The new VA ABC system sounds like life here in Nashville. Not controlled like VA, but there’s no pattern-you’ve gotta catch the social media notice, drop everything (not possible with our schedule), rush over, and hope you make it in time. And stores definitely tip people off. It’s precisely why we don’t hunt and default to store loyalty to our local store that doesn’t play that game, and we may get offered to buy something from time to time due to that loyalty.
Hi Josh and Erin. Same when I go to Memphis. Have to know the owner as they hold everything for special patrons or do the social media thing! Hope you all are well.
Stayed in Fredericksburg this past week on a biz trip. Fahrenheit 132 downtown has Elmer T Lee for $20 a pour which isn’t too bad. You rarely see it Colorado….including restaurants and bars.
your Stagg bottle is getting pretty low! So If I understand you correctly, the best strategy is to buy an house and move directly next to a store that has a chance of getting it and then make sure someone of age is ALWAYS at home with cash in hand...right? 😂
Great list. GTS is my personal favorite and happy to have a 2019 bottle. A few that I don't have but have tried in a tavern and really like include Bomberger's, Heaven Hill 17, Handy, Double Eagle Rare, and OF BDay Bourbon. I do have the Blanton's SFTB, Four Roses 20 year Visitor Center, Stagg jr. and RVW among others. Just picked up couple bottles of Castle & Key and a Remus Repeal V that I look forward to cracking.
I’m trying to build up a variety of whiskey types so I can do comparisons. I picked up my first rye this weekend, Rittenhouse Bottle in Bond, and picked up a 4 Roses Small Batch. I’ve been keeping an eye out for an Angles Envy.
The more expensive Four Roses just gets better as the price goes up. It's all spicy ish but as you spend more it levels out and the other flavorsome through.
The only thing I have on my list is StaggJr. I seem to just miss them every time the stores around me get them. I don’t want to pay the marked up price of $250-300 that some stores put on them.
I found a Stagg Jr. This weekend. I COULDN'T PASS IT UP. Spent my next 4 months Bourbon allowance on it. Waiting for my wedding anniversary to open and try.
Where I am is a completely different place than you, in terms of location, finances, and opportunities. I don't hunt; I can't afford to. All of the bottlings you mention are impossibilities for me. What I appreciate and need are reviews that help me spend my few dollars on widely available whiskies where I get high value, not wish lists and rants. I know "the system" isn't fair; it never is. Thank you for the useful information that you've provided to me and others. Keep up that good work.
It's hard to go wrong with OF10/20, WT RB/101, Russell's, KC9/12, CC100, etc... not too pricey and great picks. I've got some budget bourbon vids that have more options
while i generally agree, things have gotten to the point that rare breed is being allocated where i am (MD). this whole "hobby" has gone off the rails IMHO
Gonna have to disagree with you. I’ve done several blind battles and multiple bottle blinds and the allocated bottles routinely win. Typically, when they fall it’s to a really good barrel pick.
I actually like the new Va allocated system, it’s more fair than random bottle drops where store managers would notify their friends/relatives ahead of time which excluded the unconnected hunters like myself. Also Va still has the lottery system which has very low odds but I was able to buy a WLW a couple of years ago. I believe one of the reasons for the new system was to avoid the insider trading of the past.
I’m with you on the new Virginia distribution system. I hate it and I think my “hunting days” may be done. I’ll just have to settle for things I can find on the shelf that I like and if I’m lucky enough to find a special bottle, go with it. I pretty much knew all of the delivery days for the stores in my area and managed to build a decent collection. The new system will likely save me money!!!!!
Good information, new to bourbon. I will not stand for hours nor bum rush an ABC store for a bottle. I understand somewhat about supply and demand, but I also believe that in this day and time all things considered one should be able to pre-order a bottle, and ship to your state. No harm if the stock doesn't come, just cancel the transaction. Of course, I do understand that some will still be lottery to make it fair due to limited supplies.
