How's y'all's allocated liquor hunt going this year...? (Page 1 of 3)
Posted: 12/3/2023 6:39:20 PM EDT
[Last Edit: bondservant2][Edited]
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Starting to see the final drops of the year for the hard-to-find stuff and I've done pretty darn well this year for many of the allocated bottles that are well known and make it to my State. This year I've gotten bottles of (3) of the (4) Stagg releases, a couple of the EH Taylor barrel proofs, ECBP c923, a couple of Elmer T Lee , had a bottle of the Penelope Rio in my hand but didn't know what it was , both Michters 10-year, Weller CYPB, Full Proof, Antique 107 and 12. Also a few of the Limited Edition bottles from the major brands....i.e Jack Daniels , Old Forester, Four Roses .....really a good year and all at MSRP (or close to). So how are you guys/ gals doing...? |
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Most places around here have gone to some sort of point system. Places that haven’t gone that route have ridiculous prices on allocated items. I used to spend a good bit of time roaming liquor stores looking for hard to find items but it’s just not worth it to me any more. I’ll go to a couple raffles and might get lucky. I have enough points at one place to buy something decent if I can get there when they have something I want. |
FTFTWFMF
Christmas party tasting tonight  Attached File Attached File |
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Attached File Today’s score Attached File Last week’s |
"Some people talk about doing what others have actually done." -my teenage son
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My local store has quite a bit. Picked up a barrel select of full proof. They had Lot B for 499. 15yr PVW for 1299. Stagg jr was $150. Big bottles of eagle rare (IMO highly overrated) for 69. He gets quite a bit and I was in a hurry. I do know the owner so I'll go back when I back home. |
"History teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives."-Abba Eban
"I like it both ways, but still mainly mouth it" -gonzo_beyondo
"I like it both ways, but still mainly mouth it" -gonzo_beyondo
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So Im new to the bourbon game. thanks to my buddy at work who is a bourbon maniac, he introduced me to a bunch of Buffalo Trace brands. so i got hooked and now realizing what a crazy thing to get into! its so hard to find this stuff around here (East TN). most places you have to be a regular or know somebody. if not then good luck. trying to find something like Weller full proof or Blantons is near impossible or get ready to pay big. buying stuff at msrp is damn near impossible. its almost a love / hate interest. anyone else experience this? i went to 2 places that was receiving their allocation, literally had the Buffalo Trace and another truck or 2 outside making their drop. saw all kinds of cases of good stuff being brought in and both literally wouldn't sell me anything! basically lied to my face. you would think this brown liquid would cure cancer, hell maybe it does. anyway, kind of frustrating. |
| The store by my house takes care of those they know. Those that are there regularly and have been spending money with them for years. The owner is tight lipped, as are his crew, unless you earn his blessing. |
"Some people talk about doing what others have actually done." -my teenage son
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Originally Posted By whitson01: So Im new to the bourbon game. thanks to my buddy at work who is a bourbon maniac, he introduced me to a bunch of Buffalo Trace brands. so i got hooked and now realizing what a crazy thing to get into! its so hard to find this stuff around here (East TN). most places you have to be a regular or know somebody. if not then good luck. trying to find something like Weller full proof or Blantons is near impossible or get ready to pay big. buying stuff at msrp is damn near impossible. its almost a love / hate interest. anyone else experience this? i went to 2 places that was receiving their allocation, literally had the Buffalo Trace and another truck or 2 outside making their drop. saw all kinds of cases of good stuff being brought in and both literally wouldn't sell me anything! basically lied to my face. you would think this brown liquid would cure cancer, hell maybe it does. anyway, kind of frustrating. It’s a crazy thing right now with Buffalo Trace products. But there are PLENTY of other bourbons out there to enjoy without the hassle. Jack Daniels is producing some PHENOMENAL whisky currently. |
