

[Lost Pollito]

$50 up in Chicago.