Just getting started in the hobby. My birthday is next Wednesday on the 18th. My wife got me a Joseph Magnus Cigar Blend, a Willet Noah's Mill, a Willet Rowan's Creek, a Calumet Farms 15 Year, an Ironroot Harbinger and a Hennry McKenna 10 Year Reserve. So many to get and try. Thank you for All you and your wife do for the bourbon community. I've learned so much from you and appreciate your contribution.
Good for you. Keep in mind that you will probably fall into the rabbit hole like most people and think you need to chase and try every pricey and hard to find bottle out there. Try to avoid it. It is diminishing returns to say the least. I remember someone once took an average decent 86 proof whiskey, added ethanol, had a few friends try it and they raved about it's complex and intense flavors, it's richness and notes of sweet goodness. A true whiskey consumer is one that can enjoy a good quality 86 to 92 proof bottle, sip it for a while and savor it's flavors. A rookie is the one chasing heat, scarcity, limited releases, mostly to brag, (just watch youtube videos to witness it.) How many pours from a 131 proof can you consume? Maybe 3 and you're in the bag, but a lower proof, you can socially sip those. Learn about them, but if you truly become a fan of whiskey, you should eventually settle for the sippers that are on every shelf across the country for less than 30 bucks.
For some reason I can get most of the bottles you mentioned ,but the only real problem is the price ,its usually 3 times retail or secondary priced or worse, so I know your pain . there's a store around hear that has a lottery of any special bottle , to get a ticket you need to spend over a hundred dollars on bourbon, witch is fine, then if you get tickets and you win you have to buy the bottle or bottles at over 3 times retail, so you never get a break. Nothing like taking advantage of you customer base for profit, lets see what happens when the bourbon craze comes to an end.
Some distributors will cut your store off for a period of time if they find out you're holding bottles for friends. It happened to a clerk I knew. He put some Weller away for a friend and then the friend, like a complete idiot, bragged about it on social media.
There is a store in my town and the guy has 3-4 bottles of almost everything you’re talking about but the prices are outrages! The locals here refer to his place as a museum!
David, love your channel buddy but those of us in non-abc states don't feel bad for you guys lol. We don't get notifications. We don't have controlled prices for when bottles are on the shelf so they're often ridiculously marked up. We also don't get any inventory online so we never know what is where or when it will be there if ever.
Nailed it. New ABC rules are supposed to be "fair" but reward the same people with advance information (from a manager or from a friend in the distribution system) or those few that live/work within 1/4 mile of a store. BTW, NO Michters10 this year!
Thanks for the insight on what you would look for. Being in Fredburg VA I love the new limited release process. Scored a few this past Friday. Very Old Barton and Eagle Rare. Can't go wrong. Thx again!
This is a great video to tell us new-ish folks what to chase! Doesn't help the price at allllll but we're all hunting these now too! Haha. Good luck and keep the video coming. Cheers
It sounds like Virginia is trying to do the right thing. Letting "hunters" get a hold of all the allocated bottles to then flip on secondary is a sorry state of affairs. So unless all stores move to some sort of "no purchase necessary" raffle I think trying to make it a true crap shoot at least has merit. In Illinois store owners do whatever they like so unless you spend $20k per year so you get on the store owners' short list you are almost better finding the stores that sell allocated a between MSRP and secondary rather than wasting money and time trying to build a relationship with a store when you will never be a "big" fish.
Eric that is what happens here the hunters are looking for the bottles to then take into DC and flip to the lobbyist who will pay anything for an allocated bottle.
I'd rather a true lottery all around. With the system as is you have to either live right next to a store, be best buds with a manager, or pure lucky. I'd be more okay if the store managers had no notice either, but as it is they get a short heads up and can tip off their friends
David I was lucky to get the ORVW 10 and my daughter the VW12 in the VA lottery. Crazy lucky. I agree with crazy way ABC is handling things. Just missed an Angels Envy Cask strength Sat. I have a WFP unopened as well. We should get together and have a tasting. I am in Leesburg!
i get a few allocated each year as my local shop does a loyalty pts and sells the allocated then for msrp. I got a magnus cigar blend and stag jr last year and a few others so i am happy with that arrangement.
