Statewide Special Allocated Bourbon Release... My Story!
Вставка
- Опубліковано 17 жов 2024
- Today we dive into my experience on the VA Special Allocated Bourbon Release Day. Did I win or was all the waiting in line a giant flop?
Checkout my other channel: / @preprow
Support us directly at / whiskeyrow
Shop our merch at whiskeyrow.shop
Follow us on Insta at / thewhiskeyrow
Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.c...
I’ve got Old Forster 1924 and my wife got the Willett Rye. We are happy with this addition to our mini bar! We are Virginians 😎
I got a Weller 12yr (1 liter, $49.99!) and a Woodford Batchproof. I was happy.
Hello from Roanoke, Virginia. I do have a Murray Hill Club and it is great! The Virginia ABC store system of drops is just crazy. People have become so frustrated around the Roanoke Valley, that in the last couple of drops there were tons of bottles left over. Could be people are sick of all the same stuff being dropped, or people are just broke. I went into a store in Vinton, Virginia and picked up a bottle of the Woodford Batch prrof 121.2 about 2 days after the drop. Picking up an Elmer T Lee was pretty darn awesome. One of my Patreon members sent me a bottle of Elmer T Lee in Idaho, sitting on the shelf for $42, which is a great price. He also picked up a Rock Hill Farms for around $50 and an Elijah Craig 18 for around $150. Amazing finds which are hard to get in Virginia on drops. Great price on the Weller Full Proof. The Old Forester is a good bottle too. I paid $129 on a bourbon hunt in West Virginia. You are right....they are still out there. That is a great day you had in Virginia. Nice bottles. Take Care.
Been lucky lately and live in CA. Walked into BevMo to use my $10 coupon on anything I could find, grabbed beer and when I walked up to the register, a Weller Special Reserve and Eagle rare 750ml and 1.75 liter was there. One allowed per customer. Told the guy to get rid of the beer and I’ll take the 1.75 instead. $54 for a 1.75 of ER, I’d be stupid not to!
Great haul! Store I went to had CYPB and full proof as the lottery bottles. I got a CYPB and I was 6th in line. Was able to snag a Heaven Hill 18 and an Antique 107 at other stores. Decided on the 107 over the 1924. Didn’t come across another 1924 unfortunately. I don’t hate how VA does it honestly
Got 2 bottles of Blantons Gold and 2 OF 1924. So what is the Murray Hill special release 4 like?
I live in the Burg and Plank Rd had CYPB and single barrel Weller. I ended up getting SFTB. Cheers to VA bourbon hunting!
Blacks or peters?
I was about 15 people deep in the line. I was at sams drive in chesapeake. The weller full proof was gone like 4 people in front of me. I got the next to the last blantons gold. My friend got a bookers (i pray it is the springfield. Well i pray it isn't the apprentice but i suspect it is the springfield 🤞) there was a couple willets old ezra, some 1924, one of the woodford reserve along with the obligatory buffalo trace, blanton's, eagle rare (all 3 sizes!) One of the better scheduled realeases i've seen recently. On another note the Jack Daniels single barrel barrel proof rye looks to be shelf stable in VA at this point. Try it. It is delicious
Today, 3 days later there are still some bottles left in the Va ABC stores. I picked up a Buffalo Trace and Dickel bib at 2 different stores. Also saw the Woodford Reserve batch proof but that’s not in the budget. Wanted to get the Benchmark full proof but you’re limited to 1 allocated bottle per store. Picked up a Bulleit barrel strength that was just shipped to stores so they may go fast.
Went out Saturday for my first VA drop. I got an Eagle Rare since it’s hard to find in MD for a decent price. I stopped at another store and picked up an Old Taylor plastic 1.75 just because I’ve never seen it before. Next time I’ll be a little earlier and try to get something extra nice.
I live in Virginia. I was able to get my first bottles of Willet Pot Still, Weller Special Reserve. I also snagged a baby Blanton’s and the Elijah Craig PBA bottle which is really just their small batch. Some friends came over on Sunday and we enjoyed the Blanton’s.
I got a Weller 12 year. I thought the willet bottles were a misprint, because in the same paragraph they listed all the normal BT allocations.
Got an Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye which turned out AMAZING! Went to a second store and grabbed a Magnus Cigar Blend. Then 3rd store a 375 Blantons. All in all not a bad day.
I really want one so I can try it next to my Jack Daniels SBBP rye
Nice haul! I picked up the Woodford Batch Proof, John J Bowman Single Barrel, Elijah Craig A124, Weller 12, and Blanton’s Gold.
I was 3 behind CYPB but I did pick up Old Forester SBBS Rye
Oh wow, never owned one of those bottles!
