I've been drinking bourbon for decades, but I didn't get really into it until around 2015ish. In 2018-19, when bonuses were up, and bills were down, I was buying 2-3 $70+ bottles every week, and amassing a large wall of whiskey, that always had well over 100 quality bottles on it. Nowadays, bonuses are gone, bills are higher than ever, and price of decent whiskey has gone insane... so I'm done with all of that. Nowadays, I go by a bottle a week, usually in the $40ish range, and my wall of whiskey is less than half it's previous size.
For sure! My husband is possibly facing a major pay cut. The easiest thing to cut from the budget is bourbon. We joke that no matter what happens, we will have plenty of bourbon to drink and if we do run out, there are plenty of good budget bottles.
That's your story, and it's fair. Price jumps in whisky are absolutely factual but the economy is actually very strong and inflation over the past year is pretty low (2.53% current vs 3.67% last year). How that impacts you is very dependent on location, career, and stage of life. I'm a young professional and over the past year my salary and bonus has doubled. My budget for bottles is pretty large, but the current pricing is obnoxious on LE's. But... we are getting more and more good sub $50 bottles since Q2 than we did all of 2023. We are also seeing fewer bottles priced at $150+. The number of LE's in 2024 has skyrocketed, which is the part that feels bad if you are in the FOMO camp.
@@AmandaStack Yeah, I'm really glad that they created the Benchmark extended line up a couple of years ago. Bonded and Full Proof are regulars for me nowadays, and less than $30. I still have plenty of cool bottles on the shelf, I just don't grab them nearly as often nowadays.
I call myself a working man with a working man's collection. 70 bucks is my everyday threshold. Yes I will go over that but I do very little hunting and I am very careful with what I buy. I'd rather buy 4 or 5 bottles from 30 to 60 bucks. The other issue is too many whiskey tubers are too positive about every release many times because they received a media sample so there is alot of bs out there
Shady liquor store owners is what’s making me wanna get out of the game. You can just tell that a lot of these guys are selling allocated stuff to their friends at MSRP so they can go out and flip it for secondary price to cut him in on it. Liquor store has clean shelfs with a simple selection, while still making a profit on the side from the secondary market, making it next to impossible for regular guys like us who actually wanna drink the stuff to be able to get it at fair prices
Amen. Example, I’ve been looking for a Weller 107 for a while as they are hard to find in GA. I can find them for $175 in stores, but I refuse to pay that. Highest I’ve seen is $799.99.
Not hunting allocated any more, not paying over $100 any more. There are way too many great bourbons in the $40 to $80 range. Tasting unicorns in blinds demonstrates they aren’t worth it.
I can certainly understand being highly opinionated, and good-natured "ballbusting" is just a natural part of being in a masculine setting... but I will never understand people who become angry and rude just because someone else likes something that they don't care for. Everyone has different likes and dislikes, and beyond even that, not everyone tastes things the same way. The funniest part, is the guys giving newbies hell for chasing Blanton's, were probably chasing it themselves just a few years ago.
Dude - Great, heart felt video. What you're seeing is what we have been preaching. Where's the value proposition in chasing bottles? Is there really that much time that is worthy for hunting bottles that are 2, 3 or 4X MSRP? NO, NO, AND NO. We would much rather spend that time mixing a cocktail or sipping on whiskey that is a value, like ET BIB, (There are many other examples we've featured) and enjoying conversation WITH OUR FRIENDS . Bourbon Dude You are always welcome at our table.
I left scotch because of COVID prices and found bourbon. But bourbon has gone out of control. There are some cheaper stuff that's good, but this secondary market crap and shady stores make it unappealing.
I was opposite I started with Bourbon in the 80’s finally developing a taste for Scotch in 2010-2011 time frame. I walk down a bourbon Aisle casting a side eye for something new and different but will scour the scotch aisle looking for at bottle code dates and one off offering’s especially among the independent bottlers.
I’ve got to be honest, I wouldn’t really call myself a bourbon collector. I am a bourbon fan, but I get one bottle at a time and I drink one bottle at a time.
I’m in a community where our number 1 rule is “The best whiskey is what you like to drink the way you like to drink it.” In other words, “don’t yuck someone’s yum.” We encourage discovery. We encourage going off the beaten path. And when someone goes “I know, rule 1, but…” we call them out on it, because they’re acknowledging the rule, but saying they don’t care, and we don’t tolerate that. There’s of course the little bit of ball-busting like “Fireball isn’t whiskey,” which to be fair has credence to it- it’s a whiskey based liqueur and not legally whiskey, but it ultimately ends with “but if that’s what you like, all the power to you.” Sometimes there are even recommendations for other flavored whiskies. Show respect and build people up. Get them more interested in the world of whiskey, because gatekeeping and being an ass accomplishes nothing.
@@thatbourbondude Keep your head up. It's insane how us normal folk have such a hard time finding, and obtaining 'Allocations' at Retail or close to MSRP. Many liquor stores are destroying the hobby. There are still good stores out there though.
Bravo! 👏🏼 I’m a Branch Covidian convert, so I’m somewhat new to the devout following of bourbon, but you’re spot on with the way new folks to the community get treated. I’ve been a whiskey drinker for a long time though, so I’ll be around for many years to come. The one thing I’ve learned though is that my biggest disappointments thus far have come from the most expensive bottles. That has made it easier for me to not chase those insanely priced bottles. Thanks for sharing your story. 👍
Any niche is unfortunately going to have its share of gatekeepers and toxic avengers. Rather than having patience, these people would rather feel superior. You're not a normal dude, Charles, you're a good dude.
One thing that i always have enjoyed about bourbon, was going into stores, looking for something new and cool, talking to people, making friends, getting a good bottle at MSRP, but now..... its almost 2025, "inflation" and this economy have made my wallet a bit tighter, now the stores are price gouging at the same time, allocated bottles going to the highest bidder, store owners giving you the stink eye if you question why elmer t lee is marked at $300. stores with friendly customer service and seem to be few and far between. the industry is failing business 101, screwing over your core base of customers, the people that keep the bourbon business successful are mainly blue collar workers, and if you think they will take this lying down, you are dead wrong... like everyone else notices, unless the industry checks itself, it may be its downfall for the long term.....
@@davidjarvis4238 but it’s NOT inflation. It’s corporate GREED. Whisky in a barrel for 8-10-12+ years don’t have a 20-30-50% expense (cost) increase. Just look at how Campari raised the prices of Wild Turkey products. They raised prices to maximize profits. It’s GREED plain and simple.
I've been sipping and collecting Bourbon for over 50yrs and its not a fad for me just something I like to do, never got excited about fancy bottles and finished or sourced juice just Bourbon/Whiskey i like. Not hating on anyone else's preference just enjoy stuff i like to drink. I hope people would get along and just have FUN with this hobby we all have ❤😊Cheers 🥃
Great video. I think part of the problem with the price gouging can be blamed on all the people that continue to support the secondary market and the TH-camrs that constantly say I would pay more money for this whiskey. I believe the bourbon companies, distributors and stores pay close attention to all of this. As far as the groups go and the newer people getting attacked is nothing new to me. This has been going on for years in several of the knife groups that I currently and used to belong to and I see it happening in the bourbon community. I see a lot more people disrespected in these groups today whether the person is new or a long time member just by voicing their opinion even when asked for it. I’m not real big on being around a lot of people and socializing however I have been enjoying the few interactions I’ve been having lately in the bourbon community. I have met some really good people that have helped me along my journey and we have become friends. Nowadays when I’m out hunting or at a drop and if I see someone that’s looking at a bourbon that I have tried I and they are not for sure about it I tell them of my experience with it. I’ve had those people and even the store employees thank me for helping out. Anyway keep up the good work and the good fight.
Not just the TH-camrs and social media channels who say they would pay more than retail. Every TH-camr and social media channel want to review the new releases and allocated bottles because they get the most views. They also want to get more free samples from distilleries so they grade EVERY release as incredible...even if they aren't
I remember getting ganged up on and told i was "stirring the pot" in a chat because i would "only go up to $80" for a stagg jr. How tf is saying id pay over msrp for a good but not special whiskey stirring the pot? Especially when they are upset because they think my dollar amount is too low?
Absolutely agreed. I live in an area where Weller is rarely sold, let alone on shelf. One of the better stores around here is owned by a true bourbon guy who doesn't mark up his bourbon much, so I was lucky enough to run in to a bottle of store pick Stagg for $65. Weller full proof store pick for around$75.. Twice, in the last year. Meanwhile, I got an offer for Weller 107 for $150 from a guy who had cases of it in his garage. I simply refuse to deal with price gouging as*holes like that.
This is my issue as well. I have been in the bourbon game for years and I don't live in a great area for allocated bottles but what infuriates me is the you tubers that are in the same area but get all the allocated bottles. They aren't out there searching or having to pay secondary but they are getting the bottles and money for making the videos. I think whiskey you tubers are a way bigger problem than secondary marketing.