I would love to get my hands on an old Forester birthday or president's choice. Those are my unicorn bottles. Btw David if you want any iron root, hit me up, I live 15 minutes from the distillery and typically see the harbinger cask, store picks etc in my area. Happy to pick a bottle up for you.
I’d be willing to trade an EH Taylor Small Batch as I was fortunate to be able to pick up an extra one. I also have a Michter’s 10 Year Bourbon and a Michter’s Barrel Strength Rye I would consider parting ways with.
I had some King of Kentucky 2019 release in Louisville in March and it has been hands down the best bourbon I’ve had. I know I’ll never find one but damn was it good!
Where do people find places to trade? I picked up an extra 2018 Parkers Heritage at HH this month and would totally trade it. Selling just feels....shady and bad.
Your list reaffirms my new outlook on bourbon: Learn to find enjoyment in the bottles that are readily available down at the VA ABC. Bourbon is only going to get harder to find at a good price. Anyways, we are all familiar with the law of diminishing returns. I have too many other priorities. Anyways David, the back-up stash to your back-up stash seems like a pretty sweet collection.
@@WhiskeyRow Thanks for the reply. To answer the question posed in the video: I would love to find a 2021 OF Birthday Bourbon at a somewhat decent price. My son was born last year, and I think that would be a really cool thing for us to share when he's an adult. Cheers, David and Jamie. Sorry if the comments to this video are a little more of a downer than usual. It's bleak out there for anyone looking for new, unique, or exclusive bottles at MSRP. Keep up the great content.
I could be careless. There are a lot of good Bottles (Whiskey and Bourbon) on the shelves lately. I just bought a Green Spot that I have not seen for over a year. Red Breast is back on the shelf too.
@@WhiskeyRow Or in NC or any other ABC state. But states with privately owned stores, yes. There's a dude near Myrtle Beach SC, he has an AMAZING museum-type collection on display next to his store, Old Forester birthday bourbon, all kinds of cool stuff.
they're not "allowed" to in VA, but I've been at stores when they say "we only got 4 bottles of blanton's" when it's delivered 6 in a case and it was all college age kids working at the store that day...
@@francisrizzo1529 Oh yeah, I know of certain stores in NC that play games like that even though they're not supposed to. The NC ABC is Laurel Park NC regularly gets allocated product and puts ZERO percent out for consumers. They've told me to my face that all allocated goes to the local country club.
Great video as always! all of these are on my list and if you think these bottles are hard to come by, try living in Ontario Canada where the LCBO controller all liquor sales so there's no independently owned liquor stores lol if you had to choose 1 Bourbon to sip neat for the rest of your existence ( price included) what would it be? cheers!
Hey David! Just getting into your videos and have watched a few dozen in the last week, great stuff man! I’m in fxbg and have had decent luck with the drops. Let me know if you ever want to make a trade!
Parker's Heritage 10yr Heavy Char, probably 2nd best bourbon I've tasted to date. GTS2020 best so far. Old Carter Bourbon, RR13, EHT Rye and the Willett Purple top
Remus repeal and John J Bowman Single Barrel are my two unicorns that I want. Otherwise I’m good. I don’t do the hunting or want anything allocated too bad as there is so much good bourbon out there instead.
I like the new Va allocated system. In the past it just ended up with the same six connected guys camping out front at 7 or 8am and most likely reselling them. He is spot on about the parking lot though, I got lucky and was 4th in line in Chantilly and by the time I left there was dozens of people sprinting through the lot, one of which I almost backed into. I think they should do as they are doing now with the drops but with no email or social media notice.
