Is Bourbon pricing getting out of control?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ต.ค. 2024
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After watching your video, I took 4 of my “trophies” to the Thanksgiving party, opened them and let the cousins sample things they can’t easily find in N.C. -Eagle Rare, Weller Special Reserve, Buffalo Trace and Blanton’s. The look on their faces was priceless. Thanks for reminding all of us about the real purpose of buying bourbon!
Respect!
For me, it’s not so much the crazy highly allocated stuff that is frustrating (although it does make things difficult). It’s the bottles that used to be $20-$35 that are $55-$70
I feel the same even with the allocated. I’m a huge Jack fan and before the bourbon boom, I was able to get their special releases every year at retail, which with a few exceptions, were well below $100. Now everyone loves Jack and the special releases are allocated and a bottle that should be $75-$90 are now $300-$500 at many stores.
Everything is more expensive now. Have you bought a combo at Taco Bell lately? What used to be $5 is now $8. It's inflation. Hits everything.
Yep! Upstate NY - $70 for Buffalo Trace!
Deisel prices doubled, corn price is up, farmland rent went up, wages went up every step along the way ... expect more price hikes
Heaven Hill BIB tripled in price.
I was out hunting a couple days last week for some special bottles. I found Angel's Envy 2023 Limited bourbon ($210), Joseph Magnus Cigar Blend ($200), Willett 8-year wheated ($250), Little Book Chapter 7 ($160), Elijah Craig 18yr ($170), Knob Creek 18yr ($180) and Michter's Toasted Rye ($180) while I was out. I passed on them all. When it came time to pull the trigger, I just couldn't. I'm just not a $200 bottle of bourbon kind of person. I'm comfortable spending up to, maybe slightly over, a $100 for a good bottle, but I just can't get myself to spend more than that. I'm very fortunate to have the financial means to do so if I wanted, but I can't internally justify the price for what I'm getting. I don't really care about the rareness or exclusivity because I'm not collecting and not reselling. I'm buying it to drink and I don't believe that much extra money is appreciably improving my drinking experience.
Well said. You will retain "the means" with that attitude.
@jeffreyking279 Yeah... pretty easy to blow a lot of cash pretty quick buying $200 bottles. People might also think it's silly when I say I'm out looking for "special" bottles, but not willing to spend the money. I like finding unique stuff that isn't going to break the bank. Like I found a Blanton's for $80 sitting on the shelf. While Blanton's isn't crazy special, it isn't something you normally see just sitting there and, around here, any time it is available somehow, it's typically $100. I also found a cask strength Doc Swinson's Alter Ego bourbon for $80 that I'm excited to try. I might find a Four Roses or Old Forester store pick from time-to-time. I once found a Calumet 15yr on sale for $110. So those things are fun to me, rather than paying crazy prices for crazy allocated bottles.
Out of that list the JM Cigar Blend is worth it in my opinion. And $200 is MSRP on that. The rest while probably at or near MSRP are definitely not worth those prices.
@red5standingby419 JM Cigar is the one I really took a hard look at it. It was honestly quite difficult to pass up given the hype around it. One of the main reasons (other than the $200) that I did pass it up was that it was Batch #234 and there isn't even any information about it yet on the JM website.
Ec 18 is bad from reviews
Very good discussion. First of all, I don’t chase unicorns, and being retired, I balk at paying $75 for any bottle. I blame part of the rising prices on social media as people wanting to display their trophies! But, as you have commented, and other TH-camr’s, is the taste worth the price. I’ll stick with my WT101 Rye, my OF100, and a few others. My palate is not that discerning.
I have a few nice allocated bottles but honestly I’m happy drinking the $30 stuff like OF100 and WT 101. I’d say 60-70 is where i top out and that’s a once or twice a year purchase.
Yes, prices have gotten insane, but if folks keep paying those prices, nothing will change. Masters Keep, Generations, the Brown Forman, $10k for 25 yr Eagle Rare, etc. Absolutely crazy
There are plenty of things that separate this channel from the youtube bourbon pack, and this video is truly a great example. When you guys taste a special bottle, you can really see the appreciation for the experience. I also am thankful for your fight for the average bourbon drinker. So many of these channels seem like they take for granted getting the rare bottles, or spending $120 on an unproven brand is par for the course. Happy Thanksgiving guys!
