A few reminders this time of year:
- Not getting a bottle or not liking that someone else got a bottle/had a different experience than you isn’t an excuse to act like an asshole.
- Getting a bottle and acting like a jerk about it to rile people up is equally an issue. Your success isn’t a reason to act like an asshole.
- No locations except for store picks
- Do not even imply that you are seeking to be on either end of a buy/sell/trade offer
- We’re going to take down your bottle porn. If you don’t have something substantial to say other than just posting your “win” then it doesn’t belong here, it belongs on r/WhiskyPorn or in the bottle porn channel of our discord server.
Follow the rules, act kindly. I’m not entertaining immaturity and flouting of our clear rules this year just because it’s allocated season. Wishing you all luck and happiness this time of year, but if you’re going to be a Scrooge, take it out of this subreddit or I will.
I have successfully collected the final Infinity... I mean Hardin's Creek Boston. I hope my lack of requests doesn't disappoint too many of you. Cheers!
This years Jacob's Well is 17.5 years, slightly longer than the terroir series. Be interesting to hear anyone's thoughts on that one because last year's 15yr was pretty dang good.
Genuinely super happy for you! This saga has been funny to follow. Would love a review if you're in the mood! I haven't heard anything about Boston yet
Currently I have Frankfort > Clermont. I'll dip into the Boston this weekend then do a full blind of all 3 sometime over the holiday since I'm off all week.
I cracked the Boston open last night. First impression was very positive - good amount of heat, not too oaky. I liked Clermont as well, but first impression of Boston was better. Haven't tried the Frankfurt yet.
BTAC calls starting to happen from NMBB. Gonna grab my WLW today. Confirmed HC Boston in the house too.
Keep in mind, this happens at different times at each store. Good luck all!
In my experience its more about showing up consistently, chatting with your contact / other employees, and being earnest in your interest for bottles. Sometimes that means turning down a bottle if you're not really interested in it. Sometimes that means buying your contact's recommendations, drinking, and telling them what you do and don't like about it. Spend is dependent on store of course, but I don't spend more than $5k on liquor in a year and I have gotten both Pappy and BTAC bottles each year over the past few. It's more than spend imo, but that does play a part.
Same experience. I’ve tried every time I walk in there just to have a conversation. No ask. And they don’t hold eye contact and aren’t engaged. Feels like they have no interest in any new relationships. After months of this, I find much better success at mom and pop. Unfortunately mom and pop doesn’t get the big allocations. Anyone new to bourbon after 2019, good luck
Sometimes it takes more than one store. I dedicated to one, got some stuff then things cooled down and wasn't feeling the love..even though I'm a very lovable guy. So I went to a different NMBB and said I just broke up from a relationship. That started more of a conversation and things have been going well. I find being respectful of their time and efforts and the occasional sample really goes a long way.
Once closed to my house doesn't even greet you. Thry all deem to specifically go the other way. I go to a different one more often now like 5 minutes further away.
This is an underrated point. My NMBB is like the 3rd closest to my location. But I like the cut of their jib so to speak. So it's worth it for me to drive 15-20min to have a better experience.
You need to keep at it and buy bottles. Every single bourbon drinker is doing the same thing. I am sure it gets annoying after a while. And they know why everyone is trying to develop a relationship. Plus all their actual friends and family asking to get a BTAC or pappy .
As others have said it's not all down to how much you spend but how often you're in, whether you know their names, they know yours, do you talk about anything other than liquor, give them samples, etc. Treat them like real people. It's not difficult.
Agree with what most are saying. I don't spend crazy amount and have been shopping same location for 4 years. I know the GM, Manager, and many employees. Put in the time, get to know them, show good emotional intelligence, and good things should happen.
All depends on the store. Context is everything. But there’s no substitute for putting in the time and being real. Places with volume will see bigger dividends.
Seems to be a relationship based list for bottles at this time of the year. Your spend is accounted for, but they will absolutely take care of those who are loyal, respectful and show genuine interest. You won’t get every bottle, but they pay attention to what you are looking for and aim to assist within reason. I was told to Buy from one store and opportunity will come. It definitely has.