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I really haven't been out looking this year, it's too rare to find anything allocated. Almost every store around here has gone to some sort of points system or they have allocated stuff in a locked case with higher than secondary prices on everything. I have managed to get a Weller 12 and two E H Taylor small batch lately. Tomorrow I am going to a raffle that has a pretty good selection and I get three tickets (based on points and store pick purchases). Maybe I'll get lucky but last year I was about the 200th ticket drawn and there was not much good left. Here is the list. The items highlighted in yellow are "tier 1" and if you happened to get drawn more than once you could only purchase one tier 1 item. Attached File Attached File Attached File |
FTFTWFMF
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Originally Posted By TN-MadDog: I really haven't been out looking this year, it's too rare to find anything allocated. Almost every store around here has gone to some sort of points system or they have allocated stuff in a locked case with higher than secondary prices on everything. I have managed to get a Weller 12 and two E H Taylor small batch lately. Tomorrow I am going to a raffle that has a pretty good selection and I get three tickets (based on points and store pick purchases). Maybe I'll get lucky but last year I was about the 200th ticket drawn and there was not much good left. Here is the list. The items highlighted in yellow are "tier 1" and if you happened to get drawn more than once you could only purchase one tier 1 item. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/35314/415059069_843602447777426_73052973899198-3084313.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/35314/416986673_843602554444082_44120517090687-3084315.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/35314/416996083_843602564444081_83373577877845-3084316.JPG Good luck! |
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Originally Posted By justsayin: Good luck! Well, all the really high end stuff was gone by the time I was drawn. I did end up with three decent bottles but it was really a bummer to watch all the "tier 1" bottles get picked.        What I ended up with  Some bumbling idiot dropped a bottle of ET Lee right in front of me  
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FTFTWFMF
| good lord, look at all those goodies. local stores around me just put all this stuff in the back and snub their nose at you unless you are in the know or a buddy or know the secret hand shake (I guess). anyways, that kind of stuff fuels the secondary market imo. hell at least a lottery gives the avg joe a chance without paying these crazy bloated secondary market prices. |
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I picked up a Weller Full Proof barrel pick and a bottle of EHT single barrel. Weller was $169 and came with a free 1.75L bottle of Fireball. The EHT single barrel was $129. Anybody try this year's Full Proof? I've got a bottle from last year, but I know they change year to year. |
"History teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives."-Abba Eban
"I like it both ways, but still mainly mouth it" -gonzo_beyondo
"I like it both ways, but still mainly mouth it" -gonzo_beyondo
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Originally Posted By SnprPSG1: Store near me wants $249.00 for a bottle of the WELLER 12 Year & $99 for Eagle Rare  |
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Originally Posted By whitson01: thats about normal where i live in TN. OR they just keep the stuff in back for their buddies. Weller SR was $75, Buffalo Trace was $50. popular stuff like Stagg jr, Blantons, weller 12-FP etc.. over $$200.. and thats if you can find it. one place has stuff like Rip, George T Stagg, etc.. all those are $1k-2k.. I Like the prices TN-MadDog posted, BUT WHO WOULDN"T  Where I live is your basic liquor stores, but 2 counties away, the county controls the alcohol; ABC stores. They make sure the prices stay reasonable. The 2nd saturday of each month they put out the allocated stuff and hold a lottery once a year. Some of the pricing off the list: 241260WELLER FULL PROOF (HAL) - 750ML50.99 241520WELLER SINGLE BARREL (HAL)- 750ML51.99 12815PAPPY VAN WINKLE 12 YR (HAL) - 750ML108.99 16489PAPPY VAN WINKLE RYE 13YR (HAL) - 750ML125.99 34860PAPPY VAN WINKLE 23YR (HAL) - 750ML395.99 |
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Originally Posted By rob78: I picked up a Weller Full Proof barrel pick and a bottle of EHT single barrel. Weller was $169 and came with a free 1.75L bottle of Fireball. The EHT single barrel was $129. Anybody try this year's Full Proof? I've got a bottle from last year, but I know they change year to year. I have had the Full Proof and it is very good. Can’t compare it to last year as I haven’t opened that bottle…yet. I also got a sample of this years WL Weller and I thought the two are very similar. With the WL being a bit hotter and spicier. |