Over time I started to focus my bourbon buying on higher proof (100+ proof) available in my area and I generally stay under $100. I believe bourbon was made to be consumed so the only bottles not opened are back ups and will get opened soon. Not judging anyone else, you do you and I'll do me. Great video Kurt and Trenton.
About $200 is my limit. I got an 18 yr. Knob Creek for $190 and the best part of it was opening it and sharing it with two buddies. Happy Thanksgiving guys!
My personal cap is 150 and I have only spent that one time. Most of my picks fall in the 25-95 range. These bottles that are way over two hundred is just ridiculous. Great video. Hope you and yours have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Enjoy!!
That's where mine is too. I live in a liquor control state and I won a lottery on a Blantons Gold and even had trouble spending the 125 for that bottle. But I am glad that I own the bottle.
I have spent $150 on a bottle once.... LOVED IT!.... I spent $100 on a bottle I'm going to crack for Thanksgiving. I personally can't see any bottles being worth over $200 no matter how good it is.... Would I like to try a few? .... Of course I would, but I can't afford to and I'm not going to whine about it.
Did the same. It was for Russell 13 year and I feel worth every penny.
Maybe my palate is just not that good, but I can't taste enough difference between a $35 bottle and a $100 bottle to justify the cost. Yeah, if I'm sampling 2 bottles at the same time I can detect some small differences, but heck I can enjoy the $35 bottle on its own without thinking I'm missing something significant. It's more about enjoying the moment, particularly with friends! Always a great channel to watch--feels like i'm sitting at the bartop with ya now talking sports, bourbon, or in Trent's case discussing something like chewing on a piece of charcoal or sticking his tongue to a frozen flagpole....happy T'giving.
Prices in the whiskey world has nothing to do with taste. It's about rarity.
I'm kinda with you. Been on a bourbon journey for 5 years. Tried a lot of stuff up to Pappy15. Spent a bunch of money and time. Now I have a bunch of partial bottles taking up space and mostly buy/drink wt101 by the handle. I learned a lot and can identify a lot of stuff. Good for conversations.
For me once you pass the 30$ price point prices increase faster than taste. I even put rough tiers in my brain.
there are definitely good bottles that aren't wallet killers, the problem is they get recognition and the price sky rockets or they go allocated. It also depends highly on your taste/preference. I've had plenty of $60-$150 bottles and there were several that I didn't like, that I would pass over. On the flip side I've found there is generally more unique things to appreciate in bottles in that range vs the more "generic", and again that depends on your preference and maybe how much you've developed your pallet.
@@skippypeanutbutter9136 true enough
This video is EXACTLY why I (and so many others) love SLB Drinks. You guys get it, you speak from the heart, and you're honest. Keep on doing what you do and you will continue to grow and prosper. Happy Thanksgiving!
Salute to you guys! You guys are a true class act for only getting one bottle when you could get more. I feel the same way if I see a great bottle let someone else experience the purchase as well
Spot on about the FOMO aspect of it, especially being in groups on social media and seeing everyone run out and snag all the bottles when I can't get away from my desk at work to even have a chance to grab them. I've found myself being much more selective with the bottles I seek out, I may get fewer bottles but I truly do want the ones that I go after. Cheers!
I’m a delivery driver for a major distributor in California. I see what the stores pay for the product and what they sell it for. It’s extremely frustrating. If anything, the pandemic showed how much greed there is out there. People are willing pay more for vehicles, alcohol, just about anything when supplies are limited because they can. By the way it’s just not bourbon, but tequila as well. It’s gotten crazy. Great video guys.
Unfortunately, they would'nt charge the pricing they do if people didnt pay it. Your dollar speaks volumes depending on how you use it.
That was the best explanation of inflation ive ever read. Thank you!
Blame secondary for all of this
I’m of the belief they would still ask for the prices they do even if the everyday consumers weren’t buying it. One store owner I talked to specifically told me “I don’t look to sell allocated stuff to the everyday kind of guy. Those bottles are there for people who have a lot of money and won’t bat an eye at spending $1,000 for Pappy and BTAC.” Then he told me guys like us should be happy with owning Wild Turkey 101. He was charging $90 for Rare Breed. LOL
@@jameslane9267 I would literally laugh in his face and tell him his business is comical and that hes contributing to the problem
@@jameslane9267 Aside from the few big spenders buying the big ticket items who the heck is spending $90 on rare breed? You can literally find it everywhere around $50.