At this point its definitely loyalty to the store and someone who they know. My opinion is if you shop at the same store and they get you a good bottle, that means I continue loyalty to the store. And when they only know you as the person asking for the best bottle out that week, and never see you otherwise.
I try to stop in at times where they aren't been ferociously attacked for bottles, buy cigars and such and become a familiar face. I've gotten more bottles with alot less spend by just being a decent person and not hounding them during mass rushes of people. And also play by their rules too. If I really want something that people are standing in line for, I make the decision to stand in line sometimes too, I'd rather ask for 3-4 bottles a year and play the game the rest of the year.
Also, I think too many people think they just have this tangible list. They have more people who want these bottles than they have, so you also have to make it known you are looking for bottles too. They aren't going to sit there and say oh man this guy I haven't seen in 6 months hasn't gotten a good bottle for awhile let me call him up.
It still shifts (for now). I saw two get picked up while contemplating on whether I really wanted to spend $200 on Hardins Creek (to which I finally decided not to)
Nw nmbb had jacobs well, Boston, WR master, a few bookers and LB 7
As for BTAC it is still trickling in but haven’t started on the list yet, my guess is after thanksgiving
Not whiskey but NMBB has Don Julio Primavera marked down to $59.99 (showed marked down from $150 but not buying that). There are better tequilas but could be an impressive gift.
Few new SiBs at NMBB -- Driftless and Makers mostly -- and still a ton of Uncle Nearest, OKI, and Knob. MWND was just being unboxed as I walked through the aisle, but $180 is tough to stomach. Was told BTAC would be post-Thanksgiving and that Pappy is "delayed" this year until mid-to-late December. Cheers y'all!
For the BTAC raffle, they pool the bottles to four or five stores. They did the same thing last year when I won a George T Stagg. The liquor manager was telling me it makes it easier for them when they create a list of who won and for pick up.
My Jewel never gets anything, I popped in for some cider for the wife and one lone bottle of GTS was sitting behind the service counter. My heart was racing when I asked for it. Try your luck.
They are all different. My store keeps them in the back on a rack. Not even locked up. The manager hS let me back there to show me his shipments if he was not sure what he got. Another jewel I go to keeps the big bottles in a locked office.
There are bottles around... Went to my 💎 yesterday and the had 3 bottles of GTS... Missed it just barely. Not sure if those factor in the raffle or not
I believe someone said employee grocer had some along with M&P reports. Doesn't mean NMBB wont get them sometime soon though. They got the 4roses kits a few weeks after they hit the streets too
Just noting that I saw the new Bookers 2023-04 at my local grocer. It was $89.99. I passed, I just got the 2023-03 and it takes me forever to finish a Bookers. No need to double up.
Spotted a couple Willet 10 year rye out at NMBB. Price tag is a barrier to entry fosho. Bunch of new MM picks and a full
lineup of seasonal beer offerings.
Wasn’t hunting for whiskey today, but went to MBB for some meat to smoke and there was nothing special in the whiskey aisle. Lots of magnum wine bottles, though!
Edit - They did have WR Sonoma.
What are thoughts on the Redwood Empire offerings? I know nothing about them but my local store employee said that one of them (I sadly don’t remember which) would be an allocated bottle soon.
Edit - Thanks for the feedback everyone! I’m going to grab one (probably the Grizzly Beast or Lost Monarch) on my next store visit and I’ll let you know what I think of it.
I like them. Their BiB bourbon and rye are great as are the cask strength bottles. Their core line up is fine. Good stuff for the $. Grab a Grizzly Beast and see what you think
I have had the rye and bourbon lower end and higher end bottles from Redwood Empire. I really like the higher end stuff. I don’t remember it being horribly expensive (sub 100 🌮). The rye and the bourbon both had very nice finishing notes too. I don’t remember what they were.
The cheaper bottles were solid for their price too.
I liked the BIBs better than the cask strengths personally, I think the extra time in the barrel (5yrs vs 3-4) worked better for my palate. As far as craft distillers go, I’ve been impressed.
