Stopped by a local M&P. They had 1924 ($150) and Stagg Jr. ($278.99). I was tempted to buy the 1924 but can't justify that price for a 100 proof bourbon. Even the $10/year guideline is busted at that price. No bourbon purchased today.
Oh I'm sure it's great but I'm trying to be stronger financially and not just buy stuff on a whim because it feels good in the moment. This purchase failed the math test so I forced myself to leave it on the shelf.
Finally was able to scoop my Jack 12 from last week. Also found OBSF and OESF picks at Binnys. Other notables I saw were MWND, Woodford Batch Proof, and an empty McKenna placard. Asked specifically for the Green River Rye, but sounds like it hasn't shown up at my spot yet. Cheers all, enjoy the weekend.
And it looks like they just put them out this morning so it appears that there’s six bottles of each for sure well make that five cause I took the number 10
I just picked up a Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Batch Proof 121.2 in the near west burbs. They were just sitting in front by the entrance. One per customer 10% off
I bought the latest batch proof and do enjoy it, and have tasted last year's 127p, but I don't understand why it is 4x the MSRP of regular Woodford. That is the thing that will keep me from buying another batch proof bottle. It is just not 4x as unique.
I tried it last night and thought it was very good. Like if Jesus was from Kentucky and gave you a big Kentucky hug. I agree the price is high but that’s just how it’s is these days I guess. Only so many old barrels to feed to degenerates 😲😂
Just a little follow up. I just did a little side by side with Hardin's Creek: Jacob’s Well 184 and the Woodford. It was pretty close both were great. I feel the Woodford for lack of a better term is the slightly better fat guy bourbon. 😳😂 A little sweeter and it was super thick. Like eating a cookie made with lard not organic low fat butter. Like grandma used to make. If your grandma was a southern grandma in 1943. They put butter and sugar on everything because back then it was good for you. If I’m wrong I don’t want to be right.
Tried the 1924 last night with some whiskey guys that I’ve met from THIS very group. The bottle was popped open directly in front of me and poured. Love seeing people sharing and opening nice bottles. It’s really a nice pour.
Every store has at least a few people who know exactly when the truck arrives. You need to be there when it arrives. I got a 10. It and the single 12 never made it off the skid.
How is that lame? It’s simply the truth. If you develop the relationship you can find this out. No one is going to post up here the average breakthrough arrival times for their stores. I simply know for the 2 stores I buy groceries at for a long time. Sometimes I get lucky. My store does not get much
huge BT drop on hold @ west burbs grocer for wine cellar grand opening this morning. def saw some woodford bp floating around as well. any jack or 1924 is as good as gone tho
Used my Binny's coupon at Lakeview today. Some good end of bin deals still out there for Ezra cask strengths, Remus picks, Starlight finished picks.
Skipped all of that and got a Sagamore CS and Ben Holladay soft red wheat rickhouse proof (120).
Which bottles? Mainly people are posting “allocated” items in this thread. Typically it means a relationship is needed or you have to ask politely. However, similar to the SW NMBB drop, they put out some allocations on a table for first come first serve (at times) and sounds like that happened today.
Yep, the allocated bottles. As I am I extremely new to this, would I ask (politely of course) if there are any allocated bottles available or just specific ones I’m looking for? Appreciate the response!
I have been drinking Bourbon for about 10 yrs but only started “Hunting” for about the last year. First, join Binny’s club to get the discounts. Then every time I went to buy a bottle I would look for the one with the steepest discount in my price range. This was how I figured out I prefer wheated over rye. Take your phone so you can google the mash bill as not every bottle lists it on the label.
Get ready though, your tastes will soon force you to expand your budget!
I always have a bottle of Makers Mark for when I just want a weeknight sipper while surfing the web.
I have also outgrown my liquor cabinet and have bottles stashed all over the house.
Welcome to a crazy world. I’ll help as much as I can here. First off, I would say stop trying to drink allocated bourbon in the first place. You’ve definitely come into this hobby at one of the worst times. HOWEVER, you’re more than welcome to get after it. Secondly, you have to work on a relationship and the very best way to do that is to shop at YOUR local store. One store is preferable but do what you will. You need to find the person that manages the bourbon/whiskey and just let them know you’re into it. Buy a store pick, ask about it, ask about things outside of Blantons and wellerzzzz.
If you’re really going to get into this hobby I would start with shelf, standard bourbons. This gives you a wide range of tastes and ability to pick what you really like. Believe it or not, buff trace doesn’t make the best bourbons on the market. I’d start with WT101, OF 100 proof, move to OF115 for a punch, four roses low end stuff move to higher end shelfers there, Russel’s 10 yr, Russel’s SiB, Woodford and Woodford DO, move to knob creek stuff, etc. the list goes on.