There are so many great whiskeys available for under $50 and $60 that I had to knock some sense into myself and reset my standard for spending. I was so consumed with the FOMO and hype that I ignored some of the cheaper options like Wild Turkey 101, Evan Williams BIB, Fighting Cock, and even Mellow Corn! There's also known and consistent favorites like Knob Creek 9, 1792 Small Batch, and Russell's 10 that are hard to beat. Lots of good craft and regional distilleries that have good options also. About the only thing over $75 I'll go for now is ECBP and that was soured by the latest restrictions around the C batch. Ben Holladay Rickhouse is another worth grabbing at $75 here in my market.
Fighting Cock good? One I see but always wondered.
I’m in Illinois and have been looking for an Eagle Rare 10 year for months. It’s almost impossible to find, and when I did see it, it was marked up to $170. I was in Dallas for Thanksgiving and purchased one for $70. I couldn’t be any happier.
Sitting here watching this episode, first of all , you guys are so fun to watch!!
I totally agree with all that was said . I was born and raised in Bardstown, and live in louisville, even with the secondary market outrageous, the real problem here is the liquor stores are selling the good stuff for secondary prices "definitely should be a regulation on that" I wanna recommend a bottle to you guys, but if I do the price is gonna sky rocket lol cheers and happy Thanksgiving!!
I just got back from an 8 day trip to Tokyo, and its amazing how cheap everything over there is. Did some hunting, and found bottles of WT12 for $50, 4R Super Premium for $50, and EW12 for $30. WT Masters Keep were $140. It was so refreshing.
I think people willing to spend on the overpriced stuff is the problem. One of my local shops has cases of E. H Taylor small batch just sitting there because he’s being ridiculous with the price. It’s nice to see them just sitting there.
Always remember to complement the shop on their museum in those situations. Be like hey, nice museum you have here. Very well done display. Have a nice day! lol
@@red5standingby419 lol! That describes this place really well. Thankfully he does have some solid stuff at MSRP (scored all the Redwood Empire cask strength line from him).
You should tell them that when they are done with that display, you will dispose of it for $5,000. The first step of working their price down is making them think you consider it worthless. Or, the traditional “You want that much for it? The store down the street has it for this much, plus it’s on sale to move it because it’s been sitting too long.” Either way, just always comment on how you can get it for less and the other store is always moving it.
Kurt, I like what you said about the point of good bourbon is to share with family and friends. I remember hearing a story about a father and son sitting down and cracking open one of those special occasion bottles. After the first pour the son went to put the cork back in and the father asked, "what are you doing"? The son answered, "saving the rest for another occasion". The father said, "Son, we don't have many chances like this to sit and enjoy each other's company, and I don't know how many more of these I will have. There's no reason to save the rest of that bottle for another time".
I love all of your reviews....great channel, great family, great burbon! I myself are in the 100 dollar and below with 90% of my bottles being in the 40 - 50 dollar and below price range. My pallate is not accute enough for the high dollar burbon and with V.OB., old grand dad bib & 114, evan wiliams 1783, beam extra black, 4 roses up to select....there are so many great priced choices at an economical price I have a hard time opening my wallet for the high dollar stuff. My expensive bottels are barrell at 85 bucks or less on sale. I'm a fellow tradesman and a bit of a tightass....
It’s a combination of things. Inflation, distribution shenanigans, massive popularity increase( just look how many whiskey tubers started in last year plus), consumers caving in to prices, greed. Glad you brought this topic to your channel.
I think since bourbon is for many of us a luxury item purchase, it should be in the discussion that it’s important to ensure that the “bourbon priority” doesn’t supersede ensuring that other, more important priorities are addressed first. I’ve seen this lack of priority contaminate relationships, etc. which isn’t a good thing.
agree with some of the comments here, if folks don't pay prices will come down. I am a recent casual Bourbon drinker, every bottle I purchase is under $50, my favorite close to $50 is Rare Breed. Other purchases are in the $30-40 range
Patience - don't chase everything in a pretty package - it gets very expensive...this advice isn't limited to bourbon 😆
Thanks for the great insight guys. Kurt, I was like you with the whole FOMO thing. Bought a few bottles that were way over priced. My mantra these days is to hunt, because you never know what you are gonna find. Thank again for the great content, keep it going.
Can't afford to join y'all's channel right now, but y'all have my full support, and love how genuine y'all are! Much love and respect from Baltimore, MD. Keep up the great content 👍
$60 is my top end for any bottles. I get that you guys will go much higher because you have a whiskey channel and like to expose your watchers to all that’s available. I do appreciate your efforts.