I’ve seen most of those and have access to most of those. However the secondary prices are unreal. Stagg jr399.99 George T 1200.00, E.H. Barrel proof 899.00, single barrel 350.00, all these allocated are 400+
@@BigBadJerryRogers I make 6fig+ However will not pay these prices for these bottles. I was just saying in my area, the stores that have these are charging those prices.
For a guy who has way more hard to find whiskey than 98% of us out here I think you are rubbing salt in the wound with this video. Its basically a hoarders and flippers list. Sure we would all love some or all of those you mentioned, but its an insiders game where a small percentage take home most of the highly desirable bottles. I understand the VABC system and while I don't live in VA I shop there occassionally. Its certainly limited. I watch your reviews often and most are very good with a lot of added insight but this one turned me off. Maybe this one was geared to the whiskey elite, that small percentage with most of the good stuff. If you want to help most of us keep focusing on what we can get and why its worth getting.
Hey Fishesdeep,, I think your idea of only the "elites" get all the good stuff while u can't get any is bullshit, it takes personal " EFFORT " to get the best, u have to get up off your ass and try. It took me trying every week for a year to finally find a bottle of Jack Daniels Sinatra Select. U gotta want it ,,, not bitch about it.
Was going to say something similar. The new ABC rules allow more people to get special bottles, rather than the same few people that either camp out in line for bottles or pay for insider information. Not saying the paying for info is going away, but it is certainly less impactful now that each person can only buy 1 bottle of limited/allocated bourbon per day. I personally love the new system, as I can actually get bottles that would be gone within minutes before - such as Eagle Rare.
It really is crazy how nuts things have gone. Eagle rare is almost as hard to get as Blantons is. I’m only 45, but I can remember when eagle rare sat on shelves dusty.
I like David a lot but I can see your point. The problem I have is with Patreon. I stopped watching Bourbon Junkies - they don't have to pay for shit and intentionally waste / spill whiskey all the time with stupid bottle flips. Talk about rubbing salt in the wound. You'd have to be an idiot to be giving those guys money at this point.
Hi David, my son who lives in Lexington sees most of the Four Gates all the time, send me an email if you still have it on which ones in particular….grabbed myself and another friend a couple bottles a couple weeks ago. Also, the Garrison Cowboy was on our shelf last week, here in Wilson, NC. Cheers
it would be interesting if you said your price points that you would pay for those. for instance i really want a WLW too. had a chance to get one for $600. was an easy pass.
In the History of Bourbon I'm not convinced anyone has even cruised into a local store front and perused the isles walking out with a GTS or WLW.. Any BTAC for that matter. We've got a crisis on our hands here folks!
I have a Willet purple top (15 year) that I’ve been waiting for a special occasion to open. If you want to join me for a drink I’d consider it a special occasion and give you a sample too. I’m in NoVa
William Larue Weller would be amazing to find. Do t have one of those :/ I’ve emailed you. I have a few of the ones you mentioned I’d like to send samples of . If I ever find a WLW I’ll let you know. I’m better off finding my father than I am that unicorn
It’s so odd to me how all of this works. Much of what’s sitting behind you I could never find. Yet EHT small batch and single barrel are everywhere here at retail and i have two WFP that I snagged at 49.99.
Sounds like you are upset you can't chase trucks anymore. Nice to let other guys get a chance at a bottle vs the same 20 guys following delivery drivers
Never tried that, but now it doesn't matter. All you had to do was get to your store on delivery day before other people... it wasn't rocket science just had to actually put in some effort
The new VA ABC system sounds like life here in Nashville. Not controlled like VA, but there’s no pattern-you’ve gotta catch the social media notice, drop everything (not possible with our schedule), rush over, and hope you make it in time. And stores definitely tip people off. It’s precisely why we don’t hunt and default to store loyalty to our local store that doesn’t play that game, and we may get offered to buy something from time to time due to that loyalty.
Hi Josh and Erin. Same when I go to Memphis. Have to know the owner as they hold everything for special patrons or do the social media thing! Hope you all are well.