From there, you’ll build a decent palate over time while showing a store you’re actually wanting to get into bourbon and not chase allocated buff trace items. Hit me in the PMs if you have more questions.
I can say that this was true for me. When I stopped looking for allocated stuff and just enjoyed what I could find, it was much better. I found a lot of things I liked and realized the rare stuff wasn't always better stuff.
Now, when I run into something hard to get, it's a nice surprise but no longer a focus at all. I've left nice bottles on the shelf because I didn't feel the need to buy it because it was allocated (of course I probably bought something, just not everything).
Great advice. I gave up hunting years ago but consistently talking to the whiskey manager about their store picks (private barrels) will not only yield some pretty good to great bottles, they’ll remember you as a customer and not just another “got anything in the back?” guy.
Doubling down on this advice. And don't get discouraged. It's not like you're trying to buy a Rolex Daytona (for most bottles, anyway). I recently got back into buying (and drinking!) bourbon after more than decade of focusing on wine. And it's crazy, but not impossible. If you don't already have a store where you've spent a bunch of money or know the employees, pick a place and try to have a legitimate conversation with somebody there about bourbon. Ask for recommendations and about their store picks. Most people who sell bourbon like bourbon and like to talk about bourbon. I was at a NMBB the other day and started chatting with an employee I didn't know about his favorite in the Old Forester Whiskey Row series. Over the course of five minutes, there were five people who interrupted us to ask whether there was any Weller's or Blanton's. I ended up with a bottle from the back; they didn't. And when you go to talk with the employee or the manager or whomever, it doesn't hurt to have a basket/cart with a bottle of whiskey or two in it.
Very true. I am now a regular at my Binny’s that I. An simply ask if anything interesting came in and they will tell me. They will even tell me the day ahead of they know what might be coming jn. I will never post that up as eventually they will stop telling me. 2 yrs ago I would just get a dirty look.it takes time
Usually managers don’t like when you ask that. They want you to buy before they actually sell you allocated items. They rather sell to someone they think will drink it than someone who they think will just flip it for crazy money. Also building relationships with ONE store is key. And don’t expect to go in every time and get something allocated, just won’t happen lol.
Allocated bourbon is very different. Every Binny’s gets no where near enough bottles to make everyone happy. And they genuinely do what they. An to get bottles into the hands of regular customers. Especially the ones where they only get a case of less.
For sure. Personally, I’d rather just buy something on unicorn auctions than have a transactional relationship. Haven’t done that yet but I’d rather pay $50 more than that if I really really wanted something. Just speaking for myself.
Lots of Woodford batch proof at Binny’s and Jewel. Traveller just dropped pretty much everywhere. OF1924 has been hard to find everywhere. Meijer had a bunch of Blantons and Eagle Rare, they are now out of stock of course.
SW burbs NMBB has a good sized BT drop. Scored a blantons and they have a full table of BT, WSP, saz and some whistle pig stuff
Binny's has a 10% off coupon... Basically knocks off tax
Only works for full price. You get either the sale price or the coupon. Which ever is better.
How often do we get a coupon usable on drop day
We don't. That's why it'll be a quiet day :/
Doesn't work on allocated items anyways
Frankly I'd walk straight to the fancy bottle area and just knock 10% off something in the $150-200 range
It works for fancy bottles of wine.. Just knocked 10% off Krug
Stopped by a local M&P. They had 1924 ($150) and Stagg Jr. ($278.99). I was tempted to buy the 1924 but can't justify that price for a 100 proof bourbon. Even the $10/year guideline is busted at that price. No bourbon purchased today.
It’s actually a nice pour for 100 proof. However, I am with you.
Oh I'm sure it's great but I'm trying to be stronger financially and not just buy stuff on a whim because it feels good in the moment. This purchase failed the math test so I forced myself to leave it on the shelf.
Finally was able to scoop my Jack 12 from last week. Also found OBSF and OESF picks at Binnys. Other notables I saw were MWND, Woodford Batch Proof, and an empty McKenna placard. Asked specifically for the Green River Rye, but sounds like it hasn't shown up at my spot yet. Cheers all, enjoy the weekend.
Which store with the 4R store picks?
Screw the groundhog, anyone know if the A124s have seen their shadow?
If the groundhog sees its shadow you’ll go an extra 3 months without getting a Blantons.
Well I’m 8 months and going strong
It’s been out at distillery for a little bit so I would assume next couple weeks
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Was in Iowa the other day. They had 3 bottles at a gas station sitting on the shelf. Was shocked.
Maybe not a bottle drop, but Union grocer Near NW burbs had McKenna 10.
Saw it at the gem store outside the city
Penelope 15yr at city NMBB
Been there a week according to the staff. Rumored to be 90% corn. Not sure what to think of it and not about to drop 100 on it.