I spent $60 for woodford reserve afternoon tea. Not a fan. A little disappointed actually.
Great reviews and I agree with all of your points!! I went to an golf tournament and a group of us stayed the night. I brought several bottles , wellers 107, Blantons, Harper, Willett, whisle pig, EH Taylor and several others and some of the guys never had the chance to try them and some of the guys told me I was crazy on bring all of the good stuff. My response was just what you said they are to drink and share with friends. That's what this is about!! Thanks for what you both bring to the bar!! Keep it up. Happy Thanksgiving and be safe ❤
I am a new subscriber and have enjoyed your videos. This one was really interesting, talking about price. After listening to you list some of the prices you pay, I went to total wines in Arizona today to purchase some of your recommendations. Total Wines is probably the cheapest place to buy with the best selection. Wild Turk Rare Breed, $49.99. Makers Cask Strength, $57.99. Still Austin Cask Strength, $44.99. Evan W, BIB 1.75, $35.99. I need to make a trip to Kentucky, my annual savings should cover my gas. Keep on boys.
I’ve tried many different bourbons based on watching your videos. The thing I appreciate most is Kurt and Trenton saying drink what you like. You’re absolutely right. Everybody’s palate is different.
This topic is one reason I love you guys! I am not willing to pay over $100 for a bottle without a blessing from the 2 of you. I purchased a Calumet 16 for $150 on my birthday and that’s the limit for me and the most expensive bottle I have. Now that bottle is worth it however I’m not randomly buying anything over $70. So thank you for being down to earth normal guys and please stay don’t change a thing.
The Calumet doesn’t suck? I got a bottle of their green label and it is undoubtedly the worst thing I’ve ever drank. Every friend I’ve got that has tried it agrees that it’s awful. I’ve refused to touch the brand since.
Yes, prices are out of hand. It seems like yesterday when Pappy Van Winkle 23 year old was on the shelf for $75 and I thought that was too much, but I bought it anyway on occasion. Around here, if you see Buffalo Trace, it’s marked up to $50 a bottle.
Thank you gentlemen for talking about we out here in Sacramento are dealing with. Love your show!
Here in my part of Arkansas I’ve never seen a Weller 12 or Full Proof. Weller 107 isn’t even distributed in the state! I’d sure love a 107, had a pour at a bar once and loved it. Shoot I’m extremely lucky to find a regular Eagle Rare or EH small batch, but never at msrp.
Great video! FOMO is a big part at the beginning of the journey. $120 for and EH Taylor Small Batch. $200 for a Stagg. $240 for a RR 13. NO regrets, just lessons learned.
Thank you for posting this. I always appreciate the integrity you bring. For me, I drink and I collect I do not flip or resell, that is very frustrating. I have purchased a couple of boss hog editions for around $600 each. Will I ever crack the seal, I don’t know, if I get diagnosed with cancer, maybe. Lol but for an every day zipper bottle, I love Weller special reserve, but not for the exorbitant prices. For me, it depends on the bottle and my purpose for getting that bottle. I too will say I am blessed that I can splurge from time to time, at the same time I will not pay $400 for an $80 bottle (I.e. Rockhill Farms, Elmer T, etc…)
Kurt and Trent are awesome. Love this show.
I'm still working through the lower level stuff so over priced allocated doesn't move the needle for me. I need to improve my palate. I've been fortunate to try a few sips with friends.
Keep up the great work. I'd love to share a pour with you.
Great discussion guys! I got back into whiskey during the pandemic boom and was stressing out trying to get all the bottles everyone else said I should have. Your closing message really resonates with me. As I've matured as a whiskey enthusiast I find myself pulling out my wallet a lot less these days and just trying to enjoy what I have with the people I love. Cheers!
Great topic, loved hearing the opinions. The most I’ve paid was $160 for a Blanton’s in the box that I stumbled upon in a liquor store in NYC. It’s impossible to get near me and I had been looking for that kind of store find for a while. That’s about as high as I’d go now. I am all about the experiences around sipping; so I am not averse to dropping $60-80-100 on a pour of something super rare that I happen across in a bar so I can have the experience of tasting and enjoying it without the absurd investment into the bottle.