63 years old, drinking bourbon forever. Drink what you like! the market is forever changing, in 5 years bourbon will be nothing and American single malt/or tequila will be the thing. Yes I have the crystal ball. today I would drink what I like but I'm picking up a few very good bottles of the 2 for tomorrow. Just an old guy who has seen a few things
Been a bourbon drinker for 20+ years too. I’ve done some bottle hunting but it’s not worth it to me, plenty of great bottles that are always on the shelf like rare breed, Russell’s, knob creek etc. And I never over pay what these store owners want to charge for their allocations in Michigan
The wheat needs to be separated from the chaff. I am actually looking forward to ppl moving away from bourbon. Last few years have just been ridiculous. True bourbon drinkers will rejoice in the next 5-10 years with better supply and prices.
The way I look at it, the more people who aren't into bourbon anymore or leave the bourbon community, the more demand goes down, the more prices go down, and the higher the availability...eventually it will happen.
People in whiskey who judge or make others feel bad about what they like, and tell others what they should be drinking, are certainly not true whiskey people. And it’s usually people that have only been drinking whiskey for about a year or 2 and they can’t wait to share all the information and new words they’ve recently learned lol!! Those of us who have been drinking whiskey for many years, are usually quick to spot these types right away, and we don’t typical drink with those folks. Whiskey is about inclusivity and making others feel welcome and a part of something. And at the end of it all, just drink whatever you like and don’t pay any mind to what anyone thinks
More whiskey than money 💰, but Green River, Bardstown and some of the NDP erst are pumping out some great juice for a good price. Unless it's something I gotta have, it can sit on the shelf. Cheers 🍻
I've Been in the bourbon scene since around 2011-2012. You're correct, things have definitely changed for the worse. I enjoy sipping and sharing bottles and good conversations with friends. Unfortunately I see alot of loud mouth A-holes spewing hate. The amount of hate in this new generation of enthusiasts is disturbing. Between the self proclaimed bourbon experts, the constant price increases, and horrible store owners who throw their loyal customers under the bus to make an extra dollar, bourbon has lost much of its appeal to me. I was heavily invested and enjoyed hunting but stopped buying and hunting altogether about 8 months ago. I have plenty of bottles to last me many many years, but the appeal to hunt or buy any new bottles is just not there for me anymore. I rarely participate in discussions anymore either. When you try to help a fellow bourbon drinker, it just ends with loud mouths taking digs at them or making unnecessary and unsolicited comments degrading a certain product or distillery.
I could not agree more with your sentiments. What I’ve noticed on pricing lately is that it seems to be that the distillers are combating price gouging in the secondary market by increasing MSRP. At least in my local area, everything is 2 to 3 times more expensive and peoples collections are literally for profit only, versus drinking and enjoying what the product was made for. I have been drinking bourbon at certain levels for many years and it is great to see it come to where it has been, and I truly believe that some of this is just growing pains, but we need to do the right thing as a community. Not supporting these types of activities, being nicer to one another, giving more samples away to engage people in better bourbon choices, or just engaging in the community in a very kind and giving manner, we need to just do better. I belong to some decent groups, and they are all just very clique oriented. if you’re not one of the original members, have a lot to offer, or just were adopted to be one of the cool kids, then you were merely along for the ride and not really relevant. Those types of activities turn me off, they do not seem to be a public group or a true club, looking for engaged and growing membership. They only seem to be there to support their own personal and private collections and bottle choices. I will say this I have met some of the coolest people since I have been way more engaged in my bourbon journey than keeping it to myself. However, it does seem to be falling into line with society as a whole lately, in place of being one country, we are divided and keeping to those who feel or look like us and not working to create a better society. Just be flipping nice, it goes a lot farther and the returns you get from being that way, feels so much better. Thanks for the content. Have a great day,peace.
First time I've ever watched your channel. I'm in my mid 60s and I have enjoyed bourbon for many years ( being from Kentucky) I started watching bourbon reviews cause I wanted to know what was new. Every channel I've seen does the same thing, chase unicorns and spend big bucks. Or, you have to drink this. I go into the store and if a bottle catches my eye weather it's $10 or more I will pick it up just for the fun factor. Some I like better then others. I don't want to feel like if I don't have that $300 or more bottle that I lose. Don't fall for the hype or pressure of what someone tells you. Bourbon is meant to be enjoyed.
I’m brand new to Bourbon and it had nothing to do with TH-cam or the community I just happen to be on TH-cam for a very long time so seeking bourbon content came naturally. A friend actually got me interested and what do you know he was talking about Blanton’s 😂 I’ve seen that whiskey tubers don’t care for it very much, but boy they don’t pass a chance to buy one anytime while hunting if less than $100 bucks. I’ve now tried a couple bottles, still developing my palate and having fun entertaining friends and even my wife got into it. We entertain a lot, between BBQs and home made pizza parties so adding a new liquor was easy to do! I do hope prices come down because even Costco now is setting the prices up there with secondary market! I still have several bottles to try on the cheaper end so the “education” and “experimenting” still have long to go hehe. On a separate note, the best community are your friends and family, strangers on the internet are content and entertainment only…
🙌🏼 I agree with a lot of what you’re saying. I paid $67 for antique 107 last week. 😳 The amount of corporate greed from a lot of the distilleries is definitely in our discussions. Everyone also complains about store owners in Kentucky and Indiana charging whatever they want when Ohio has to charge MSRP. I know most of us don’t like big government, but we need to ask our representatives to get rid of that law and bourbon prices will drop.
Breathe, boss man. The community is still growing and changing and finding new ways to thrive. I’m relatively new to bourbon hunting and collecting but I’ve always been a history buff. Whiskey will always find a way. We’re experiencing higher prices and diminished demand as a result but the market will level itself out. Get proactive. Make some non-whiskey friends and teach them something. I never understood showing collections to collectors. Collections are meant to be shared with people who wouldn’t know otherwise. It’s a tool for learning and sometimes, building the community.
I got back into bourbon during the pandemic and was having a blast learning new things about the spirit itself, the deep rooted history it has in America, and or course... drinking great juice! But I've essentially quit hunting and collecting all together about 1-2 years ago. The main reasons being all the price hikes and that I just have a solid collection now. So instead of stressing out about trying find the next hot bottle or dropping another $80+ on a new single barrel pick I decided to just sit back, relax, and enjoy the great collection that I already have. Drinking bourbon is a lot more fun to me than chasing it down 😅 Cheers! 🥃
Yuppies who pay hundreds or even a thousand dollars or more for a bottle of bourbon are destroying the industry. Too many people are always seeking the new best thing, whatever that is, regardless of price. The truth is some of the best bourbons like Wild Turkey 101, or Rare Breed are about as good as it gets, and it remains at a very fair price. My advice is find something you really enjoy at a fair price and stick with it. Don’t get on the hype train!
I’ve quit hunting Bourbon 2 years ago. I was just tired of the game. No distillery has a monopoly on making good whisky. There is a ton of great whisky (not just Bourbon) on the shelf at good prices
Im a long time bourbon drinker. After many years I finally found a Weller Special Reserve at MSRP. I was so excited i bought 2! Well what a letdown that was. In my area price gouging is killing my enjoyment of hunting. I saw that same Weller yesteday behind glass at my local store for 64.99. Ridiculous
I used to get a bottle of stagg jr for 60 bucks once a month or so at my local liquor store, and the last time i saw a bottle, it was 250. When i try to talk to people about whiskey, people just want to argue or say they know more than you - often being dead wrong given i spent several years and hundreds of bottles in this industry. I almost never talk to people about whiskey besides close friends, I never go to drops anymore. I've left all the whiskey groups. Its just gotten to be too ridiculous and not fun
I totally agree ❤what you’re saying! There’s so much out there that really isn’t worth the price they’re asking for it!! Thank you for being a voice for the common folk in a reasonable price demand!!!
I buy primarily makers Mark knob Creek in four roses most all that relatively available. I just saw a place that had knob Creek nine year for 21 bucks a bottle.
The attacks you're talking about sound like Facebook. I left that place years ago partly because so many people there are just mean. I recently tried just one whisky group there, and even though one of the rules is No Drama, there were still a lot of mean people. So I dumped Facebook again and will NEVER go back. I'll stick with MeWe, where I don't run into that problem (you can find me under my actual name in three groups there - Bourbon Aficionados, Whiskey and Whisky, and Whiskey). As for price and availability, I can't afford to hunt for the rare and expensive bottles. My monthly budget runs about $40-60 a month. When I have unexpected fundage I can go higher - I have bottles right now that cost $50-70 - but that's the standard. *And there is a ton of very good whisky at $40 and under.*
Thank you for posting. 1000% agree with you. There's no need to be a snob to new comers. We all started somewhere. Drink what you like how you like it. Sending good vibes for whatever life change you're going through!
This is nothing new in the collecting/consumer space. I remember back in 2012-2015 certain jordan shoes were hard to get and secondary was super high. All this let me to quit the game. Came back 2019 to see that the shoe game was even stronger. People thinking the market will calapse is totally wrong. Market will somewhat adjust but harder to find bottles will still be pricey. We are in the social media state of the world. Social media heavily impacts the market. People need to be selective in what you can afford. Everyone wants the rare items for msrp so they complain and cry about high secondary. Stick to what is affordable to your income and have fun in what you enjoy. ❤
My thoughts exactly. I left the whiskey scene before covid. Came back to ten times the hype. People come and people go. We all have hobbies that we dont stick to forever. Its all natural ebb and flow. For every guy getting sick of it and hanging it up theres 3 more just now discovering it.