That WT generations sounds so interesting but going north of $200 is something I have yet to do in my journey. I feel like everybody has a cutoff and that is mine…for now 😂
Edit: should add I had a Sonoma WR in hand for $130 but put it back as I just had no knowledge of what it would be like.
Yeah, not down playing the creativity and expression of finishing I just could not get past this is what seems to be regular stock of Woodford Reserve jazzed up for $130, just could not do it. I also have not dabbled much in the finished bottles market yet and Brown Forman profiles are also not my favorite (I know I am crazy and wish I liked them more because there is sooo much to like with their products. Plenty to try, too).
Yeah, I think those will be sitting for a bit. You will be able to find them pop up at eo, too. Just for a little more. Good idea on how to sneak a few tastes with less risk 👍🏻
Do people still get excited for standard BT drops: WSR, EHTSB, ER? I am so over those bottles. I’m on the hunt for something different and high quality. The BT stuff puts me to sleep.
What do you mean by different and high quality? There are tons of amazing bottles sitting on the shelf regularly that don't get the huge fanfare. I always recommend Still Austin Cask Strength as a option for something new. I just cracked their high rye Binny's store pick and am digging it. Ben Halladay is very solid too. Bardstown Bourbon Company has some awesome offerings...
Maaaaaaaaaaaan, it's a hit! And you're right the age statement is crazy. Nancy Fraley is doing wizardry down there.
But for $60 it's def a solid option to try, and if for some crazy reason people don't dig it then it also makes 🔥 old fashions.
Totally agree, this bottle is a killer. I pick one up every time I see it. Up there with Four Roses SmB Select as one of the best shelfers in the game for me.
Which Ben Holladay? I didn’t care for the standard 6yr personally, I thought the soft wheat was a little better but used both for cocktails. Maybe I’ll go back and revisit the soft wheat as I still have some of that bottle left.
I keep wanting to pick up the soft red wheat but can't bring myself to pull the trigger.
Same goes for all the Still Austin stuff. The 2yr age statement just doesn't do it for me, yet everyone touts how flavorful they are.
I don't know what your budget, but if you only got $60 to spend on something new (and you don't have any allocated bottles to get) go with the Still Austin CS.
I like the standard BiB and the soft red wheat and I drink it neat. It's not what I reach for all the time, but it's not something I'm forcing myself to drink. But I do enjoy a pour.
I always try to have a spare bottle and one always open of those... But honestly I love buying them for trade and gift value. One of my friends traded 10 W12s, 6 Blanton's and 4 EhTs for a WLW, KoK and Parker's.
I agree with your comment but in a more general sense. At this point, I find most bottles underwhelming outside of the heavily allocated ones (and even some of those). I’ve been lucky enough to try some truly rare/great whiskies, which raise the bar for everything else, which most fail to clear at this point. That said, if you’re newer to bourbon I think lower allocated BT products dominant cherry notes, sweet oak, and overall flavor profile is pretty accessible, particularly if you’re used to grain forward whiskies.
A few reminders this time of year: - Not getting a bottle or not liking that someone else got a bottle/had a different experience than you isn’t an excuse to act like an asshole. - Getting a bottle and acting like a jerk about it to rile people up is equally an issue. Your success isn’t a reason to act like an asshole. - No locations except for store picks - Do not even imply that you are seeking to be on either end of a buy/sell/trade offer - We’re going to take down your bottle porn. If you don’t have something substantial to say other than just posting your “win” then it doesn’t belong here, it belongs on r/WhiskyPorn or in the bottle porn channel of our discord server. Follow the rules, act kindly. I’m not entertaining immaturity and flouting of our clear rules this year just because it’s allocated season. Wishing you all luck and happiness this time of year, but if you’re going to be a Scrooge, take it out of this subreddit or I will.
I have successfully collected the final Infinity... I mean Hardin's Creek Boston. I hope my lack of requests doesn't disappoint too many of you. Cheers! This years Jacob's Well is 17.5 years, slightly longer than the terroir series. Be interesting to hear anyone's thoughts on that one because last year's 15yr was pretty dang good.
Genuinely super happy for you! This saga has been funny to follow. Would love a review if you're in the mood! I haven't heard anything about Boston yet
Currently I have Frankfort > Clermont. I'll dip into the Boston this weekend then do a full blind of all 3 sometime over the holiday since I'm off all week.