Very well said. We have all over paid for bottles because we just had to have them. I try my best to shop around and say no to the ones that are unreasonably priced. As far as unopened bottles, out of 400 I might have a dozen or more that aren't opened and 99% of those are extras of good bottles that I was able to buy before my first bottle ran out. (like Larceny B523). I should check but I would estimate that 30% of my collection is barrel picks. I like those because the local ones I can taste before I buy or you You Tuber's have chosen ones that align with my palate. This was a great video and subject. Keep up the good work folks.
Great video guys. My limit would be about that Single Rickhouse. I was shocked to hear you passed it up
Happy Thanksgiving y’all. I live in a controlled state, so I don’t have to worry about crazy prices but it’s next to impossible to find anything allocated. I was treated like shit for asking for a bottle of Weller special reserve at a store and it ruined it for me (and that only retailed at $27 haha).
Most bottles are saved for friends/family or local restaurants. It’s a game I don’t even want to play anymore, it ruins the bourbon experience for me. I’m thankful for all the good bottles that aren’t hard to find though. I’m also thankful for you guys and your great channel. Cheers to you!
Know what you're talking about, in NY Buffalo Trace is allocated. Local liquor stores sell Weller 12 for $200. Would love to get another bottle of Eagle Rare but they're going for at least $80 here. You guys are so awesome letting people know prices in your area letting us make informed decisions on our purchases. Not only that your reviews help tremendously rather than pay double for a Eagle Rare I can get a Makers Mark Cask Strength for half that. So thank you
Great video!!! For me (from WI), not only the price, but up here in the north, we rarely see a Buffalo Trace & have never seen an Eagle Rare or any Weller product!! So thank you for sharing other ideas for good bourbons that would be comparable.
Too many good bourbons that are not allocated and taste great so why over pay for allocated!! I agree with you both great job.
I love watching you guys for the information you provide for the craft we all enjoy, but more importantly because I trust your opinions and integrity. In the end, everyone's palette is unique, but you guys never steer us wrong, and never try to push us to a specific distiller or brand. For that, I thank you. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, and keep up the exceptional content.
From PA here, controlled state and broken website. Went to Chicago last weekend and finally got it a Binny’s. I was floored, their store pick section was the same size as our whole bourbon/rye for most stores here. Was able to snag a new JD Heritage Rye release and got $10 off just for signing up for a rewards program. Opening that in a couple weeks for my birthday. Cheers!
I just avoid anything with insane mark up, people always say “Blantons is $200 in my area”. And it’s not... that’s just a store is ripping you off. Don’t pay that. Let it sit. Here in FL walmart sells BT for $23.99, ER for $29, and Blantons for $56. Bt is easiest of those to find, but I can find ER every couple months. Liquor prices fluctuate retailer to retailer but msrp for BT is not $70 in any state, that’s just mark up from retailer. If you want to pay up a little bit for convenience then fine.
Great video!! I personally love the bottle on my shelf empty for collecting 👍 👍
Agreed with everything that was said today. I believe I have mayb 1-2 backup bottles in total. Never seen the point in hoarding bottles when others can enjoy them aswell. Flippers are scum in my eyes, I called one out at a local liquor store. Now that store no longer sells that person anything allocated.
It is 150 bottles of the 150 decanter, vip tour of Old Forester, and food / drinks with members of the brown family. You get to sample this bottle as well. I managed to snag one, I'll be headed down on the 5th to pick it up. I'll make sure to let you know how it goes!
Great video. Love your attitude. Weller 12 is $360 in my area. Needless to say Ive never had it and i dont need it. Happy holidays
I was given a sample a year ago and i hated it. You never know.
I purchased the Angels Envy Cask annual release and did, in fact, receive a box. Not sure if that was something new they implemented, where the box doesn’t come with the bottle. Mine was purchased in May for $289.99
Solid video and well said. I've been struggling trying to find the allocated stuff and I'll admit I've spent almost 4x the price for a bottle of Stagg ($250) at a liquor store in NJ. I'm contemplating now about purchasing some bottles of Weller for over $400. It's a struggle because I want them and I know I'll never see them in the wild in my state of VA.
I'm in Canada, just across the border from Detroit and pricing is wild. We are used to one place selling liquor and one place selling beer and the price is the price (don't get me wrong there are issues with that too). It's that kind of control over here that keeps me sane and enjoying this kind of hobby I think. I went into a store downtown Detroit before a Lions game last week and Weller Special reserve was 90 bucks and Weller 107 was 120! Just got those for 45 and 75 respectively CANADIAN! But i guess that's part of the hunt and if you can set rules for yourself i think it becomes even more fun when you do find what you're after! Great topic guys keep it up!