Brother, I couldn't agree with you more! I'd love to chat more,,maybe you're up for discussing this on a livestream? Hit me up, I'd love to chat more! Cheers buddy 🥃
Bourbon Real Talk. And Chasing Bourbon are two great FB groups. Also through my local group I have meet some of the best people I have ever meet. I honestly haven’t really seen anything like what you’re talking about. Maybe once or twice. But I don’t pay them much attention. I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad comment on my channel.
@@Hellofreak no I don't know what you mean! I don't know anything about rum! Other it comes in light, dark, gold and whatever is inside those white Malibu bottles. And $80 is two times $40! I feel so deceived already and it's only day one!
I agree with everything you said in this video, so I won't bother to list them again in my comment. The only thing I would add is bourbon "influencers" are getting out of hand IMHO. I love that people make bourbon content and talk about bourbon, but the amount of influencers showcasing the free bottles companies send them, the "care packages" being flaunted, and then focusing heavily on bottles that the regular person is never going to get their hands on. Just connecting online with regular everyday bourbon people is getting harder because the community is flooded with influencers.
Im going thru one of thise life changing events myself brother l. Lost my Dad who raised me last September 22nd, and lost my biological dad a couple months later. Whatever it is in your life, i feel you brother. Im new to sipping and collecting bourbon. Always drank bourbon tho. I live in the Louisville area so how could i not. Either way, the last year has been a deal.
Nicely said. I find myself leaning into other types of whiskey instead of bourbon. The American's and each states craft whiskeys have some very interesting and great tasting whiskeys that hit all the "ables" - findable, affordable, drinkable, etc.
Man, I think you are spot on. Unfortunately, I am one who is leaving bourbon behind. It is just too hard to find some of the ones I really like. I have moved on to Rum
I have a friend just getting into it. Even though ER and Blanton’s are things we’re chasing I can guarantee most of us started there and still keep them on the shelf for friends or presentation. No need to knock someone because they were in the same place you were years ago. I went to a drop and saw a guy walking out with a 1.75 Eagle and a big smile on his face. Got into the store as he left and got a JD12. We both left happy. That’s all that matters.
When I got "into" bourbon, haul videos, review videos, and the like were barely a thing. I actually enjoyed reading the reviews from like whiskeyjug, T8ke, and some others but then it exploded from the covid times. Sure the companies are also trying to get more and more of the pie that is the demand, but it's the same with the content that's put out there. I understand the passion you feel for it, but I had more enjoyment for the spirit before it blew up on youtube, facebook groups, and even instagram. imo, the bourbon bubble will pop and people will leave and then come back just as it has back in the early 2000's. It's going to disappear from the limelight but it will come back. Enjoy and cheers!
I'm with ya on the price gouging and so is everyone else. Not only should we stop paying secondary, but when you walk in a store and they're charging exorbitant amounts; walk out. Do not buy anything from these establishments.
There are so many amazing whiskeys in the 50-100 range. Dont worry about the Secondary prices. Dont worry about the insane limited releases. getting worked up over price gouging is not doing anyone any good.
I've stopped hunting and started shopping. I have enough for the rest of my days. I buy if it's reasonable and I want to try something. Other than that I'm good.
All the issues with the bourbon scene are the same issues as the car scene, and it boils down to people needing to be the best instead of being part of the whole scene. It's an ego thing that isn't necessarily everybody, but it is almost always more than the good ones.
Such a great and honest video. I think the problem is more with the retailers than with the distillers. I refuse to buy from stores that screw their customer base. God bless you brother.
Great video. I’ve been drinking bourbon for over 30 years got more into the hunting and learning more about bourbon about 5 years ago. TH-cam is such a great resource for this And even connecting with the bourbon community. There’s definitely trolls out there and people looking to take advantage of others that’s what I don’t like about the community. Your one of the good guys so hang in there 👍 cheers 🥃
I have been a patreon for other bourbon reviewers/enthusiasts, even did barrel picks, but after this video you are my new favorite. What a great guy. Your making a difference.
You're a good man. I am fairly new to the Bourbon Community and have already seen both the good and the bad. Bourbon Snobs, price gouging, unicorn hunt manias.....but also some genuine good people and some wonderful times. Stay in the game and turn the tide!
I loved whiskey, especially bourbon, for many years. I have pretty much fully switched to sipping tequila. For me it isn’t so much the typical BS surrounding bourbon, but it’s the palate fatigue of anything distilled from grain and aged in barrels. The flavors I get from tequila are a nice change of pace.
I came from Tequila being my favorite to getting into Bourbon's recently. Agreed with this video, but greed and mean people will always exist, so best to simply avoid both. Anyway, since you mentioned sipping Tequila, I just wanted to say that if you haven't tried Herradura Ultra Anejo, do yourself a favor and try it. I think you'll thanks me later.
Good video and totally agree. Just subscribed. My dad reminded me often when younger that if I don't have something nice to say, STFU. I have been turned off by my local bourbon FB groups and don't follow them anymore and am trying to find a few YT channels that I respect and enjoy. Yours just might be one of those. Super excited about visiting the Bourbon Trail with my wife next month as it's quite a hike from Florida. Cheers brother!
What a great video. I walked away from hunting in 2019. I went in my regular store and Blanton's was double what I paid for my previous bottle. A few weeks later Weller Antique was behind the counter priced more than my car payment. I can't even find Early Times now. If not for Knob Creek, Turkey 101, and the occasional bottle of Maker's I wouldn't be drinking Bourbon at all at this point. I do still love the stuff but it's just so out of control now.
Definitely understand you when it comes to the hunt. I enjoy it but it can be expensive. Going forward I will not be hunting expensive bourbon. I think I will now focus on reviewing and obtainable bottles that everyone can get. Great video. And you now have a subscriber because of it.
I got into bourbon in 2020. I went full force and have close to 800 bottles. Spent every second of free time hunting and every spare penny on bourbon. I subscribed to all the channels, paid to be in the high tiers of Patreon. Two months ago I decided to stop it all. Hunting wasn’t fun anymore and chasing the next big bottle is a chase that will never stop. My generosity to the channels was one sided and had to realize I was only a subscriber that they could count on for a constant income and not a friend like I was led to believe. Sure is nice to see the money in my account.
It’s everywhere. I know I got very frustrated because I had been drinking blantons way before it was a thing. Now something I bought for 45-55 bucks it’s now 100-150 dollars. It’s totally not worth that new price. I refuse to hunt it’s just not fair to the customer.
I think the big things are price and oversaturation. 10 yrs ago half the stuff thats over $100 these days wouldve been 40 bucks or even less. Plus the more mass availability of craft companies that can do just as good work as the legacy brands and dont ask for $300 every time there seems to be just less reasons to hunt for anything. Theres too many limited editions, too many special releases and they are less and less worth searching for. Why would i buy some bookers nonsense for 150 when still austin cask strength is there for $50. Plus i dont just like bourbon, theres rums, scotch, irish, gin, tequila, and now thc in my state. All that plus the rise in people bottle chasing for clout its really only a matter of time.
Just yesterday saw for the first time in the liquor section of a grocery store small bottles of THC sitting right near the checkout. Little 50 ml "airplane" bottles marked 5 mg THC and 10 mg THC. No alcohol in the bottles. And the grocery store is part of a large reputable chain in a fairly conservative state where all weed is criminalized. There were even a 750 ml bottles of liquid THC. Directions stated that a 1 1/2 ounce shot gives 10 mg of THC. I wonder if this will catch on and compete with alcohol sales.
yes it sucks, but hopefully the regular folk will be able to find and get their hands on different items like BTAC's, Russells single rickhouse, and others without having to pay the huge mark up in the future.
I recently joined a bourbon community on fb and the fellowship there and the bottles are next level. No gouging, no greed. I’m truly blessed to be apart of this
I've been enjoying Scotch and Whiskey for many years but seriously got into hunting the past year and a half. My selection has grown to over 100 plus bottles. Very few allocated products, mostly store picks, shelfers, and some craft offerings. Appreciated your honesty and openness. That is something that doesn't exist much in the world today. You've earned my subscription. If our paths ever cross, I welcome the opportunity to share a pour with you. Keep is really, and god bless!
Listen to what you're saying, in that last year a single person has hoarded 100 bottles in a collection. It's not an investment, you're not impressing anyone. Buy what you want to buy, don't buy things because a TH-camr told you to. It's just cheap whiskey, or, at least, it should be cheap whiskey. Picking up something rare you come across or grabbing a couple cases at a discount of your favorite, is not what I'm talking about. Intentionally looking for rare things with no intention of drinking it anytime soon, while the price gets driven up and the guy who actually wants to drink it, can't, is the problem. Do what you want to do, but "hunting" for the sake of hunting is what is driving the bourbon market to something less desirable.
@scottmattern482 I appreciate your comment. I don't consider myself a hoarder as the majority of the bottles I have are open. They are shared with friends on a regular basis. The majority of them are considered shelfers, I have less than 10 bottles that are considered allocated. I pick the bottles based on recommendations of friends and the taste profile I've determined I like. I don't pay secondary and avoid stores that practice these types of pricing practices. Hope you have a great day, and remember, whiskey is best when you share pours with friends. Cheers!!