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Originally Posted By bondservant2: I have had the Full Proof and it is very good. Can’t compare it to last year as I haven’t opened that bottle…yet. I also got a sample of this years WL Weller and I thought the two are very similar. With the WL being a bit hotter and spicier. Lucky dog. WL Weller is excellent. Never been drawn for a bottle. I put it up there with one my all time favorites, George T Stagg at 132 proof. Thanks for the FP review. Ill have to crack it open. |
"History teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives."-Abba Eban
"I like it both ways, but still mainly mouth it" -gonzo_beyondo
"I like it both ways, but still mainly mouth it" -gonzo_beyondo
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Originally Posted By rob78: Lucky dog. WL Weller is excellent. Never been drawn for a bottle. I put it up there with one my all time favorites, George T Stagg at 132 proof. Thanks for the FP review. Ill have to crack it open. For the Full Proof - no mistaking it for a wheated bourbon. Soft and sweet. I think high proof wheaters are among the most “crushable” of the bourbons. It definitely shows proof on the mid-palate, then a nice berry fruit explosion on the back. Like blueberries maybe…? Nice spicy, long finish Kentucky hug. Definitely more fruit flavor than the brown sugar ,caramel of the CYPB - which I also have tried. |
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I don't hunt it but I have gotten lucky so far in 2024. Only thing I want is Stagg that isn't stupid priced. Stopped in to a small town grocery store last week and there were two bottles of Weller 12 year on the shelf at MSRP, they both went home with me. Picking up three bottles of Booker's (not sure I would call it allocated, but harder to find?) this weekend at $10 over MSRP a bottle. 2023 I got a few bottles of Blanton's, ER, Blood Oath, Midwinter's Nights Dram. All just right place at the right time, except for the Midwinter's which I got from a drawing. |
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Originally Posted By zen_grasshopper: I don't hunt it but I have gotten lucky so far in 2024. Only thing I want is Stagg that isn't stupid priced. Stopped in to a small town grocery store last week and there were two bottles of Weller 12 year on the shelf at MSRP, they both went home with me. Picking up three bottles of Booker's (not sure I would call it allocated, but harder to find?) this weekend at $10 over MSRP a bottle. 2023 I got a few bottles of Blanton's, ER, Blood Oath, Midwinter's Nights Dram. All just right place at the right time, except for the Midwinter's which I got from a drawing. Attached File |
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Originally Posted By zen_grasshopper: I don't hunt it but I have gotten lucky so far in 2024. Only thing I want is Stagg that isn't stupid priced. Stopped in to a small town grocery store last week and there were two bottles of Weller 12 year on the shelf at MSRP, they both went home with me. Picking up three bottles of Booker's (not sure I would call it allocated, but harder to find?) this weekend at $10 over MSRP a bottle. 2023 I got a few bottles of Blanton's, ER, Blood Oath, Midwinter's Nights Dram. All just right place at the right time, except for the Midwinter's which I got from a drawing. Good stuff. Once easy to find here for $50...now nowhere to be found. |
"History teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives."-Abba Eban
"I like it both ways, but still mainly mouth it" -gonzo_beyondo
"I like it both ways, but still mainly mouth it" -gonzo_beyondo
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Originally Posted By Arkady: Four Roses 135th Anniversary and a Sazerac 18 were my heavy hitters. SWEET..!! I have a bottle of the Four Roses and I think it’s phenomenal. That’s a bourbon to sit with quietly and savor through the evening. Not had the Sazerac 18. I bet that’s one spicy bitch. LOVE the regular shelf stuff….. |
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Originally Posted By TXBO: If there's a nice bottle of Bourbon in the Houston area, my wife knows about it. Best year ever for me. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/402701/Booze-3115512.jpg https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/402701/Pappy-3115513.jpg NICE!! Attached File |
| Man, the hunt started out ROUGH this year....but things seem to be loosening up. I see more items on the shelves, but some ridiculous pricing way over secondary on prime bottles. Seems to be fueled by the Bourbon podcasts and people running out to pick up the highly rated bourbons. I've been ordering on line lately, much better prices, and some even offer free shipping. Frey Ranch! |