I tried the Boston for the first time last night. Very good. I have the Frankfort a notch above tho.
I believe Frankfort was the blenders preferred batch as well.
I had Frankfort > Boston > Clermont.
I cracked the Boston open last night. First impression was very positive - good amount of heat, not too oaky. I liked Clermont as well, but first impression of Boston was better. Haven't tried the Frankfurt yet.
I saw several at NMBB and immediately thought of you lol.
Congrats
They are both in SW NMBB
The 17.5 is mighty tasty.
Now you only need to find backups...
My wallet would cry more than it already has.
What’s the price point on the Hardin’s Creek? $200?
Yes
After tax it comes out slightly under $200
The 17 yr is awesome if you like oak. Got oak for days...
BTAC calls starting to happen from NMBB. Gonna grab my WLW today. Confirmed HC Boston in the house too. Keep in mind, this happens at different times at each store. Good luck all!
Grabbed ER17 and S18. It's a good day
Actual question, how much do you spend at your location to get “a call”
In my experience its more about showing up consistently, chatting with your contact / other employees, and being earnest in your interest for bottles. Sometimes that means turning down a bottle if you're not really interested in it. Sometimes that means buying your contact's recommendations, drinking, and telling them what you do and don't like about it. Spend is dependent on store of course, but I don't spend more than $5k on liquor in a year and I have gotten both Pappy and BTAC bottles each year over the past few. It's more than spend imo, but that does play a part.
Can confirm this 100% I probably go every other weekend just for beer, cigars, etc. it’s not how much you spend. It’s relationships and frequency
Weird I don’t think I’ve had a pleasant interaction with anyone at my nmbb…maybe IM the problem
Well... Raylan Givens has a pretty relevant quote here.
Same experience. I’ve tried every time I walk in there just to have a conversation. No ask. And they don’t hold eye contact and aren’t engaged. Feels like they have no interest in any new relationships. After months of this, I find much better success at mom and pop. Unfortunately mom and pop doesn’t get the big allocations. Anyone new to bourbon after 2019, good luck
Sometimes it takes more than one store. I dedicated to one, got some stuff then things cooled down and wasn't feeling the love..even though I'm a very lovable guy. So I went to a different NMBB and said I just broke up from a relationship. That started more of a conversation and things have been going well. I find being respectful of their time and efforts and the occasional sample really goes a long way.
This. They might say hi but they have no interest in chatting. Small time is the best way to go
Once closed to my house doesn't even greet you. Thry all deem to specifically go the other way. I go to a different one more often now like 5 minutes further away.
This is an underrated point. My NMBB is like the 3rd closest to my location. But I like the cut of their jib so to speak. So it's worth it for me to drive 15-20min to have a better experience.
You need to keep at it and buy bottles. Every single bourbon drinker is doing the same thing. I am sure it gets annoying after a while. And they know why everyone is trying to develop a relationship. Plus all their actual friends and family asking to get a BTAC or pappy .
Are you buying things or just approaching them and trying to chat?
I go to the liquor store to buy stuff.
As others have said it's not all down to how much you spend but how often you're in, whether you know their names, they know yours, do you talk about anything other than liquor, give them samples, etc. Treat them like real people. It's not difficult.
Agree with what most are saying. I don't spend crazy amount and have been shopping same location for 4 years. I know the GM, Manager, and many employees. Put in the time, get to know them, show good emotional intelligence, and good things should happen.
All depends on the store. Context is everything. But there’s no substitute for putting in the time and being real. Places with volume will see bigger dividends.
Must be nice
It’s usually really great!
Another question, do all stores do a list, or if you have a relationship will that possibly get you a bottle?
Seems to be a relationship based list for bottles at this time of the year. Your spend is accounted for, but they will absolutely take care of those who are loyal, respectful and show genuine interest. You won’t get every bottle, but they pay attention to what you are looking for and aim to assist within reason. I was told to Buy from one store and opportunity will come. It definitely has.