Stayed in Fredericksburg this past week on a biz trip. Fahrenheit 132 downtown has Elmer T Lee for $20 a pour which isn’t too bad. You rarely see it Colorado….including restaurants and bars.
Remus Gatsby Reserve 15 year 2022 limited release is high on my list. I have found a picture, but little else.
I found a picture too! Man we can almost taste it!
This one is high on my list too.
your Stagg bottle is getting pretty low!
So If I understand you correctly, the best strategy is to buy an house and move directly next to a store that has a chance of getting it and then make sure someone of age is ALWAYS at home with cash in hand...right?
😂
Yes
Great list. GTS is my personal favorite and happy to have a 2019 bottle. A few that I don't have but have tried in a tavern and really like include Bomberger's, Heaven Hill 17, Handy, Double Eagle Rare, and OF BDay Bourbon. I do have the Blanton's SFTB, Four Roses 20 year Visitor Center, Stagg jr. and RVW among others. Just picked up couple bottles of Castle & Key and a Remus Repeal V that I look forward to cracking.
I’m trying to build up a variety of whiskey types so I can do comparisons. I picked up my first rye this weekend, Rittenhouse Bottle in Bond, and picked up a 4 Roses Small Batch. I’ve been keeping an eye out for an Angles Envy.
Try Sazerac, Willett, and Castle and Key SB.
The more expensive Four Roses just gets better as the price goes up. It's all spicy ish but as you spend more it levels out and the other flavorsome through.
The only thing I have on my list is StaggJr. I seem to just miss them every time the stores around me get them. I don’t want to pay the marked up price of $250-300 that some stores put on them.
I found a Stagg Jr. This weekend. I COULDN'T PASS IT UP. Spent my next 4 months Bourbon allowance on it. Waiting for my wedding anniversary to open and try.
Wow, I travel a lot and find all the hard to find bottles your looking for, Elmer, Van Winkle, Weller, they are all expensive tho!
Where I am is a completely different place than you, in terms of location, finances, and opportunities. I don't hunt; I can't afford to. All of the bottlings you mention are impossibilities for me.
What I appreciate and need are reviews that help me spend my few dollars on widely available whiskies where I get high value, not wish lists and rants. I know "the system" isn't fair; it never is.
Thank you for the useful information that you've provided to me and others. Keep up that good work.
It's hard to go wrong with OF10/20, WT RB/101, Russell's, KC9/12, CC100, etc... not too pricey and great picks. I've got some budget bourbon vids that have more options
Never bother with allocated. In blinds they never stick out so what is the point
while i generally agree, things have gotten to the point that rare breed is being allocated where i am (MD). this whole "hobby" has gone off the rails IMHO
Gonna have to disagree with you. I’ve done several blind battles and multiple bottle blinds and the allocated bottles routinely win. Typically, when they fall it’s to a really good barrel pick.
Both versions of Irnroot Harbinger are readily available near me. The bottle I am searching for is Widow Jane Decadence.
I actually like the new Va allocated system, it’s more fair than random bottle drops where store managers would notify their friends/relatives ahead of time which excluded the unconnected hunters like myself. Also Va still has the lottery system which has very low odds but I was able to buy a WLW a couple of years ago. I believe one of the reasons for the new system was to avoid the insider trading of the past.
I’m with you on the new Virginia distribution system. I hate it and I think my “hunting days” may be done. I’ll just have to settle for things I can find on the shelf that I like and if I’m lucky enough to find a special bottle, go with it. I pretty much knew all of the delivery days for the stores in my area and managed to build a decent collection. The new system will likely save me money!!!!!
I've known a few who have around here because of it. One even is selling off his collection and move to sipping tequila
Good information, new to bourbon. I will not stand for hours nor bum rush an ABC store for a bottle. I understand somewhat about supply and demand, but I also believe that in this day and time all things considered one should be able to pre-order a bottle, and ship to your state. No harm if the stock doesn't come, just cancel the transaction. Of course, I do understand that some will still be lottery to make it fair due to limited supplies.