Thank you for the video... very honest, raw. I believe many people fell in a similar way. Burbon (or the spirit of your choice) is about sharing, but not sharing the bottle, is about sharing your time with people, friends, family. The market has gone out of wack and there's so much out there, many good stuff and many not so good. So I, like many in this chat, have become more savy about where I spend my money. I stopped chasing the unicorns.... if I find something rare for MSRP, great, if not... time is your friend. Cheers friends.
I appreciate you sharing. I hope things improve. I just joined the bourbon community as a newbie, and Steve Akley has been real welcoming. Maybe a connection would help bolster you in this moment. It's sad how commercial bourbon has become.
Also, when I’ve seen is that in the communities I’m in a lot of people just got tired of the hunters and speculators that really didn’t care about bourbon mash bills or the taste and nosing. It was all about the hunt and getting the allocated or prestige bottles. I remember dealing with one kid and all he cared about was getting rare stuff at close to retail. I think another annoying thing is just pricing. Bourbon was a great budget alternative to the expensive scotches. Now Bourbon is SUPER expensive. Russell’s store picks are $90. Bookers is $110 min. Used to be $77: I’ll only buy ECBP at retail now.
You can't blame someone for just starting out, but the first thing a beginner needs to learn is that they don't need to go hunting for allocations to find good whiskey. Personally, I learned during college that I liked the basics: Jack Daniels, Maker's Mark, Knob Creek, Bulleit, etc., but I had never taken a deep dive into the bourbon world. Around the beginning of 2019, a friend of mine really got me into it. We would run out to the store and pick up a couple of things we wanted to try every other weekend. Through those experiences, I discovered that I really enjoyed Buffalo Trace bourbon, and that really motivated me to try to find some of their other offerings, so I ran out one day and overpaid for some Eagle Rare, Weller Special Reserve, and EH Taylor Small Batch. They were all good, but the more experience I got with different whiskies, the more I realized that there was better stuff out there for less money that I didn't have to hunt for. Beginners need to take advice from the more experienced guys, and try some of the whiskies they recommend if they don't want to get hosed. Allocations have always been a problem, and they're only getting worse all the time. Not to mention that hunting as a concept is just dumb imo. Ideally, I want to go to one store, find what I want, and get out. Hunting for stuff that's impossible to find, only to pay out the nose for it, is a waste of time and money.
I am new to the bourbon community and I live in Oregon it's really difficult to find bourbon here but the prices here r reasonable. I've only been doing this for under a year. It's fun but I am trying not become a total alcoholic 🙃 😅.
Enjoy the bourbon journey! The nice thing about Oregon is they have a website you can check for distributions and to locate bottles. Whether or not it’s updated frequently is something I don’t know. I live in Washington, and I’d recommend against hunting here just because they will charge you an extra 20.5% in tax on liquor. Plus the secondary market is alive and thriving here, unfortunately. If you are close to Idaho, they are state run, so mostly MSRP, but selection can be really hit or miss.
Yeah I'm seeing the same here in GA. Lots of folks are sick of the museum prices everywhere. Barrel picks just sit now. A store in Savannah has had an OF barrel strength pick in stock for over a month. A year ago it would have lasted a few days.
I agree 100% with what you're saying. I am new to your channel. I have the same passion of enjoying good bourbon with good friends. Its sad when the passion is taking away from people, due to outside influences.
Everyone is tired of the games and is tired of spending big $$$ for mediocre allocated bottles. Now the craft game is taking off and you can’t get a bottle for less than $100 anymore. It’s ridiculous. I’m not leaving bourbon but yeah, I’m 110% done with the stores and the games. And I’m enjoying tequila before TH-cam ruins that too 😂
Never pay over Msrp. Allocated bottles are not worth the price. To many good bottles on the shelf for $50.. My first choice is scotch, but I do like drinking bourbon as well.
Spot on Dude! When I first starting getting into bourbon 10ish years ago, there seemed to be a "changing of the guard" from bourbon snob gatekeeping to people in the community being more welcoming and inclusive. It certainly seems that some of that snobbery is coming back, and that's too bad! The price gauging will level eventually, good thing we have plenty of good cheap bottles out there still. Once you get over the FOMO aspect of bourbon, it's much better (and cheaper)!
Keep your head up, those of us here love what you do. I may not have a big collection. I am not rolling in the dough and my kids get most of my disposable income so I pick and choose what I buy carefully. I will never own a BTAC or some of the other unicorns but there is good juice out there in my price range and multiple bottles and I will just keep keeping on. Sending positive vibes your way and praying that you get through whatever is affecting your life right now.
I don't know, it is what is. Any hobby that gets hyped has to deal with the same. Ive been in the whiskey game since early 2000's when you could walk in and but pappy off the shelf. There's so much out there these days that i could care less about chasing the hard to get. If thats the only reason someone is in this for then thats on you! So much, affordable, incredible stuff out there that is easy to get. I don't see why people only focus on the hyped bourbon. Thats the sad part. Also, branch out to other spirits, that's what I've done. So many other ways to enjoy this community other than being sheep and just chasing the over hyped crap. I get it, people need to go through their OWN journey. I'm glad I was done with chasing all that stuff back in 2015 or so. Branched out and discovered so much more. I rarely keep up on whats new or hyped any longer. I do see your point for the noobs just getting into the game, it can be rough. My best advice, dont chase, dont over pay, branch out and try other spirits. At the eod, its about having a good drink with friends.
As a Ky brotha, i know exactly what you’re talking about. Distilleries are trying to cut secondary and raise their prices and release ultra aged product. Then you have the Patels buying up all the liqour stores they can. Then these big chain stores all back dooring to their buddies.
I drink the standard bottlings for the most part. I drink Old Forester 86 more than anything. Im in the UK so the selection here isnt great. I used to drink scotch but the price has shot up.
I agree with every point you mentioned, but I really get that it can be very expensive, but on that same hand, if it's a passion, don't give up, there are alot of bourbons/ whiskey's out there that are cheaper and may be better than the expensive/ allocated...by the way, you have a new subscriber..
100% man. Love the video. This community is about sharing and growing! The only thing better than the juice we are drinking, are the friends and good times we get along the way! 🥃 Love the vid Charles.
Yep, I’m from Pennsylvania I used to have a nice collection of bourbon then everything I used to drink was starting to get harder and harder to find, so I decided to stop collecting and started drinking tequila. I still look around at what’s on the shelves but won’t start collecting anymore. 🤷🏻 cheers 🥃
I have two good buddies who recently lateraled from whiskey to Scotch bc of ever-increasing prices and hyper scarcity. Good/allocated stuff is there to be had if you know where to look. Blame the pandemic for the glut of new enthusiasts helping demand outstrip supply. And scarcity has its own upside - it drives ppl to try smaller indy producers and distillers. Everything is cyclical and bourbon prices will retrace in time, especially in this instance as supply eventually outpaces demand. Cheers and drink well!
$50 bucks, Wild Turkey Rare Breed. As long as that's available at an affordable price, I'll be happy. If retailers wanna horde other bourbon brands for themselves and their friends, that's fine, but what they don't understand is I won't spend my money on anything else with them. I'll go somewhere else. I can remember as a kid my dad usually had a bottle of Early Times Bourbon under the sink. It's hard to find a bottle of Early Times now, in my region, finding Early Times is like spotting a unicorn.
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Economics 101. Never pay over MSRP. Never buy “secondary market “. Prices will continue to drop.
The secret: it never was about the Bourbon. It’s about sharing. Sharing stories and friendships.
Yep once the idiots leave the real folks will have it made with more supply
I've been drinking bourbon for decades, but I didn't get really into it until around 2015ish.
In 2018-19, when bonuses were up, and bills were down, I was buying 2-3 $70+ bottles every week, and amassing a large wall of whiskey, that always had well over 100 quality bottles on it.
Nowadays, bonuses are gone, bills are higher than ever, and price of decent whiskey has gone insane... so I'm done with all of that. Nowadays, I go by a bottle a week, usually in the $40ish range, and my wall of whiskey is less than half it's previous size.
For sure! My husband is possibly facing a major pay cut. The easiest thing to cut from the budget is bourbon. We joke that no matter what happens, we will have plenty of bourbon to drink and if we do run out, there are plenty of good budget bottles.
That's your story, and it's fair. Price jumps in whisky are absolutely factual but the economy is actually very strong and inflation over the past year is pretty low (2.53% current vs 3.67% last year). How that impacts you is very dependent on location, career, and stage of life. I'm a young professional and over the past year my salary and bonus has doubled. My budget for bottles is pretty large, but the current pricing is obnoxious on LE's.
But... we are getting more and more good sub $50 bottles since Q2 than we did all of 2023. We are also seeing fewer bottles priced at $150+. The number of LE's in 2024 has skyrocketed, which is the part that feels bad if you are in the FOMO camp.
@@AmandaStack Yeah, I'm really glad that they created the Benchmark extended line up a couple of years ago. Bonded and Full Proof are regulars for me nowadays, and less than $30.
I still have plenty of cool bottles on the shelf, I just don't grab them nearly as often nowadays.
Me too ! Money cuts and what you have left goes for overpriced food
@@apeekintime economy is actually very strong and inflation over the past year is pretty low
Maybe the most delusional take I've read in a long time.