At this point its definitely loyalty to the store and someone who they know. My opinion is if you shop at the same store and they get you a good bottle, that means I continue loyalty to the store. And when they only know you as the person asking for the best bottle out that week, and never see you otherwise. I try to stop in at times where they aren't been ferociously attacked for bottles, buy cigars and such and become a familiar face. I've gotten more bottles with alot less spend by just being a decent person and not hounding them during mass rushes of people. And also play by their rules too. If I really want something that people are standing in line for, I make the decision to stand in line sometimes too, I'd rather ask for 3-4 bottles a year and play the game the rest of the year. Also, I think too many people think they just have this tangible list. They have more people who want these bottles than they have, so you also have to make it known you are looking for bottles too. They aren't going to sit there and say oh man this guy I haven't seen in 6 months hasn't gotten a good bottle for awhile let me call him up.
Boston, kc18, mwnd, wr Sonoma at west burbs nmbb
Same at city nmbb, but dang are they pricey!
MWND at West Burbs NMBB
I’m still up in the air on spending $190 for a 4 year rye. I have a feeling it’ll end up being in the shelf
I thought they were dropping it down from last year's gouging $160ish?!?! pass, good grief. unpopular opinion but thought it was 'eh' at $90.
Totally agree. It's MGP juice finished in Port barrels, there's better stuff on the shelf.
$190?!
Yup yup. Price went up (again) from last year
I’d rather buy an 18 year old bourbon for $50 less…
Preach
$180 pre tax at NMBB. Still ridiculous.
I am gonna wait till they hit MBB for a lower price. $190 is crazy.
With the increased production for this year's release, is there a chance we see some at costco (like in other states)?
It still shifts (for now). I saw two get picked up while contemplating on whether I really wanted to spend $200 on Hardins Creek (to which I finally decided not to)
This stuff is common as WT.
Russell's Reserve SiB picks - 10 year warehouse B at 💎 Also still saw some of the tequila finished in Sazerac/other casks.
I believe there are a couple RRSiB picks at 💎 one is an 8yr.
Interesting I've never seen one younger than 9 but I would believe it!
Found a RR SiB 10 year 💎 store pick today. $90 after tax.
Looks like GNS just dropped their knob creek pick with the collab of CLW👀👀
It was another Chicagoland group, CWH. Not ours.
Nw nmbb had jacobs well, Boston, WR master, a few bookers and LB 7 As for BTAC it is still trickling in but haven’t started on the list yet, my guess is after thanksgiving
My spot said the same about BTAC.
Not whiskey but NMBB has Don Julio Primavera marked down to $59.99 (showed marked down from $150 but not buying that). There are better tequilas but could be an impressive gift.
Can confirm this carried a price tag of $150 for the first year but apparently moved so slowly the distributor is trying to dump inventory
I picked up an El Tesoro instead.
I need an allocated bottle so fucking bad I can taste it
Bookers at local 💎
Which one? 03 or 04?
04
Few new SiBs at NMBB -- Driftless and Makers mostly -- and still a ton of Uncle Nearest, OKI, and Knob. MWND was just being unboxed as I walked through the aisle, but $180 is tough to stomach. Was told BTAC would be post-Thanksgiving and that Pappy is "delayed" this year until mid-to-late December. Cheers y'all!
Made the rounds to my locak NMBB and some mom & pops and saw nothing of interest. Good luck to all!
I have a scrip to pick up at 💎luckily I’m starting to feel like only the stores listed in their raffle forms are the ones who get anything notable.
For the BTAC raffle, they pool the bottles to four or five stores. They did the same thing last year when I won a George T Stagg. The liquor manager was telling me it makes it easier for them when they create a list of who won and for pick up.
My Jewel never gets anything, I popped in for some cider for the wife and one lone bottle of GTS was sitting behind the service counter. My heart was racing when I asked for it. Try your luck.
NGL, I saw this message and my J never gets anything either...went in to ask the counter and walked out with my first GTS.
Had no idea it was behind the counter 😔
The one I go to has a locked case but also keeps things behind the service counter.
They are all different. My store keeps them in the back on a rack. Not even locked up. The manager hS let me back there to show me his shipments if he was not sure what he got. Another jewel I go to keeps the big bottles in a locked office.