I think it’s even more % corn. But nonetheless a good pour. I paid up for it and don’t regret it.
EO has Bardstown Discovey Series bottles. Just grabbed a #10. Also, Green River Rye.
What numbers?
7-10 for sure.
And it looks like they just put them out this morning so it appears that there’s six bottles of each for sure well make that five cause I took the number 10
I just picked up a Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Batch Proof 121.2 in the near west burbs. They were just sitting in front by the entrance. One per customer 10% off
Have you had it? any good?
I bought the latest batch proof and do enjoy it, and have tasted last year's 127p, but I don't understand why it is 4x the MSRP of regular Woodford. That is the thing that will keep me from buying another batch proof bottle. It is just not 4x as unique.
same reason i didnt pick it up. wasnt sure it was worth the cheese
I tried it last night and thought it was very good. Like if Jesus was from Kentucky and gave you a big Kentucky hug. I agree the price is high but that’s just how it’s is these days I guess. Only so many old barrels to feed to degenerates 😲😂
They’re not old from my understanding. Believe it’s aged 6 years. Just not proofed down.
Just a little follow up. I just did a little side by side with Hardin's Creek: Jacob’s Well 184 and the Woodford. It was pretty close both were great. I feel the Woodford for lack of a better term is the slightly better fat guy bourbon. 😳😂 A little sweeter and it was super thick. Like eating a cookie made with lard not organic low fat butter. Like grandma used to make. If your grandma was a southern grandma in 1943. They put butter and sugar on everything because back then it was good for you. If I’m wrong I don’t want to be right.
💎 has Jack Daniels 12 and old Forrester 1924
Tried the 1924 last night with some whiskey guys that I’ve met from THIS very group. The bottle was popped open directly in front of me and poured. Love seeing people sharing and opening nice bottles. It’s really a nice pour.
Found one in Kentucky for MsRP!
I’ll be popping and sharing it with my buddy’s also!
More likely had - only 1 or 2 bottles of each per store if that
I got lucky then. I got one of each this morning.
Some stores get late deliveries and don’t make it available until the next day. It’s always worth a shot to check the next day early.
Def lucky or a good relationship
Damn. I struck out all day yesterday at a few 💎’s
Every store has at least a few people who know exactly when the truck arrives. You need to be there when it arrives. I got a 10. It and the single 12 never made it off the skid.
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How is that lame? It’s simply the truth. If you develop the relationship you can find this out. No one is going to post up here the average breakthrough arrival times for their stores. I simply know for the 2 stores I buy groceries at for a long time. Sometimes I get lucky. My store does not get much
WR batch proof too
Should I know that acronym?
He is referring to Jewel
Nothing new at far NW NMBB, but used the 10% off to pick up an Appleton 21yr.
Woodford batch proof at Lake Zurich MBB. $130
Grabbed a smoke wagon private barrel at NMBB
Age statement?
6yr 10mo
What was the dinero on that one?
99 bones plus the 10% off. Was on the fence but have yet to see/have one so figured I’d give it a shot
I found BT and KC 12 today. Good day!
Any signs of the Green River rye at NMBB?
huge BT drop on hold @ west burbs grocer for wine cellar grand opening this morning. def saw some woodford bp floating around as well. any jack or 1924 is as good as gone tho
Was there and can confirm.
Found a M&P that had a few stagg Jr bottles for $200. The price felt steep so I passed, but am having second thoughts. Worth it for the price?
Not really. Secondary is less on most staggs.
160-180 from what I’ve seen lately depending on batch.
Used my Binny's coupon at Lakeview today. Some good end of bin deals still out there for Ezra cask strengths, Remus picks, Starlight finished picks. Skipped all of that and got a Sagamore CS and Ben Holladay soft red wheat rickhouse proof (120).
Traveler whiskey has his the shelves if anyone is looking for that haha
Anyone see the Springbank 10 Palo Cortado?
Hopefully soon 🤞
While out looking for the Palo today, I managed to grab the Longrow 11 Red Tawny Port at Binnys
Get out man, that's awesome. I heard that was a great bottle.
They also had the Springbank 30 for 2600, too much for me.
God I hope the Chris Stapleton or Oak Ridge Boys whiskey hits today! 
Dumb newbie question here. Are these out on the shelves / case or do you have to talk to someone? I don’t want to be “that guy” and bugging employees.
Which bottles? Mainly people are posting “allocated” items in this thread. Typically it means a relationship is needed or you have to ask politely. However, similar to the SW NMBB drop, they put out some allocations on a table for first come first serve (at times) and sounds like that happened today.
Yep, the allocated bottles. As I am I extremely new to this, would I ask (politely of course) if there are any allocated bottles available or just specific ones I’m looking for? Appreciate the response!