I call myself a working man with a working man's collection. 70 bucks is my everyday threshold. Yes I will go over that but I do very little hunting and I am very careful with what I buy. I'd rather buy 4 or 5 bottles from 30 to 60 bucks. The other issue is too many whiskey tubers are too positive about every release many times because they received a media sample so there is alot of bs out there
Brewzle and SLB are also good tubers
@@malikwilliams8622 tons of great people in the whiskey tube space lots of very warm, generous people
Shady liquor store owners is what’s making me wanna get out of the game. You can just tell that a lot of these guys are selling allocated stuff to their friends at MSRP so they can go out and flip it for secondary price to cut him in on it. Liquor store has clean shelfs with a simple selection, while still making a profit on the side from the secondary market, making it next to impossible for regular guys like us who actually wanna drink the stuff to be able to get it at fair prices
Amen. Example, I’ve been looking for a Weller 107 for a while as they are hard to find in GA. I can find them for $175 in stores, but I refuse to pay that. Highest I’ve seen is $799.99.
The way trunk dealers have everything is f.ed up.
@@brandenrenfroe5325 i just want a weller 12 at msrp
I send crack heads in those stores and I pay half price😂😂😂😂 your doing it wrong there are tons of criminals out there looking for a fast buck😊
If I lived in GA and drank whiskey there is absolutely nothing that could puss me off lol the selection there is AMAZING
I’m from Ohio
Not hunting allocated any more, not paying over $100 any more. There are way too many great bourbons in the $40 to $80 range. Tasting unicorns in blinds demonstrates they aren’t worth it.
I can certainly understand being highly opinionated, and good-natured "ballbusting" is just a natural part of being in a masculine setting... but I will never understand people who become angry and rude just because someone else likes something that they don't care for.
Everyone has different likes and dislikes, and beyond even that, not everyone tastes things the same way.
The funniest part, is the guys giving newbies hell for chasing Blanton's, were probably chasing it themselves just a few years ago.
It feels like theres been some sort of clout gentrification to the hobby.
Dude - Great, heart felt video. What you're seeing is what we have been preaching. Where's the value proposition in chasing bottles? Is there really that much time that is worthy for hunting bottles that are 2, 3 or 4X MSRP? NO, NO, AND NO. We would much rather spend that time mixing a cocktail or sipping on whiskey that is a value, like ET BIB, (There are many other examples we've featured) and enjoying conversation WITH OUR FRIENDS .
Bourbon Dude You are always welcome at our table.
I left scotch because of COVID prices and found bourbon. But bourbon has gone out of control. There are some cheaper stuff that's good, but this secondary market crap and shady stores make it unappealing.
I was a scotch drinker first. After the Bourbon market going out of control I'm a scotch drinker 1st again 😂😂😂
@@100puremustard5 thats me, i have found new scotches and at decent prices.
Hilarious thing is quality Scotch is cheaper than Bourbon now
I was opposite I started with Bourbon in the 80’s finally developing a taste for Scotch in 2010-2011 time frame. I walk down a bourbon Aisle casting a side eye for something new and different but will scour the scotch aisle looking for at bottle code dates and one off offering’s especially among the independent bottlers.
I’ve got to be honest, I wouldn’t really call myself a bourbon collector. I am a bourbon fan, but I get one bottle at a time and I drink one bottle at a time.
I’m in a community where our number 1 rule is “The best whiskey is what you like to drink the way you like to drink it.” In other words, “don’t yuck someone’s yum.” We encourage discovery. We encourage going off the beaten path. And when someone goes “I know, rule 1, but…” we call them out on it, because they’re acknowledging the rule, but saying they don’t care, and we don’t tolerate that. There’s of course the little bit of ball-busting like “Fireball isn’t whiskey,” which to be fair has credence to it- it’s a whiskey based liqueur and not legally whiskey, but it ultimately ends with “but if that’s what you like, all the power to you.” Sometimes there are even recommendations for other flavored whiskies.
Show respect and build people up. Get them more interested in the world of whiskey, because gatekeeping and being an ass accomplishes nothing.
I love it....Cheers and Thank you for your support 🙏
Hands down the best Bourbon video I've ever seen...Stay who you are my brother, the REAL brothers and sister are still here.... God Bless my man!!!
I appreciate that
@@thatbourbondude Keep your head up. It's insane how us normal folk have such a hard time finding, and obtaining 'Allocations' at Retail or close to MSRP. Many liquor stores are destroying the hobby. There are still good stores out there though.
Bravo! 👏🏼
I’m a Branch Covidian convert, so I’m somewhat new to the devout following of bourbon, but you’re spot on with the way new folks to the community get treated. I’ve been a whiskey drinker for a long time though, so I’ll be around for many years to come. The one thing I’ve learned though is that my biggest disappointments thus far have come from the most expensive bottles. That has made it easier for me to not chase those insanely priced bottles. Thanks for sharing your story. 👍
"...my biggest disappointments thus far have come from the most expensive bottles."
Same here.
Any niche is unfortunately going to have its share of gatekeepers and toxic avengers. Rather than having patience, these people would rather feel superior.
You're not a normal dude, Charles, you're a good dude.
One thing that i always have enjoyed about bourbon, was going into stores, looking for something new and cool, talking to people, making friends, getting a good bottle at MSRP, but now..... its almost 2025, "inflation" and this economy have made my wallet a bit tighter, now the stores are price gouging at the same time, allocated bottles going to the highest bidder, store owners giving you the stink eye if you question why elmer t lee is marked at $300. stores with friendly customer service and seem to be few and far between.
the industry is failing business 101, screwing over your core base of customers, the people that keep the bourbon business successful are mainly blue collar workers, and if you think they will take this lying down, you are dead wrong... like everyone else notices, unless the industry checks itself, it may be its downfall for the long term.....
@@davidjarvis4238 but it’s NOT inflation. It’s corporate GREED. Whisky in a barrel for 8-10-12+ years don’t have a 20-30-50% expense (cost) increase. Just look at how Campari raised the prices of Wild Turkey products. They raised prices to maximize profits. It’s GREED plain and simple.
Easy to place all the blame on the producers.
Lots of people in spirits communities are equally guilty for creating a poisonous environment.
I've been sipping and collecting Bourbon for over 50yrs and its not a fad for me just something I like to do, never got excited about fancy bottles and finished or sourced juice just Bourbon/Whiskey i like. Not hating on anyone else's preference just enjoy stuff i like to drink. I hope people would get along and just have FUN with this hobby we all have ❤😊Cheers 🥃
50 years of buying 😮👏🏻👏🏻
Great video. I think part of the problem with the price gouging can be blamed on all the people that continue to support the secondary market and the TH-camrs that constantly say I would pay more money for this whiskey. I believe the bourbon companies, distributors and stores pay close attention to all of this. As far as the groups go and the newer people getting attacked is nothing new to me. This has been going on for years in several of the knife groups that I currently and used to belong to and I see it happening in the bourbon community. I see a lot more people disrespected in these groups today whether the person is new or a long time member just by voicing their opinion even when asked for it. I’m not real big on being around a lot of people and socializing however I have been enjoying the few interactions I’ve been having lately in the bourbon community. I have met some really good people that have helped me along my journey and we have become friends. Nowadays when I’m out hunting or at a drop and if I see someone that’s looking at a bourbon that I have tried I and they are not for sure about it I tell them of my experience with it. I’ve had those people and even the store employees thank me for helping out. Anyway keep up the good work and the good fight.
Not just the TH-camrs and social media channels who say they would pay more than retail. Every TH-camr and social media channel want to review the new releases and allocated bottles because they get the most views. They also want to get more free samples from distilleries so they grade EVERY release as incredible...even if they aren't
I remember getting ganged up on and told i was "stirring the pot" in a chat because i would "only go up to $80" for a stagg jr. How tf is saying id pay over msrp for a good but not special whiskey stirring the pot? Especially when they are upset because they think my dollar amount is too low?
Absolutely agreed. I live in an area where Weller is rarely sold, let alone on shelf. One of the better stores around here is owned by a true bourbon guy who doesn't mark up his bourbon much, so I was lucky enough to run in to a bottle of store pick Stagg for $65. Weller full proof store pick for around$75.. Twice, in the last year. Meanwhile, I got an offer for Weller 107 for $150 from a guy who had cases of it in his garage. I simply refuse to deal with price gouging as*holes like that.
This is my issue as well. I have been in the bourbon game for years and I don't live in a great area for allocated bottles but what infuriates me is the you tubers that are in the same area but get all the allocated bottles. They aren't out there searching or having to pay secondary but they are getting the bottles and money for making the videos. I think whiskey you tubers are a way bigger problem than secondary marketing.
Early Times BIB is my favorite too, but I can't find it any more.
Same here. Been gone for about 2-3 months
Evan Williams bb is everywhere and always delicious
Curious if anyone has had the new sazerac e.t. ??? Their 4 year batch should be coming soon ?
I can’t find it in Tennessee either.
@@michaelturner795 Evan Williams is just as good I promise
63 years old, drinking bourbon forever. Drink what you like! the market is forever changing, in 5 years bourbon will be nothing and American single malt/or tequila will be the thing. Yes I have the crystal ball. today I would drink what I like but I'm picking up a few very good bottles of the 2 for tomorrow. Just an old guy who has seen a few things
Been a bourbon drinker for 20+ years too. I’ve done some bottle hunting but it’s not worth it to me, plenty of great bottles that are always on the shelf like rare breed, Russell’s, knob creek etc. And I never over pay what these store owners want to charge for their allocations in Michigan
A lot of Michigan prices are garbage though because of the state minimum pricing requirements in the state. They really need to get rid of that.