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| You know, I quit hunting a couple of years ago. I don't even go to allocation sales anymore. There's so much good unallocated bourbon out there that hunting just isn't worth it anymore. Hell, between 4RSmBS, New Riff, Smoke Wagon and Penelope all I want is right at my fingertips. Add in the wide array of single barrel store picks and I can't ever justify hunting allocateds. Who needs Eagle Rare when Bulleit 10 year is just as good? |
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Proud supporter of Team Ranstad
Tennessee Squire
"Every time a Garand ejects its clip an angel gets its wings." RIP, I-M-A-WMD
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Originally Posted By leemozoid: You know, I quit hunting a couple of years ago. I don't even go to allocation sales anymore. There's so much good unallocated bourbon out there that hunting just isn't worth it anymore. Hell, between 4RSmBS, New Riff, Smoke Wagon and Penelope all I want is right at my fingertips. Add in the wide array of single barrel store picks and I can't ever justify hunting allocateds. Who needs Eagle Rare when Bulleit 10 year is just as good? This ^. I still do a quick scan for Elijah Craig Barrel Proof if I happen to be in a liquor store, but that's about it. |
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Originally Posted By JoshD: This ^. I still do a quick scan for Elijah Craig Barrel Proof if I happen to be in a liquor store, but that's about it. Originally Posted By JoshD: Originally Posted By leemozoid: You know, I quit hunting a couple of years ago. I don't even go to allocation sales anymore. There's so much good unallocated bourbon out there that hunting just isn't worth it anymore. Hell, between 4RSmBS, New Riff, Smoke Wagon and Penelope all I want is right at my fingertips. Add in the wide array of single barrel store picks and I can't ever justify hunting allocateds. Who needs Eagle Rare when Bulleit 10 year is just as good? This ^. I still do a quick scan for Elijah Craig Barrel Proof if I happen to be in a liquor store, but that's about it. I'm lucky to have good relations with a couple of Liquor Store Managers so that I know when the trucks come in and occasionally get texts when something special shows up. Small(er) town living does have its advantages. |
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Originally Posted By bondservant2: I'm lucky to have good relations with a couple of Liquor Store Managers so that I know when the trucks come in and occasionally get texts when something special shows up. Small(er) town living does have its advantages. This exactly. One of the most interesting bottles that I managed to get recently was an Old Charter Oak French Oak. A really nice bottle, and only about $75 msrp. |
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Originally Posted By 2xsl_1998: This exactly. One of the most interesting bottles that I managed to get recently was an Old Charter Oak French Oak. A really nice bottle, and only about $75 msrp. Originally Posted By 2xsl_1998: Originally Posted By bondservant2: I'm lucky to have good relations with a couple of Liquor Store Managers so that I know when the trucks come in and occasionally get texts when something special shows up. Small(er) town living does have its advantages. This exactly. One of the most interesting bottles that I managed to get recently was an Old Charter Oak French Oak. A really nice bottle, and only about $75 msrp. I had never even heard of that until yesterday when one of my guys told me he got (2) bottles of it in his shipment and knew nothing about it. A quick google search showed it to be a rare(r) BuffaloTrace product and within the hour both bottles were in my possession at $72/ea. He’s going to get something nice next week for taking care of me all year. Maybe a Leatherman or nice flashlight from my stash of Walmart clearance items. |
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Originally Posted By bondservant2: I had never even heard of that until yesterday when one of my guys told me he got (2) bottles of it in his shipment and knew nothing about it. A quick google search showed it to be a rare(r) BuffaloTrace product and within the hour both bottles were in my possession at $72/ea. He's going to get something nice next week for taking care of me all year. Maybe a Leatherman or nice flashlight from my stash of Walmart clearance items. Like you said, not a lot of info out there. But what I saw said it was a 12 year BT essentially. |