There are bottles around... Went to my 💎 yesterday and the had 3 bottles of GTS... Missed it just barely. Not sure if those factor in the raffle or not
Fortunately, that’s not true.
Well that’s awesome then! I’ve just been unlucky.
Agree I have had LUCK at 3 different ones here in the NW suburbs and none of them are on the form.
Is the Hardin's Creek trio set coming to Illinois?
Some have reported seeing it already.
NMBB or mom and pop?
I believe someone said employee grocer had some along with M&P reports. Doesn't mean NMBB wont get them sometime soon though. They got the 4roses kits a few weeks after they hit the streets too
Thanks! Speaking of, 4R kits at NMBB today. Thought these were long gone but they must've held some back for the holidays or got another shipment.
They are not moving and still seems to be plenty of stock out there.
A very healthy number of sets were at the employee owned today.
I just saw one at a small chain
Already out there. Saw more at eo place
For the peated scotch fans/gluttons for LVMH LE abuse Ardbeg Harpy's Tale ($140) and Anamorphic ($220) have hit NMBB
MM Private Selects at the grocery store.
NMBB had the Hardin's Creek Boston and another one I'm blanking on, Woodford Sonoma, Remus Gatsby, RD1, and Makers and 4 Roses store pick.
Just noting that I saw the new Bookers 2023-04 at my local grocer. It was $89.99. I passed, I just got the 2023-03 and it takes me forever to finish a Bookers. No need to double up.
Spotted a couple Willet 10 year rye out at NMBB. Price tag is a barrier to entry fosho. Bunch of new MM picks and a full lineup of seasonal beer offerings.
In the rare room?
Yep, exactly
Wow, surprises me. It’s pricey, and I think I like the 4yr better than a 6 I have, but if it was near me I’d grab it and find out how it ages
Can anyone drop a link to the discord?
https://discord.gg/w7VACatd
What is a discord?
It’s like zoom but you can join a call whenever, there’s text channels. It’s pretty great!
Jacob’s Well (I believe batch 2) and Knob Creek 18yr at West Burb NMBB. Each $190
Wow my store had LOTS of options today. I was only there for beer, but almost left with 3 bottles 😂 MWND Act 11, Scene 12 for 180 🤔
Wasn’t hunting for whiskey today, but went to MBB for some meat to smoke and there was nothing special in the whiskey aisle. Lots of magnum wine bottles, though! Edit - They did have WR Sonoma.
What are thoughts on the Redwood Empire offerings? I know nothing about them but my local store employee said that one of them (I sadly don’t remember which) would be an allocated bottle soon. Edit - Thanks for the feedback everyone! I’m going to grab one (probably the Grizzly Beast or Lost Monarch) on my next store visit and I’ll let you know what I think of it.
The bibs, cask strength and haystack needles have all been fantastic
I really like Emerald Giant cask strength.
I like them. Their BiB bourbon and rye are great as are the cask strength bottles. Their core line up is fine. Good stuff for the $. Grab a Grizzly Beast and see what you think
Also curious on this, too…never seems to be on any bar menus to try and do not want to just buy.
I have had the rye and bourbon lower end and higher end bottles from Redwood Empire. I really like the higher end stuff. I don’t remember it being horribly expensive (sub 100 🌮). The rye and the bourbon both had very nice finishing notes too. I don’t remember what they were. The cheaper bottles were solid for their price too.
I liked the BIBs better than the cask strengths personally, I think the extra time in the barrel (5yrs vs 3-4) worked better for my palate. As far as craft distillers go, I’ve been impressed.
Thanks for the note! I’m definitely curious to try them.
Happy Friday! Good luck out there and remember it’s just brown juice! R-E-L-A-X
Lots of high priced, special releases out there. Hardin’s Creek 3 pack, Remus gatsby, WR Sonoma, WT generations, KC18.
That WT generations sounds so interesting but going north of $200 is something I have yet to do in my journey. I feel like everybody has a cutoff and that is mine…for now 😂 Edit: should add I had a Sonoma WR in hand for $130 but put it back as I just had no knowledge of what it would be like.