The wheat needs to be separated from the chaff. I am actually looking forward to ppl moving away from bourbon. Last few years have just been ridiculous. True bourbon drinkers will rejoice in the next 5-10 years with better supply and prices.
The way I look at it, the more people who aren't into bourbon anymore or leave the bourbon community, the more demand goes down, the more prices go down, and the higher the availability...eventually it will happen.
Along with the major distilleries recently upgrading their infrastructure to produce more bourbon. Prices will come down again but it'll be awhile.
People in whiskey who judge or make others feel bad about what they like, and tell others what they should be drinking, are certainly not true whiskey people. And it’s usually people that have only been drinking whiskey for about a year or 2 and they can’t wait to share all the information and new words they’ve recently learned lol!! Those of us who have been drinking whiskey for many years, are usually quick to spot these types right away, and we don’t typical drink with those folks. Whiskey is about inclusivity and making others feel welcome and a part of something. And at the end of it all, just drink whatever you like and don’t pay any mind to what anyone thinks
More whiskey than money 💰, but Green River, Bardstown and some of the NDP erst are pumping out some great juice for a good price. Unless it's something I gotta have, it can sit on the shelf.
Cheers 🍻
I agree 100%
I've Been in the bourbon scene since around 2011-2012. You're correct, things have definitely changed for the worse. I enjoy sipping and sharing bottles and good conversations with friends. Unfortunately I see alot of loud mouth A-holes spewing hate. The amount of hate in this new generation of enthusiasts is disturbing. Between the self proclaimed bourbon experts, the constant price increases, and horrible store owners who throw their loyal customers under the bus to make an extra dollar, bourbon has lost much of its appeal to me. I was heavily invested and enjoyed hunting but stopped buying and hunting altogether about 8 months ago. I have plenty of bottles to last me many many years, but the appeal to hunt or buy any new bottles is just not there for me anymore. I rarely participate in discussions anymore either. When you try to help a fellow bourbon drinker, it just ends with loud mouths taking digs at them or making unnecessary and unsolicited comments degrading a certain product or distillery.
This was a great video. I usually can't sit through entire TH-cam videos, but this was eloquently done. Subbed!
I could not agree more with your sentiments. What I’ve noticed on pricing lately is that it seems to be that the distillers are combating price gouging in the secondary market by increasing MSRP. At least in my local area, everything is 2 to 3 times more expensive and peoples collections are literally for profit only, versus drinking and enjoying what the product was made for. I have been drinking bourbon at certain levels for many years and it is great to see it come to where it has been, and I truly believe that some of this is just growing pains, but we need to do the right thing as a community. Not supporting these types of activities, being nicer to one another, giving more samples away to engage people in better bourbon choices, or just engaging in the community in a very kind and giving manner, we need to just do better. I belong to some decent groups, and they are all just very clique oriented. if you’re not one of the original members, have a lot to offer, or just were adopted to be one of the cool kids, then you were merely along for the ride and not really relevant. Those types of activities turn me off, they do not seem to be a public group or a true club, looking for engaged and growing membership. They only seem to be there to support their own personal and private collections and bottle choices. I will say this I have met some of the coolest people since I have been way more engaged in my bourbon journey than keeping it to myself. However, it does seem to be falling into line with society as a whole lately, in place of being one country, we are divided and keeping to those who feel or look like us and not working to create a better society. Just be flipping nice, it goes a lot farther and the returns you get from being that way, feels so much better. Thanks for the content. Have a great day,peace.
First time I've ever watched your channel. I'm in my mid 60s and I have enjoyed bourbon for many years ( being from Kentucky) I started watching bourbon reviews cause I wanted to know what was new. Every channel I've seen does the same thing, chase unicorns and spend big bucks. Or, you have to drink this. I go into the store and if a bottle catches my eye weather it's $10 or more I will pick it up just for the fun factor. Some I like better then others. I don't want to feel like if I don't have that $300 or more bottle that I lose. Don't fall for the hype or pressure of what someone tells you. Bourbon is meant to be enjoyed.
I’m brand new to Bourbon and it had nothing to do with TH-cam or the community I just happen to be on TH-cam for a very long time so seeking bourbon content came naturally. A friend actually got me interested and what do you know he was talking about Blanton’s 😂 I’ve seen that whiskey tubers don’t care for it very much, but boy they don’t pass a chance to buy one anytime while hunting if less than $100 bucks.
I’ve now tried a couple bottles, still developing my palate and having fun entertaining friends and even my wife got into it. We entertain a lot, between BBQs and home made pizza parties so adding a new liquor was easy to do! I do hope prices come down because even Costco now is setting the prices up there with secondary market! I still have several bottles to try on the cheaper end so the “education” and “experimenting” still have long to go hehe.
On a separate note, the best community are your friends and family, strangers on the internet are content and entertainment only…
🙌🏼 I agree with a lot of what you’re saying. I paid $67 for antique 107 last week. 😳 The amount of corporate greed from a lot of the distilleries is definitely in our discussions. Everyone also complains about store owners in Kentucky and Indiana charging whatever they want when Ohio has to charge MSRP. I know most of us don’t like big government, but we need to ask our representatives to get rid of that law and bourbon prices will drop.
Prayers up for anyone and everyone going through anything.... GOD loves you.... Praise Jesus
Breathe, boss man. The community is still growing and changing and finding new ways to thrive. I’m relatively new to bourbon hunting and collecting but I’ve always been a history buff. Whiskey will always find a way. We’re experiencing higher prices and diminished demand as a result but the market will level itself out. Get proactive. Make some non-whiskey friends and teach them something. I never understood showing collections to collectors. Collections are meant to be shared with people who wouldn’t know otherwise. It’s a tool for learning and sometimes, building the community.
I got back into bourbon during the pandemic and was having a blast learning new things about the spirit itself, the deep rooted history it has in America, and or course... drinking great juice! But I've essentially quit hunting and collecting all together about 1-2 years ago. The main reasons being all the price hikes and that I just have a solid collection now. So instead of stressing out about trying find the next hot bottle or dropping another $80+ on a new single barrel pick I decided to just sit back, relax, and enjoy the great collection that I already have. Drinking bourbon is a lot more fun to me than chasing it down 😅 Cheers! 🥃
Yuppies who pay hundreds or even a thousand dollars or more for a bottle of bourbon are destroying the industry. Too many people are always seeking the new best thing, whatever that is, regardless of price. The truth is some of the best bourbons like Wild Turkey 101, or Rare Breed are about as good as it gets, and it remains at a very fair price. My advice is find something you really enjoy at a fair price and stick with it. Don’t get on the hype train!
Yep bourbon snobs. I see it all time at liquor stores. And I have over 300 bottles and listen to these sad saps at the store. I feel bad for them.
I’ve quit hunting Bourbon 2 years ago. I was just tired of the game. No distillery has a monopoly on making good whisky. There is a ton of great whisky (not just Bourbon) on the shelf at good prices
Im a long time bourbon drinker. After many years I finally found a Weller Special Reserve at MSRP. I was so excited i bought 2! Well what a letdown that was. In my area price gouging is killing my enjoyment of hunting. I saw that same Weller yesteday behind glass at my local store for 64.99. Ridiculous
I used to get a bottle of stagg jr for 60 bucks once a month or so at my local liquor store, and the last time i saw a bottle, it was 250. When i try to talk to people about whiskey, people just want to argue or say they know more than you - often being dead wrong given i spent several years and hundreds of bottles in this industry.
I almost never talk to people about whiskey besides close friends, I never go to drops anymore. I've left all the whiskey groups. Its just gotten to be too ridiculous and not fun
I totally agree ❤what you’re saying! There’s so much out there that really isn’t worth the price they’re asking for it!! Thank you for being a voice for the common folk in a reasonable price demand!!!
I buy primarily makers Mark knob Creek in four roses most all that relatively available. I just saw a place that had knob Creek nine year for 21 bucks a bottle.
I appreciate you making this video and putting these topics and yourself out there! Good stuff brother!
The attacks you're talking about sound like Facebook. I left that place years ago partly because so many people there are just mean. I recently tried just one whisky group there, and even though one of the rules is No Drama, there were still a lot of mean people. So I dumped Facebook again and will NEVER go back. I'll stick with MeWe, where I don't run into that problem (you can find me under my actual name in three groups there - Bourbon Aficionados, Whiskey and Whisky, and Whiskey).
As for price and availability, I can't afford to hunt for the rare and expensive bottles. My monthly budget runs about $40-60 a month. When I have unexpected fundage I can go higher - I have bottles right now that cost $50-70 - but that's the standard. *And there is a ton of very good whisky at $40 and under.*
Thank you for posting. 1000% agree with you. There's no need to be a snob to new comers. We all started somewhere. Drink what you like how you like it. Sending good vibes for whatever life change you're going through!