From the Atlanta area. Happened to be visiting the DC area. Went to store 248 on Langston in Arlington. Best of the drop was 1liter of Weller 12 & Blantons Straight from the Barrel. Took the Straight from the Barrel. My Total Wine back home had a drop with Michters 10, Heaven Hill recent release & 65 Blantons Gold. Very interesting how the States handle distribution
Blanton's Gold was my big grab. But I wanted a Weller 107 or FP in a perfect world.
If you were in michigan, qe could trade
Nice haul! I got an EH Taylor and Woodford Batch Proof. Stopped by another store on Sunday while running errands and snagged a BT. The store I was at had Blanton’s STFB and Weller CYPB, but those went quickly.
Pulled a gold Blantons, Weller 107, Woodford, Knob 12, and a willet green top. Had a buddy with me. South VA area.
Nice haul brother. I missed the VA ABC drop day. I spent my budget in KY, and happy with two Blanton's Gold (one pick), and a SFTB plus a few discord scores.
Chester, VA resident here…got a Blantons straight from the barrel, a 1924, woodford 121.2, and a few buffalo traces for visitors. Best part though, met a guy in line at the first store and ended up buying a Knob creek 25th anniversary bottle from 2017 for exactly what he paid 7 years ago, $130. The folks you meet along the way is definitely the best part here in VA.
Wow, just WOW! SFTB probably was the one I wanted to drink the most... would rather that than WFP
Got a few bottles myself on Saturdays allocation. OF 1924, willet pot, Taylor small batch, and a couple bottles of John j bowman.
I got to my local ABC store just before 3:00am and was the sixth in line. All six of us grabbed a Weller single barrel; the store only got one case, so it went 1-6.
Got the Weller CTPB and the Full Proof, 1924, and a couple Cigar Blend. Was an expensive day!!
Nice pickups! I snagged a Blanton's Gold at my first store after arriving at 5:30AM to be fifth in line. The guy behind me showed up at 7AM. I grabbed a Willett Rye at the second store. I went back the next day to the first store and grabbed a Benchmark Bonded. I enjoyed all three and Blanton's Gold reminded me of Johnnie Walker Gold.
Nice haul!
Got a Blanton’s Gold out of the store I waited in line at. I was lazy and got in line at 7am. I got the last one. The ones that went in front of me were Weller Full Proofs. I was 13th in line. I’m guessing those and the Blanton Gold were 6 per case. Not sure what the dude first in line got.
At the other stores I hit I got 2 Knob Creek 12’s, an Eagle Rare, and a 10yr Henry Mc.
I passed on the Woodford’s at every store. They are good, but the price is just stupid now.
Same Virginia ABC drop I got 2 Weller 12's liter size, regular Blantons, Gold Blantons, and OF 1924. Real happy
Great Finds!!! Can't go wrong with any of those bottles. I would have bought everything you bought without blinking an eye.
Nice haul. I got a Weller SB and Woodford Reserve Batch Proof in the Chantilly area.
I got a Weller CYPB, OF 1924, Jack 12, a baby Eagle Rare, and a Johnny Drum. Solid day on my part. Those Woodford Batch Proofs are sitting in numbers on shelves all over the place. I just saw 6 in one RVA store today
I was down in Roanoke and hit 3 stores picked up
Weller 12 year
Weller 107
John j bowman
Small blanton's
Benchmark SB
Small ER
And picked up my Rock Hill Farms from the last lottery
It was a good day
That is a great day!
I came away with an EH Taylor and a Bowman Single Barrel. Missed out on a Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel.
Nice haul!!!
If this question hasen't been asked already: Murray Hill SR or Cigar Blend???
Nice haul. We had the allocated release in Montgomery County MD the week before. I picked up two Blantons, two Old Forester barrel proofs, and a rebel six year. I passed on the Virginia allocated because I didn’t want to stand in line. But after hearing you today, next time I might take a trip down to see what’s left. I think I will take a trip down tomorrow to look for the Murray Hill club special release. Thanks I always enjoy your videos.
I got in line a little after 6. Best things they had were Blantons Gold and Weller Full Proof. I already had a WFP, so got a Blantons Gold at the first store then a Knob Creek 12 at another one.
I picked up a '24 Mich10, JD10batch3, blandton's gold, and an Weller FP last Saturday at the VA ABC. Grabbed a couple of ERs and buffalo trace the next day. All at MSRP. Sometimes the ABC works out for the little guy.
In Louisiana you can buy liquor almost anywhere. It's a free for all. Only drawback is store owners set their own prices and some of them have museum prices
We have no drops or lotteries around me. Have to be lucky to visit the store when things are delivered. Got an Elmer T Lee several weeks ago for $48.99 and a Blanton’s Gold for $126. Picked up Orphan Barrel Pact 10 today for $195 and getting a Michter’s 10 Year Bourbon for $200 in a few days from a store relationship. 🥃
Or "lucky" enough to know a guy that will call you when its there, or he will hold it for you, or you can get drinks that he wants and will hold it for you and you can trade.