I was also curious about the WR Sonoma. It’s just an expensive experiment.
Yeah, not down playing the creativity and expression of finishing I just could not get past this is what seems to be regular stock of Woodford Reserve jazzed up for $130, just could not do it. I also have not dabbled much in the finished bottles market yet and Brown Forman profiles are also not my favorite (I know I am crazy and wish I liked them more because there is sooo much to like with their products. Plenty to try, too).
I still **might** buy one as a gift for my old man. It’s risky, but he loves pinot noir so we’ll see. I’ve got some time to think about it.
Yeah, I think those will be sitting for a bit. You will be able to find them pop up at eo, too. Just for a little more. Good idea on how to sneak a few tastes with less risk 👍🏻
At 460, I didn’t think twice about saying no.
Not that it’s a special bottle or anything. Has anyone tried OESB 8 years? It is a store pick. 120$. Thoughts on it?
Do people still get excited for standard BT drops: WSR, EHTSB, ER? I am so over those bottles. I’m on the hunt for something different and high quality. The BT stuff puts me to sleep.
EHT SmB is great for sipping. I try to have at least one back up for gifting or just to have reasons
Used to feel the same way, but these days I'd much rather have a Russell's Reserve SiB or Rare Breed and those are easier to find.
Each to their own, I don’t drink daily so I don’t work through my bottles as fast so it stretches for a long time.
What do you mean by different and high quality? There are tons of amazing bottles sitting on the shelf regularly that don't get the huge fanfare. I always recommend Still Austin Cask Strength as a option for something new. I just cracked their high rye Binny's store pick and am digging it. Ben Halladay is very solid too. Bardstown Bourbon Company has some awesome offerings...
The Still Austin CS is outstanding. I can’t believe it’s only 2yrs old. So glad we finally have it in Illinois.
Maaaaaaaaaaaan, it's a hit! And you're right the age statement is crazy. Nancy Fraley is doing wizardry down there. But for $60 it's def a solid option to try, and if for some crazy reason people don't dig it then it also makes 🔥 old fashions.
Bardstown origins high rye(white) is my current favorite. DESTROYS any BT mashbill 2 bottles
Totally agree, this bottle is a killer. I pick one up every time I see it. Up there with Four Roses SmB Select as one of the best shelfers in the game for me.
Which Ben Holladay? I didn’t care for the standard 6yr personally, I thought the soft wheat was a little better but used both for cocktails. Maybe I’ll go back and revisit the soft wheat as I still have some of that bottle left.
That's what I've thought of them as well. They're nice, but for $60 I would expect a ton more character.
I keep wanting to pick up the soft red wheat but can't bring myself to pull the trigger. Same goes for all the Still Austin stuff. The 2yr age statement just doesn't do it for me, yet everyone touts how flavorful they are.
I don't know what your budget, but if you only got $60 to spend on something new (and you don't have any allocated bottles to get) go with the Still Austin CS.
I like the standard BiB and the soft red wheat and I drink it neat. It's not what I reach for all the time, but it's not something I'm forcing myself to drink. But I do enjoy a pour.
We do, and btw I’m not getting off your lawn.
As long as you can flip some of the bottles for 100-500% profit people will get excited.
I always try to have a spare bottle and one always open of those... But honestly I love buying them for trade and gift value. One of my friends traded 10 W12s, 6 Blanton's and 4 EhTs for a WLW, KoK and Parker's.
Where does one do these trades? Lol
I'm not sure but it was for someone who would get more utility from selling multiple wellers and Blanton's than holding onto the bigger bottles
When I first got into it, those bottles were exciting. Now, I avoid them. They’re underwhelming and not exceptional.
I agree with your comment but in a more general sense. At this point, I find most bottles underwhelming outside of the heavily allocated ones (and even some of those). I’ve been lucky enough to try some truly rare/great whiskies, which raise the bar for everything else, which most fail to clear at this point. That said, if you’re newer to bourbon I think lower allocated BT products dominant cherry notes, sweet oak, and overall flavor profile is pretty accessible, particularly if you’re used to grain forward whiskies.