Great video and topic. I rarely spend more than $75 for a bottle of whiskey. This is just a personal limit for me, and I have no judgment for people who want to spend more on fancy bottles. I recently found a Russell's 13 for the first time for MSRP ($155), and I left it on the store shelf. I know it is probably great whiskey, but there is plenty of great whiskey for much less money. Cheers!
I also recently passed on a Knob Creek 12 for $70. It is a bottle I have wanted for a long time, but for 2x the price of KC9 I know it is not 2x better.
My favourite youtube channel. You guys, and your families, are very much appreciated. Please keep up the great content!
I do not buy doubles at all, I open all bottles and have yet to finish a bottle since I started collecting in March- Which honestly I wasn't really looking into Bourbon- I came across Kurt's video on making clear ice and watched that and eventually started watching some more of your other videos which intrigued me to learn more on bourbon
Really appreciated this conversation. I just spent 200.00 on a Jack 12 1st release and felt like I got a great deal on it. Paid 125.00 for a Jack 10 so I ended up getting 2. Always looking for unicorn for cheap.
This channel is amazing. Your opening is perfect, it's why I love you guys.
I check my local liquor stores frequently. I used to get Russel's 10 for $36-$37 in my area. I walked in last week and it was sitting on the shelf for $45...crazy.
Oh I remember last year it was always on sale at Kroger for 26.99. I said to myself I should buy a few cases nahh it will always be there. Now 39.99 whoops should have bought cases.
Fuel doubled, farm rent up, grain price up, wages for every step along the way went up, ... 10 extra bucks is a small price hike
@@farmersgrip13 bucks on a 27 dollar bottle is 33%. That's price gouging.
Totally agree Kurt. I was going through Kentucky and was in a store that just got in a couple of cases of Weller Antique 107. Picked up one bottle only and was thrilled. Still searching for lots of allocated bottles - Stagg Jr, Blantons, etc. Thankful for what I got but wish folks would leave some bottles for other people to get and experience. Happy Thanksgiving!🦃
This summer, I took a trip to Bardstown Distillery and stopped at a couple of liquor stores looking for bottles that are not available in my area. I was floored at the prices they wanted. Willett Wheated $700 & Weller ranged $1200-$2400
Howdy n happy Thanksgiving y’all! Great show n topic! First of all I am fortunate to get many unicorns in a year at MSRP because I spend quite a bit on other lines and the store takes care of me for that. A rare occasion may have me spending more that 100.00 for something special, glad you brought up the Angels Envy special release because last year I did pay the $249.00 for the one in the box…it was just so well done I had no choice! This year my store got only two or three and called me to see if I was interested… I was shocked to see it was $199.00 (not the 249.00) but no special box or anything else. I passed and noticed a week later it’s still on the shelf. Crazy world but growth and interest in bourbon is part of the good problem to have. Thanks for the show!
Great video boys! Could not agree with you more Kurt….spot on! Happy Thanksgiving to the entire SLB family! Cheers!
Guys, I live in Ct, in my area, Fairfield county, the pricing for bourbon’s varies by town suburban vs urban area’s, so if you live in a affluent area, those prices are always $20 more than what I could fine in urban area’s, so shop around for your best price
It’s insane at some of the prices on some bottles… in my area 150 dollars for a blantons and 165 dollars for a Weller 12. I will pay a little over MSRP just because that’s about the only way to get decent bottles but mostly I just wait because eventually you’ll find one for the right price.
22:08 completely agree with this sentiment, great message for the holidays. Don’t flip, enjoy and share.
You know that scene in Christmas Vacation where Clark is calling his Boss every profane name he can think of for giving him the Jelly Of The Month Club as a Christmas bouns? That's how I feel about Flippers.
Resellers and scalpers are some of the lowest forms of humans on the planet. They ruin everything they touch. Look at what they did to the ps5 and gpu market a few years ago and what they do still in trading cards and other collectible items. The companies don't care because they are still making sales sadly its to people trying to profit off of it instead of the people that actually enjoy their products.
I do like that you address this, because it is a serious issue. As someone who has bottles in his basement that total $2,500+, the stores and individuals that raise the prices so they can make money is horrible. Everyone that comes over knows I will share everything, but there may not be much left if the prices continue to rise. But, I also have the availability in my area to run across some allocated bottles; not all the time, but sometimes. And the stores I get them from don’t gouge either and sell them at a reasonable price.