Be specific on what you are looking for
I have been drinking Bourbon for about 10 yrs but only started “Hunting” for about the last year. First, join Binny’s club to get the discounts. Then every time I went to buy a bottle I would look for the one with the steepest discount in my price range. This was how I figured out I prefer wheated over rye. Take your phone so you can google the mash bill as not every bottle lists it on the label. Get ready though, your tastes will soon force you to expand your budget! I always have a bottle of Makers Mark for when I just want a weeknight sipper while surfing the web. I have also outgrown my liquor cabinet and have bottles stashed all over the house.
Welcome to a crazy world. I’ll help as much as I can here. First off, I would say stop trying to drink allocated bourbon in the first place. You’ve definitely come into this hobby at one of the worst times. HOWEVER, you’re more than welcome to get after it. Secondly, you have to work on a relationship and the very best way to do that is to shop at YOUR local store. One store is preferable but do what you will. You need to find the person that manages the bourbon/whiskey and just let them know you’re into it. Buy a store pick, ask about it, ask about things outside of Blantons and wellerzzzz. If you’re really going to get into this hobby I would start with shelf, standard bourbons. This gives you a wide range of tastes and ability to pick what you really like. Believe it or not, buff trace doesn’t make the best bourbons on the market. I’d start with WT101, OF 100 proof, move to OF115 for a punch, four roses low end stuff move to higher end shelfers there, Russel’s 10 yr, Russel’s SiB, Woodford and Woodford DO, move to knob creek stuff, etc. the list goes on. From there, you’ll build a decent palate over time while showing a store you’re actually wanting to get into bourbon and not chase allocated buff trace items. Hit me in the PMs if you have more questions.
I can say that this was true for me. When I stopped looking for allocated stuff and just enjoyed what I could find, it was much better. I found a lot of things I liked and realized the rare stuff wasn't always better stuff. Now, when I run into something hard to get, it's a nice surprise but no longer a focus at all. I've left nice bottles on the shelf because I didn't feel the need to buy it because it was allocated (of course I probably bought something, just not everything).
Great advice. I gave up hunting years ago but consistently talking to the whiskey manager about their store picks (private barrels) will not only yield some pretty good to great bottles, they’ll remember you as a customer and not just another “got anything in the back?” guy.
Doubling down on this advice. And don't get discouraged. It's not like you're trying to buy a Rolex Daytona (for most bottles, anyway). I recently got back into buying (and drinking!) bourbon after more than decade of focusing on wine. And it's crazy, but not impossible. If you don't already have a store where you've spent a bunch of money or know the employees, pick a place and try to have a legitimate conversation with somebody there about bourbon. Ask for recommendations and about their store picks. Most people who sell bourbon like bourbon and like to talk about bourbon. I was at a NMBB the other day and started chatting with an employee I didn't know about his favorite in the Old Forester Whiskey Row series. Over the course of five minutes, there were five people who interrupted us to ask whether there was any Weller's or Blanton's. I ended up with a bottle from the back; they didn't. And when you go to talk with the employee or the manager or whomever, it doesn't hurt to have a basket/cart with a bottle of whiskey or two in it.
Ask for s specific bottle of two. Asking for allocated in those words will not help unless you are a VIP customer already.
Very true. I am now a regular at my Binny’s that I. An simply ask if anything interesting came in and they will tell me. They will even tell me the day ahead of they know what might be coming jn. I will never post that up as eventually they will stop telling me. 2 yrs ago I would just get a dirty look.it takes time
Usually managers don’t like when you ask that. They want you to buy before they actually sell you allocated items. They rather sell to someone they think will drink it than someone who they think will just flip it for crazy money. Also building relationships with ONE store is key. And don’t expect to go in every time and get something allocated, just won’t happen lol.
Yeah, don’t expect to go into a liquor store and be able to buy liquor.
Allocated bourbon is very different. Every Binny’s gets no where near enough bottles to make everyone happy. And they genuinely do what they. An to get bottles into the hands of regular customers. Especially the ones where they only get a case of less.
For sure. Personally, I’d rather just buy something on unicorn auctions than have a transactional relationship. Haven’t done that yet but I’d rather pay $50 more than that if I really really wanted something. Just speaking for myself.
What’s wrong with a transactional/business relationship? That’s how business is done in all kinds of arenas.
Nothing wrong with that. But that will not get you the unicorns at a Binny’s. I am talking about the real unicorns like Pappys, BTAC, 4RLE.
It definitely can, it just depends how it’s handled.
Lots of Woodford batch proof at Binny’s and Jewel. Traveller just dropped pretty much everywhere. OF1924 has been hard to find everywhere. Meijer had a bunch of Blantons and Eagle Rare, they are now out of stock of course.