But yeah for you, me, and most people just have to be there right after it hits shelves and before someone else buys them
In Chantilly area I was able to snag an ETL and Blantons SFTB. I was overall pretty happy with this drop, there seemed to be plenty of good bottles to go around
Iowa is controlled at the state level but sold at retail by grocery and liquor stores. A Distillery 8 miles down the road has to ship their product 180 miles to the warehouse in order for it to be returned to their storefront. These stores are now conducting raffles every 2-3 months to purchase allocated bottles. And central Iowa seems to see a broader selection than either coast. It sucks.
I ended up with a Blanton’s gold.
Me too. The weller full proof was gone like 4 people in front of me.
I got a Weller Full Proof and an ETL.
I snagged a Weller Single Barrel.
Looks amazing on the shelf.
Nice, thank you!
Saturday happened to be my dad's birthday so I was already planning to drive halfway across the state. Luckily in my area (west of Afton Mtn) there are a number of stores that are ~10 minutes apart. Ended up visiting 11 between driving out and back. Wasn't lucky enough to get any of the Weller, EH Taylor, etc. Did get a Blanton, Willet Pot Still Reserve, Knob Creek 12, couple Eagle Rares... Also picked up a Blue Run High Rye (not allocated) that was the best pour out of the bunch. All in all it was a fun day chatting with people at different stores and I can't wait for the next one!
Do you think you’ll post a full review on that MHCSR so we can know more about it?
Very nice. Utah is pretty similar. 3rd Saturday is the allocated day.
Last go, I stood in line for EHT Barrel, got back in line got EHT small, then got back in line for Blantons.
We know what's in what store the Monday before.
That is awesome 👏
Got a 1924. Love it, wish it was cheaper though
Just can’t justify the price for a 10Y….enjoy and cheers
Thornburg! That’s the one just south of Fredericksburg. I got a Michters 10 there but most people went for the Weller 12.
I missed out on the Weller Full Proof by about 8 people, I did snag a OF 1924, Willet 4yr Rye and Bookers 2024-01 though.
I got a Weller 107 and a Blantons.
I was in PA last weekend so I missed the drop but on my way up on Friday I stopped at S&W to retrieve a couple store picks, Starlight Double Oaked and Toasted Bourbon and Pursuit United Bourbon. Looking forward to cracking those open this weekend.
It was a Pleasure Meeting You David! Your Haul looks a lot like mine that day lol. It is pronounced “A”ylett. If you find yourself back this way give me shout. Would love to share a pour some time. Thanks for the Shout out! Cheers 🥃
Thanks! You bet!
Always fascinated with the experiences of those in state controlled areas. NY plays by different rules for better or worse.
Sounds similar to Alabama. We have a drop every month but list has been slim. They do put out a list of what is at each store. We also have a quarterly lottery where they pick 50 people for each store. You are limited to 2 bottles.
I wish we had something similar in MS. I can find all the good stuff but I refuse to pay 450 for a JD12.
I had to work for it but got a weller single barrel in Roanoke.
I lucked out on one too. Tastes amazing.
👏👏👏
Great finds! Love the “but wait, there’s more!!”
I enjoyed this story time as well! I am happy you got some good stuff! cheers!
Thanks!
I got a Weller Antique 107 and Willet 4yr Rye on Saturday morning.
I got some good bottles on Saturday in the first 30 minutes (I can hit 3-4 stores in about that amount of time). My local store in Yorktown still had plenty of the Woodford Reserve as of Thursday, 5/23. Sounds like they really loaded the stores up and I think that will continue if they do a set release day for all of the stores in the state.
Picked up 2 E.T. Lee, 2 Eagle Rare, some Blanton’s, and a John Bowman Single Barrel this week. Was a good week… not cheap, but a good week. 😂
Got a late start on Saturday so no chance of getting a Weller or other sought after bottle but still managed to get a John J Bowman, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A124, and a Benchmark Full Proof.
Good haul! Living in Indiana, I sometimes wish we were state run like Virginia and other states are because deliveries are so unpredictable here in Indiana. One store might get something on one day, another store might get something the next day, you pretty much have to get lucky here and be in the right place at the right time. However I do enjoy hunting from time to time on my days off, never know what I might happen to find.
Got a Michters 10yr from my first VABC store of the day for this drop... not terrible... the Weller bottle that store got was Weller 12.
I was surprised. I quite bothering with allocation drops a while back. But the wife happened need to go to a nearby store so I wandered in about 2 hours after open. And I was able to grab a Blantons and a Woodford Master’s Collection.
I was just in South Boston VA today. They still had the Woodford, Noah Mill and dickel 12 left from the drop
I enjoy hearing the trials and tribulations of hunting bourbon and what people see vs what they grab!