Kurt, I truly respect your and Trenton’s opinions …..and especially appreciate your values.
That’s why I keep coming back to watch your content.
Keep up the great work!
My local store has/had a bottle of Stagg for $299.00 I walked, another called with an EH Taylor Single Barrel $150 plus tax Im wallked I had bought one a month before for $100 from same store I basically will not pay more than 110% of MSRP on any bottle
Great show. I’m in New Jersey You have to watch prices here but good juice is available. Today I am drinking EV1783. Which I consider a great value for $26 I have a store nearby which sells BT for 36 when he can get it. Again. Great show
You guys are the best. Love the content. One of you definitely said equivalate in this video and I think you’re the best
I'm just getting into buying bourbon. My kids and their spouses are into bourbon big time. My questions are: do you ever buy a bottle from an online store? And if you do, do you have any online stores that you would recommend to someone like me just starting out? I'm located in NE Indiana and I just seem to never find an allocated bottle of anything. Thanks for sharing. I've only been a follower of your channel for a couple of months now. You guys rock.
I think the most frustrating part for me is the fact that if I'm trying to grab a bottle of Eagle Rare as a replacement, store owners half interrogate you as if you're going to flip them. I could go down the street and grab a 750ml for $150 and the 1.5L for $350, but why would I pay a store the same as a flipper? It's gotten out of hand here in Northern Indiana for sure.
What a fantastic video, guys. Great perspective.
I want to start by saying I work at a Total Wine & More in Georgia. Allocated bottles are common, but not a regularity here in the southeast. We often hear about a new/yearly release from customers before we see it in the backroom. As a younger, more inexperienced whiskey drinker, i can say i do not spend beyond $75 for a bottle. However, I would say that for a good bottle that isnt an allocated item or a special release, $125 is the general cap i see people follow. And for those allocated/special bottles, i see anything from $150-$500, especially when you include scotch.
I think most people will agree, a good bourbon can easily be found in the $30-$75 range. (In my store, Buffalo Trace is $30ish and Eagle Rare is $50ish.) If its beyond that price point, i truly think you oughta do your research.
I hope others agree. Because yeah, the more that whiskey lovers pay, the higher they’ll set prices, since they know demand will be there.
I see a lot of other commenters also mention a great point: its hard for many average drinkers to discern the difference between a $30 bottle from a $300 one. Get to know your distilleries and your favorite products, and if you choose Maker’s 46 over regular MM, by all means, but definitely think twice before buying an extra aged product that is a 300% markup.
I can't stand Flippers........I am with you on that!
State controlled stores in my state. The stores only allow one bottle per day of any allocated Bourbons, which means, if there are bottles of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof and bottles of Yellowstone, etc. you have to choose which to take home. The only good side is no price gouging, we get all bottles for msrp.
As someone still newer to bourbon I'm right there with you on this. I'd love to try so many of these bottles but in the DFW area its ridiculous. Weller 12 landed hard in DFW this week and I couldn't even snag one. People were following the delivery trucks around all week and grabbing them at stores as soon as they landed. 78 gone in less than an hour at the main store in the area. And they're posted all over online for hundreds now. I saw guys posting online with 4,5, 6 bottles. It ruins the bourbon experience with people like this.
In regards to the trophy opinion, I believe you can do both. We open and share many, but also use as decorations. Different size ER bottles look amazing!
For my wife and I we've started our collection and have set a base price at $50. With a cap at the 70 to 80 dollar price point. And we enjoy finding those gems that are available at or below $50. Keep up the great content
yeah it's crazy I manage a liquor store in a area where it's hard to get some allocated stuff close by,
but recently we have started to get them in here and we have limits and sale each bottle as close to msrp as the company will let us
I am just amazed at how thankful people are for us doing that here.
but man we are struggling with a few people who practically camp out our store for the bottles to be put out we just want to try and make it a fair as possible chance for people to get one.
but yes love your videos you guys are awesome!! 🥃
I was at my local shop and ended up catching the girl putting the one bottle of eagle rare out and picked it up. Was really happy about that. I’ve never tried it and finally found a bottle. I’m kind of new to trying different bourbons and call me crazy, but the Larceny wheated bourbon is my favorite so far. I haven’t tried a ton but so far I like the longer lasting notes of that one.