This is nothing new in the collecting/consumer space. I remember back in 2012-2015 certain jordan shoes were hard to get and secondary was super high. All this let me to quit the game. Came back 2019 to see that the shoe game was even stronger. People thinking the market will calapse is totally wrong. Market will somewhat adjust but harder to find bottles will still be pricey. We are in the social media state of the world. Social media heavily impacts the market. People need to be selective in what you can afford. Everyone wants the rare items for msrp so they complain and cry about high secondary. Stick to what is affordable to your income and have fun in what you enjoy. ❤
My thoughts exactly. I left the whiskey scene before covid. Came back to ten times the hype. People come and people go. We all have hobbies that we dont stick to forever. Its all natural ebb and flow. For every guy getting sick of it and hanging it up theres 3 more just now discovering it.
Brother, I couldn't agree with you more! I'd love to chat more,,maybe you're up for discussing this on a livestream? Hit me up, I'd love to chat more! Cheers buddy 🥃
That sounds good to me. Shoot me an email at charles@thatbourbondude.com, and we can talk it over. Cheers 🍻
Bourbon Real Talk. And Chasing Bourbon are two great FB groups. Also through my local group I have meet some of the best people I have ever meet. I honestly haven’t really seen anything like what you’re talking about. Maybe once or twice. But I don’t pay them much attention. I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad comment on my channel.
Got any Blantons?
Please leave rum under the radar please. I want to continue to get 15-25yr rums for $40
No you tell me a good one that's 25 yrs old for $40. Tell me!!!
@@BigBadJerryRogers haha El Dorado Reserve 15yr... but yeah the 25yr are like $80 but you know what I mean.
@@Hellofreak no I don't know what you mean! I don't know anything about rum! Other it comes in light, dark, gold and whatever is inside those white Malibu bottles. And $80 is two times $40! I feel so deceived already and it's only day one!
I agree with everything you said in this video, so I won't bother to list them again in my comment. The only thing I would add is bourbon "influencers" are getting out of hand IMHO. I love that people make bourbon content and talk about bourbon, but the amount of influencers showcasing the free bottles companies send them, the "care packages" being flaunted, and then focusing heavily on bottles that the regular person is never going to get their hands on. Just connecting online with regular everyday bourbon people is getting harder because the community is flooded with influencers.
Im going thru one of thise life changing events myself brother l. Lost my Dad who raised me last September 22nd, and lost my biological dad a couple months later. Whatever it is in your life, i feel you brother. Im new to sipping and collecting bourbon. Always drank bourbon tho. I live in the Louisville area so how could i not. Either way, the last year has been a deal.
I lost my Dad last year too... it sucks.
Sorry for your losses.
@@StillLivinginthewoods same to you my friend.
Thanks man. I appreciate it 🙏
Nicely said. I find myself leaning into other types of whiskey instead of bourbon. The American's and each states craft whiskeys have some very interesting and great tasting whiskeys that hit all the "ables" - findable, affordable, drinkable, etc.
Bruh, keepin it real! Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Man, I think you are spot on. Unfortunately, I am one who is leaving bourbon behind. It is just too hard to find some of the ones I really like. I have moved on to Rum
I have a friend just getting into it. Even though ER and Blanton’s are things we’re chasing I can guarantee most of us started there and still keep them on the shelf for friends or presentation. No need to knock someone because they were in the same place you were years ago.
I went to a drop and saw a guy walking out with a 1.75 Eagle and a big smile on his face. Got into the store as he left and got a JD12. We both left happy. That’s all that matters.
It's just bourbon, dude....
When I got "into" bourbon, haul videos, review videos, and the like were barely a thing. I actually enjoyed reading the reviews from like whiskeyjug, T8ke, and some others but then it exploded from the covid times. Sure the companies are also trying to get more and more of the pie that is the demand, but it's the same with the content that's put out there. I understand the passion you feel for it, but I had more enjoyment for the spirit before it blew up on youtube, facebook groups, and even instagram. imo, the bourbon bubble will pop and people will leave and then come back just as it has back in the early 2000's. It's going to disappear from the limelight but it will come back. Enjoy and cheers!
I'm with ya on the price gouging and so is everyone else. Not only should we stop paying secondary, but when you walk in a store and they're charging exorbitant amounts; walk out. Do not buy anything from these establishments.
You will love what I'm planning next!!!!
There are so many amazing whiskeys in the 50-100 range. Dont worry about the Secondary prices. Dont worry about the insane limited releases. getting worked up over price gouging is not doing anyone any good.
I've stopped hunting and started shopping. I have enough for the rest of my days. I buy if it's reasonable and I want to try something. Other than that I'm good.
Secondary prices are astronomically ridiculous "/
All the issues with the bourbon scene are the same issues as the car scene, and it boils down to people needing to be the best instead of being part of the whole scene. It's an ego thing that isn't necessarily everybody, but it is almost always more than the good ones.
Such a great and honest video. I think the problem is more with the retailers than with the distillers. I refuse to buy from stores that screw their customer base. God bless you brother.
Keep doing what you’re doing very proud of you. Thank you.
Great video. I’ve been drinking bourbon for over 30 years got more into the hunting and learning more about bourbon about 5 years ago. TH-cam is such a great resource for this
And even connecting with the bourbon community. There’s definitely trolls out there and people looking to take advantage of others that’s what I don’t like about the community. Your one of the good guys so hang in there 👍 cheers 🥃
I have been a patreon for other bourbon reviewers/enthusiasts, even did barrel picks, but after this video you are my new favorite. What a great guy. Your making a difference.
You're a good man. I am fairly new to the Bourbon Community and have already seen both the good and the bad. Bourbon Snobs, price gouging, unicorn hunt manias.....but also some genuine good people and some wonderful times. Stay in the game and turn the tide!
I’m glad this has been your experience. I’ve been into bourbon for about a decade and 4 out of 5 people I run into IRL are completely toxic.
I loved whiskey, especially bourbon, for many years. I have pretty much fully switched to sipping tequila. For me it isn’t so much the typical BS surrounding bourbon, but it’s the palate fatigue of anything distilled from grain and aged in barrels. The flavors I get from tequila are a nice change of pace.
I came from Tequila being my favorite to getting into Bourbon's recently. Agreed with this video, but greed and mean people will always exist, so best to simply avoid both. Anyway, since you mentioned sipping Tequila, I just wanted to say that if you haven't tried Herradura Ultra Anejo, do yourself a favor and try it. I think you'll thanks me later.
Good video and totally agree. Just subscribed. My dad reminded me often when younger that if I don't have something nice to say, STFU. I have been turned off by my local bourbon FB groups and don't follow them anymore and am trying to find a few YT channels that I respect and enjoy. Yours just might be one of those. Super excited about visiting the Bourbon Trail with my wife next month as it's quite a hike from Florida. Cheers brother!
Looks like we will be trading places. I'll be coming to Florida in October. Thanks for the support, and welcome to the family
Cheers
What a great video. I walked away from hunting in 2019. I went in my regular store and Blanton's was double what I paid for my previous bottle. A few weeks later Weller Antique was behind the counter priced more than my car payment. I can't even find Early Times now. If not for Knob Creek, Turkey 101, and the occasional bottle of Maker's I wouldn't be drinking Bourbon at all at this point. I do still love the stuff but it's just so out of control now.
Definitely understand you when it comes to the hunt. I enjoy it but it can be expensive. Going forward I will not be hunting expensive bourbon. I think I will now focus on reviewing and obtainable bottles that everyone can get. Great video. And you now have a subscriber because of it.
I got into bourbon in 2020. I went full force and have close to 800 bottles. Spent every second of free time hunting and every spare penny on bourbon. I subscribed to all the channels, paid to be in the high tiers of Patreon. Two months ago I decided to stop it all. Hunting wasn’t fun anymore and chasing the next big bottle is a chase that will never stop. My generosity to the channels was one sided and had to realize I was only a subscriber that they could count on for a constant income and not a friend like I was led to believe.
Sure is nice to see the money in my account.
What in the world are you going to do with 800 bottles
It’s everywhere. I know I got very frustrated because I had been drinking blantons way before it was a thing. Now something I bought for 45-55 bucks it’s now 100-150 dollars. It’s totally not worth that new price. I refuse to hunt it’s just not fair to the customer.
I think the big things are price and oversaturation. 10 yrs ago half the stuff thats over $100 these days wouldve been 40 bucks or even less. Plus the more mass availability of craft companies that can do just as good work as the legacy brands and dont ask for $300 every time there seems to be just less reasons to hunt for anything. Theres too many limited editions, too many special releases and they are less and less worth searching for. Why would i buy some bookers nonsense for 150 when still austin cask strength is there for $50. Plus i dont just like bourbon, theres rums, scotch, irish, gin, tequila, and now thc in my state. All that plus the rise in people bottle chasing for clout its really only a matter of time.
Just yesterday saw for the first time in the liquor section of a grocery store small bottles of THC sitting right near the checkout. Little 50 ml "airplane" bottles marked 5 mg THC and 10 mg THC. No alcohol in the bottles. And the grocery store is part of a large reputable chain in a fairly conservative state where all weed is criminalized. There were even a 750 ml bottles of liquid THC. Directions stated that a 1 1/2 ounce shot gives 10 mg of THC. I wonder if this will catch on and compete with alcohol sales.
Clout
yes it sucks, but hopefully the regular folk will be able to find and get their hands on different items like BTAC's, Russells single rickhouse, and others without having to pay the huge mark up in the future.