Thank you!
tailgated for 6 hours got the last WSib and stayed dry. Was a good saturday.
Same in Ohio. Had a recent state store selling allocated bottles out the back door. That place is on suspension of selling any high proof spirits and all their bottles was confiscated by the state and was sent over to another local store. I like how Ohio regulates how much and how the bottles can be sold. If you own a store you can’t slap any price on bottles.
So much shady stuff going on between stores and distributors. So much good product never sees the shelves. I hope every one gets held accountable
Never been to Virginia, I live close to Cincinnati ohio,easy access to northern KY, and Indiana. I find more bottles than I can afford, not exactly what you look for but single barrels, Jack Daniel's sbbp rye, J Mattingly products, New Riff distillery is close and the Party source is huge with no markups. Cheers 🍻
It was a pleasure chatting with y’all while in line!
You too man, hope to cross paths again!
So disappointed i missed this drop! Congrats on the bottle grabs!
I ended up with a EH Taylor Small Batch and a bottle of John J Bowman single barrel.. was hoping out for the Weller Single Barrell but that ran out pretty quick.. Im in Fredericksburg area as well
I think being out in the country for this one helped some!
It's surprising that you can go to multiple stores and still find stuff. The two stores near me in VB have long lines before they open. You'd be lucky to get anything at one store.
Nice haul! I'm in VA also. I have an ETL for trade
I had to work, so I didn't get in line at 5am, like usual. My parents did go at 9am for me. I scored an eh taylor small batch, Bookers Springfield and a willet pot still. I was able to score a woodford batch proof, a 1924, knob creek 12, an eagle rare and buffola trace in the afternoon.
Purple tops are sitting on the shelf over here in MN. Too spendy for what is inside.
Thanks was looking for the Murray hill special release just ordered one
Do you live in Fredericksburg or out closer to Aylett?
Stafford
I missed the drop because I was out of town for work but I returned to Richmond with E.H Taylor Small Batch, Weller’s Special Reserve and Woodford Reserve Double Oak.
U should record the whole experience that would be a great video to watch
Lol. I remember you in line. I was number six
Wow! Great trip, David!!
Wanted the CYPB and a SFTB, ended up getting a WFP and my son got a Gold horse. The second just missed out on a 1924, but found one at my third stop.
“Weird” is an understatement!!
Got 3 1/2 cases of old Carter American batch 6 this weekend 🤷🏻♂️ everyone else was focused on wellers so good thing I like to drink my bottles lol I’m set for life lol
Full proof would have been my pick over Elmer all day long. That Woodford batch proof is really nice 👌
I'm forgot to mention Blantons SFTB was around, it I never saw it
I think you will like that Woodford Reserve Masters Collection Batch Proof 121.2. I am halfway through my second bottle and I have two back ups.
It sounds good and I liked last years!
@@WhiskeyRow I didn't have last years but I heard good things. The only other Masters Collection I had was the Sonoma Triple Finish which was also very good. The only thing I didn't like about that one is if it is going to be $149 bottle it better be higher than 90.4 proof.
In VB I was 1 person late for the last bottle of OWA. Was another stock up on Buffalo Trace & Blantons day... I was at work until 8am so was about 50th in line by the time I got there
Oh wow!
By comparison, Texas should be a much better place to find stuff since it isn't ABC, but I've never found any of those besides maybe the woodford. VA might be ABC, but it speaks volumes how most of us in TX that aren't in the know and in line at stores before the sun comes up can't find the same stuff others in controlled states can 😀
lined up in Ashland pretty early, and managed to snag a sb weller, then raced around and got a blantons and kc 12… wish I would’ve come across an ofo 1924, but they were long gone from every store in the Richmond area I hit up. did find a ton of larceny bp c923 on the shelf at the big Pump Rd. store in Short Pump if anyone has been looking for that
In a control state it absolutely still pays to build relationships with the managers.
I got the 1L Weller 12
A store near me has the gall to try and sell a Weller FP for $300. It's absolutely maddening
I've seen it as high as $400 in some stores lol...ridiculous
I don’t believe any of the top brands are available anymore and as such I don’t waste anymore time trying to find certain bottles.
You've got some Weller FP... I've got some OWA 107.... Let's hangout and make some Poor Mans Pappy
About a year ago I went to a drop and was able to snag an elmer t lee and I ended up trading it for a Weller full proof store pick. I have been on the hunt for a joseph magnus cigar blend for a while ago! I saw one one and it was on the way home from Michters after I already spent 600 on bourbon that trip so I passed on it. Also it was 250. Oh well one day I'll find one I am sure
I would trade you a elmer T Lee for one of your wellers. We get Lee here in VT, but i have never seen a Weller.
$55 for weller full proof? Ugh... I bought mine for$275😢
I got two CYPB 👀🔥
Hot damn!