You guys are right on the money. I haven't been collecting for very long, but I've noticed prices going up a lot in my area. As far as prices of the hard to find stuff, IMO, if people would stop paying ridiculous prices, stores would stop charging ridiculous prices.
That distillery
(Whistle Pig)is mostly using their own crop. Lots of Rye or high Rye products. That range down to around $50. But $600 is nuts. And they do distillery sourcing in Canada and I think distill their own in New England (Vermont?). And the rickhouses are there as well.
Another great show.
Like you said the whole time. How much is too much?
It’s for you to decide but research your options before making a decision.
I had this issue with the makers mark cellar aged. The msrp for that is 150, but here in NY it only became available in October, and stores here were starting at 500. I was floored. Then the 13th colony double oaked, with an msrp
Last year for 85, this year the price is doubled. So for me, I’m out.
Now weller products are hard to find and that 12 year starts at 135.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! Not too long ago I went to buy a bottle of bourbon that I just finished off that i originally bought many years ago and the price was $60 more than what I paid for it before! i thought about it and decided it wasn't worth it!
I’ve flipped a few. I’ve also used me being at a distillery to pickup allocates stuff for people at msrp. In relation to how much is too much, I’ve basically decided if it’s over $70 a bottle it better be amazing. I’m a lot like Kurt in that I really enjoy basically anything Jimmy and Eddie Russell send out the door. And I’m a huge fan of Weller 107. Id go 100 a bottle on 107. I live right smack in the middle of wild Turkey and buffalo trace distilleries and rarely see anything allocated on the shelve but I’m not big on hunting for it because there are a ton of easily accessible bottles that are just as good if not better
It’s one thing to be purvy (2:18) but were you also privy to the pricing?
For us in NC it’s super hard to find anything! Hard to find regular BT & ER….. hoping to get to travel soon so maybe I can find myself a few nice bottles
Thank you for this video as it was needed.
Basically, when buying anything 15 plus year old bottle, people need to understand that not only are you paying for the bourbon in the bottle, you are also paying for the bourbon lost to evaporation (or Angel's share in the business).
A barrel sitting for 20 years will lose almost (if not) 50% or more in bourbon. Distilleries cannot take that lind of loss and remain in business.
Facts!! For me it's the $30-40 bottles jacked to 80-90!!
Great topic and discussion. I've rarely paid secondary prices for a bottle (I did for my CYPB). The problem is as you already said secondary prices differ between states and areas. I would buy every bottle I see of Antique 107 for $80. I never see it for less than $120 in the Chicagoland area and never for MSRP. Which is strange since you guys are in the Northwest part of Indiana. Pricing is definitely getting out of control. The problem is Bourbon is on fire right now and all the companies are striking while the iron is hot. Bourbon will fade, brands will disappear, and prices will drop. The reason the prices are getting higher from the distilleries is multifaceted. Bourbon being hot is one. The Bardstown Bourbon festival has sold out multiple years in a row. Those festivals have to drop new products to keep some buyers interested. The hotels charge triple during that weekend. The companies know this and price what they think people will spend. When people stop buying (not going to happen in the near future) the prices will drop. The secondary market is another factor. Let's say I'm Wild Turkey. I sell Russell's 13 for MSRP. I see the stores online and brick and mortar selling it for $500. They are getting a huge return. Wild Turkey see this with all their allocated brands. They decide to get a piece of the action and bump up their prices. That's only natural. I paid MSRP for my Wild Turkey Voyage at the Wild Turkey Gift Shop. The price is high but for now I'll pay it. Will I continue I don't know. I paid for MSRP for my Blanton's Gold. I will do that again as the Gold is definitely better than the regular bottle. I'll pay higher prices if the Bourbon is better. I have one pour a day so it will last a while. Should be a big drinker you might want to stay a lower price point. I said this already but the Bourbon market will cool off in a few years. Then we will see what happens with pricing.
You can get some good Whistlepig picks under $100. The 6 year is normally $49.99 and pretty good, 10 year around $80 or $90, store picks a little more, but a 6 year store pick for $50-$60 are usually pretty solid.
I love these episodes Kurt speak from the heart cause brother your not wrong on any of it as far as over priced purchases my biggest buy was 250 before taxes closer to 275 out the door for parkers heritage double oaked and honestly I'm still shocked I found one around me not fpr 800+ but I still overspent
Also noticed Knob Creek 18 no longer has the cool box, actually saw about 8 sitting on a shelf at my local store