In 2002 I was buying Old Rip Van Winkle for $49
Its £550 online in the UK today, $733 😢
I recently joined a bourbon community on fb and the fellowship there and the bottles are next level. No gouging, no greed. I’m truly blessed to be apart of this
I've been enjoying Scotch and Whiskey for many years but seriously got into hunting the past year and a half. My selection has grown to over 100 plus bottles. Very few allocated products, mostly store picks, shelfers, and some craft offerings. Appreciated your honesty and openness. That is something that doesn't exist much in the world today. You've earned my subscription. If our paths ever cross, I welcome the opportunity to share a pour with you. Keep is really, and god bless!
Listen to what you're saying, in that last year a single person has hoarded 100 bottles in a collection. It's not an investment, you're not impressing anyone. Buy what you want to buy, don't buy things because a TH-camr told you to. It's just cheap whiskey, or, at least, it should be cheap whiskey. Picking up something rare you come across or grabbing a couple cases at a discount of your favorite, is not what I'm talking about. Intentionally looking for rare things with no intention of drinking it anytime soon, while the price gets driven up and the guy who actually wants to drink it, can't, is the problem. Do what you want to do, but "hunting" for the sake of hunting is what is driving the bourbon market to something less desirable.
@scottmattern482 I appreciate your comment. I don't consider myself a hoarder as the majority of the bottles I have are open. They are shared with friends on a regular basis. The majority of them are considered shelfers, I have less than 10 bottles that are considered allocated. I pick the bottles based on recommendations of friends and the taste profile I've determined I like. I don't pay secondary and avoid stores that practice these types of pricing practices. Hope you have a great day, and remember, whiskey is best when you share pours with friends. Cheers!!
Thank you for the video... very honest, raw. I believe many people fell in a similar way. Burbon (or the spirit of your choice) is about sharing, but not sharing the bottle, is about sharing your time with people, friends, family. The market has gone out of wack and there's so much out there, many good stuff and many not so good. So I, like many in this chat, have become more savy about where I spend my money. I stopped chasing the unicorns.... if I find something rare for MSRP, great, if not... time is your friend. Cheers friends.
I appreciate you sharing. I hope things improve. I just joined the bourbon community as a newbie, and Steve Akley has been real welcoming. Maybe a connection would help bolster you in this moment. It's sad how commercial bourbon has become.
Also, when I’ve seen is that in the communities I’m in a lot of people just got tired of the hunters and speculators that really didn’t care about bourbon mash bills or the taste and nosing. It was all about the hunt and getting the allocated or prestige bottles. I remember dealing with one kid and all he cared about was getting rare stuff at close to retail. I think another annoying thing is just pricing. Bourbon was a great budget alternative to the expensive scotches. Now Bourbon is SUPER expensive. Russell’s store picks are $90. Bookers is $110 min. Used to be $77: I’ll only buy ECBP at retail now.
You can't blame someone for just starting out, but the first thing a beginner needs to learn is that they don't need to go hunting for allocations to find good whiskey. Personally, I learned during college that I liked the basics: Jack Daniels, Maker's Mark, Knob Creek, Bulleit, etc., but I had never taken a deep dive into the bourbon world. Around the beginning of 2019, a friend of mine really got me into it. We would run out to the store and pick up a couple of things we wanted to try every other weekend. Through those experiences, I discovered that I really enjoyed Buffalo Trace bourbon, and that really motivated me to try to find some of their other offerings, so I ran out one day and overpaid for some Eagle Rare, Weller Special Reserve, and EH Taylor Small Batch. They were all good, but the more experience I got with different whiskies, the more I realized that there was better stuff out there for less money that I didn't have to hunt for. Beginners need to take advice from the more experienced guys, and try some of the whiskies they recommend if they don't want to get hosed. Allocations have always been a problem, and they're only getting worse all the time. Not to mention that hunting as a concept is just dumb imo. Ideally, I want to go to one store, find what I want, and get out. Hunting for stuff that's impossible to find, only to pay out the nose for it, is a waste of time and money.
I am new to the bourbon community and I live in Oregon it's really difficult to find bourbon here but the prices here r reasonable. I've only been doing this for under a year. It's fun but I am trying not become a total alcoholic 🙃 😅.
Oregon here too. At it for only about 18 months
Enjoy the bourbon journey! The nice thing about Oregon is they have a website you can check for distributions and to locate bottles. Whether or not it’s updated frequently is something I don’t know. I live in Washington, and I’d recommend against hunting here just because they will charge you an extra 20.5% in tax on liquor. Plus the secondary market is alive and thriving here, unfortunately. If you are close to Idaho, they are state run, so mostly MSRP, but selection can be really hit or miss.
Yeah I'm seeing the same here in GA. Lots of folks are sick of the museum prices everywhere. Barrel picks just sit now. A store in Savannah has had an OF barrel strength pick in stock for over a month. A year ago it would have lasted a few days.
I agree 100% with what you're saying. I am new to your channel. I have the same passion of enjoying good bourbon with good friends. Its sad when the passion is taking away from people, due to outside influences.
Everyone is tired of the games and is tired of spending big $$$ for mediocre allocated bottles. Now the craft game is taking off and you can’t get a bottle for less than $100 anymore. It’s ridiculous. I’m not leaving bourbon but yeah, I’m 110% done with the stores and the games. And I’m enjoying tequila before TH-cam ruins that too 😂
Hey brother great video. If you are anyone else needs to talk I’m here to listen. I agree this community should be about togetherness.
Never pay over Msrp. Allocated bottles are not worth the price. To many good bottles on the shelf for $50.. My first choice is scotch, but I do like drinking bourbon as well.
Spot on Dude! When I first starting getting into bourbon 10ish years ago, there seemed to be a "changing of the guard" from bourbon snob gatekeeping to people in the community being more welcoming and inclusive. It certainly seems that some of that snobbery is coming back, and that's too bad! The price gauging will level eventually, good thing we have plenty of good cheap bottles out there still. Once you get over the FOMO aspect of bourbon, it's much better (and cheaper)!
Note to self; avoid Early Times, it might give you the emotional buzz not the fun buzz
Keep your head up, those of us here love what you do. I may not have a big collection. I am not rolling in the dough and my kids get most of my disposable income so I pick and choose what I buy carefully. I will never own a BTAC or some of the other unicorns but there is good juice out there in my price range and multiple bottles and I will just keep keeping on. Sending positive vibes your way and praying that you get through whatever is affecting your life right now.
I don't know, it is what is. Any hobby that gets hyped has to deal with the same. Ive been in the whiskey game since early 2000's when you could walk in and but pappy off the shelf. There's so much out there these days that i could care less about chasing the hard to get. If thats the only reason someone is in this for then thats on you! So much, affordable, incredible stuff out there that is easy to get. I don't see why people only focus on the hyped bourbon. Thats the sad part. Also, branch out to other spirits, that's what I've done. So many other ways to enjoy this community other than being sheep and just chasing the over hyped crap. I get it, people need to go through their OWN journey. I'm glad I was done with chasing all that stuff back in 2015 or so. Branched out and discovered so much more. I rarely keep up on whats new or hyped any longer. I do see your point for the noobs just getting into the game, it can be rough. My best advice, dont chase, dont over pay, branch out and try other spirits. At the eod, its about having a good drink with friends.
I find myself switching over to the world of rums. Its not yet totally pretentious.
As a Ky brotha, i know exactly what you’re talking about. Distilleries are trying to cut secondary and raise their prices and release ultra aged product. Then you have the Patels buying up all the liqour stores they can. Then these big chain stores all back dooring to their buddies.
I drink the standard bottlings for the most part. I drink Old Forester 86 more than anything. Im in the UK so the selection here isnt great. I used to drink scotch but the price has shot up.
I agree with every point you mentioned, but I really get that it can be very expensive, but on that same hand, if it's a passion, don't give up, there are alot of bourbons/ whiskey's out there that are cheaper and may be better than the expensive/ allocated...by the way, you have a new subscriber..
100% man. Love the video. This community is about sharing and growing! The only thing better than the juice we are drinking, are the friends and good times we get along the way! 🥃 Love the vid Charles.
Yep, I’m from Pennsylvania I used to have a nice collection of bourbon then everything I used to drink was starting to get harder and harder to find, so I decided to stop collecting and started drinking tequila. I still look around at what’s on the shelves but won’t start collecting anymore. 🤷🏻 cheers 🥃
I have two good buddies who recently lateraled from whiskey to Scotch bc of ever-increasing prices and hyper scarcity. Good/allocated stuff is there to be had if you know where to look. Blame the pandemic for the glut of new enthusiasts helping demand outstrip supply. And scarcity has its own upside - it drives ppl to try smaller indy producers and distillers. Everything is cyclical and bourbon prices will retrace in time, especially in this instance as supply eventually outpaces demand. Cheers and drink well!
$50 bucks, Wild Turkey Rare Breed. As long as that's available at an affordable price, I'll be happy. If retailers wanna horde other bourbon brands for themselves and their friends, that's fine, but what they don't understand is I won't spend my money on anything else with them. I'll go somewhere else. I can remember as a kid my dad usually had a bottle of Early Times Bourbon under the sink. It's hard to find a bottle of Early Times now, in my region, finding Early Times is like spotting a unicorn.
New to the bourbon world over the last year. Physically can't stand 99% of bourbon people, but absolutely love bourbon. Lol!
Meet people in person. Its much better
Yeah, a lot of them are like wine snobs, pump the brakes it’s just whiskey. 🥃