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Originally Posted By 2xsl_1998: Curious to hear your thoughts on the Old Charter Oak. Like you said, not a lot of info out there. But what I saw said it was a 12 year BT essentially. Here’s a Breaking Bourbon review on it from 2021. https://www.breakingbourbon.com/review/old-charter-oak-french-oak-2021-release In the text is a link to the early press release from BuffaloTrace Distillery which leads me to think this iteration is Batch 4, and 11-years old. And that it is indeed a very “small batch” bourbon that is part of their “experimental” group!and one of their favorite bourbons. Mashbill 1 but aged in charred French Oak barrels. One of the on-line reviewers called it a “ghost bottle” because it’s so limited. |
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Originally Posted By bondservant2: Here's a Breaking Bourbon review on it from 2021. https://www.breakingbourbon.com/review/old-charter-oak-french-oak-2021-release In the text is a link to the early press release from BuffaloTrace Distillery which leads me to think this iteration is Batch 4, and 11-years old. And that it is indeed a very "small batch" bourbon that is part of their "experimental" group!and one of their favorite bourbons. Mashbill 1 but aged in charred French Oak barrels. One of the on-line reviewers called it a "ghost bottle" because it's so limited. Well I wish it was easier to find, because it is a delicious easy sipper. I really like it, but I suppose I'll never be able grab another. Crack yours open and let's hear your thoughts. |
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Not hunting really, but I’ll pick stuff up if I’m in the right place, right time. Like yesterday at Sam’s when I went solely to buy a griddle Attached File Had two, got both. $80 each |
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Originally Posted By JasperLCrab: I was able to grab a couple WT 70th and an Old Forester 1924 so far this fall. That Wild Turkey 70th is really good. I was lucky enough to grab several of them. Been a pretty good year for me overall with a pretty decent amount of nice bottles. Highlight for me is Russell's 15 though. It is a perfect match for my palate. |
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Originally Posted By bondservant2: Starting to see the final drops of the year for the hard-to-find stuff and I've done pretty darn well this year for many of the allocated bottles that are well known and make it to my State. This year I've gotten bottles of (3) of the (4) Stagg releases, a couple of the EH Taylor barrel proofs, ECBP c923, a couple of Elmer T Lee , had a bottle of the Penelope Rio in my hand but didn't know what it was , both Michters 10-year, Weller CYPB, Full Proof, Antique 107 and 12. Also a few of the Limited Edition bottles from the major brands....i.e Jack Daniels , Old Forester, Four Roses .....really a good year and all at MSRP (or close to). So how are you guys/ gals doing...? What in the actual fuck where do you live!? I literally only work 3 days a week so I have access and do hunt Monday and wed. I’ve gotten nothing since September. Literally nothing. I check multiple stores. I’ve never seen an eht barrel proof less than $350. I can find everything but it’s going to be secondary most of the time. |
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Originally Posted By rob78: I picked up a Weller Full Proof barrel pick and a bottle of EHT single barrel. Weller was $169 and came with a free 1.75L bottle of Fireball. The EHT single barrel was $129. Anybody try this year's Full Proof? I've got a bottle from last year, but I know they change year to year. Yea this years full proof is a VANILLA bomb up front followed by a mild citrus fruit mid palate with a finish that is to die for. Caramel vanilla orange and its lasts. It drinks under proof. Seriously one of my favorite bottles and I have some good bottles. I’ve been hunting another one. |
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Originally Posted By ReconRover: Man, the hunt started out ROUGH this year....but things seem to be loosening up. I see more items on the shelves, but some ridiculous pricing way over secondary on prime bottles. Seems to be fueled by the Bourbon podcasts and people running out to pick up the highly rated bourbons. I've been ordering on line lately, much better prices, and some even offer free shipping. Frey Ranch! Frey ranch farm strength is way slept on |
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Originally Posted By MRTEX: What in the actual fuck where do you live!? I literally only work 3 days a week so I have access and do hunt Monday and wed. I’ve gotten nothing since September. Literally nothing. I check multiple stores. I’ve never seen an eht barrel proof less than $350. I can find everything but it’s going to be secondary most of the time. The key is to make friends with the liqour store Managers and ..well...spoil them actually. I share sizable samples with them - even full bottles that I'm able to get duplicates of. Hell, I've even smoked an extra brisket and handed it off so they could have dinner with their wife. |