Old Fitzgerald 15year is my favorite bib bourbon I’ve ever had. Blows every other release out of the water with the exception of the 17 year.
Price?
I have grabbed a few good bottles so far in the VA System. Grabbed EC Private Barrel which is what I wanted because folks were chasing after blantons.
I’d love to get a rare breed! I can’t even find that where I am in Canada
Just getting started in the hobby. My birthday is next Wednesday on the 18th. My wife got me a Joseph Magnus Cigar Blend, a Willet Noah's Mill, a Willet Rowan's Creek, a Calumet Farms 15 Year, an Ironroot Harbinger and a Hennry McKenna 10 Year Reserve. So many to get and try. Thank you for All you and your wife do for the bourbon community. I've learned so much from you and appreciate your contribution.
Thank you so much and wow, what a wife!
Good for you. Keep in mind that you will probably fall into the rabbit hole like most people and think you need to chase and try every pricey and hard to find bottle out there. Try to avoid it. It is diminishing returns to say the least. I remember someone once took an average decent 86 proof whiskey, added ethanol, had a few friends try it and they raved about it's complex and intense flavors, it's richness and notes of sweet goodness. A true whiskey consumer is one that can enjoy a good quality 86 to 92 proof bottle, sip it for a while and savor it's flavors. A rookie is the one chasing heat, scarcity, limited releases, mostly to brag, (just watch youtube videos to witness it.) How many pours from a 131 proof can you consume? Maybe 3 and you're in the bag, but a lower proof, you can socially sip those. Learn about them, but if you truly become a fan of whiskey, you should eventually settle for the sippers that are on every shelf across the country for less than 30 bucks.
For some reason I can get most of the bottles you mentioned ,but the only real problem is the price ,its usually 3 times retail or secondary priced or worse, so I know your pain . there's a store around hear that has a lottery of any special bottle , to get a ticket you need to spend over a hundred dollars on bourbon, witch is fine, then if you get tickets and you win you have to buy the bottle or bottles at over 3 times retail, so you never get a break. Nothing like taking advantage of you customer base for profit, lets see what happens when the bourbon craze comes to an end.
God I can't wait. Let the pricing continue to get out of hand, and it will happen sooner than you think.
It can't happen until the supply meets the demand. The demand is never going to end.
Totally agree on Old Forster 100!
Old Forestor Birthday Bourbon
Some distributors will cut your store off for a period of time if they find out you're holding bottles for friends. It happened to a clerk I knew. He put some Weller away for a friend and then the friend, like a complete idiot, bragged about it on social media.
There is a store in my town and the guy has 3-4 bottles of almost everything you’re talking about but the prices are outrages! The locals here refer to his place as a museum!
David, love your channel buddy but those of us in non-abc states don't feel bad for you guys lol. We don't get notifications. We don't have controlled prices for when bottles are on the shelf so they're often ridiculously marked up. We also don't get any inventory online so we never know what is where or when it will be there if ever.
Nailed it. New ABC rules are supposed to be "fair" but reward the same people with advance information (from a manager or from a friend in the distribution system) or those few that live/work within 1/4 mile of a store. BTW, NO Michters10 this year!
Thanks for the insight on what you would look for. Being in Fredburg VA I love the new limited release process. Scored a few this past Friday. Very Old Barton and Eagle Rare. Can't go wrong. Thx again!
Holy crap, they have Very Old Barton as a “Limited / Allocated” release in VA!? That is a freaking joke.
Very Old Barton is allocated in VA?? That’s pretty bottom shelf here in Texas.
@@beginningbourbon7385 Yep pretty lame!
This is a great video to tell us new-ish folks what to chase! Doesn't help the price at allllll but we're all hunting these now too! Haha. Good luck and keep the video coming. Cheers
It sounds like Virginia is trying to do the right thing. Letting "hunters" get a hold of all the allocated bottles to then flip on secondary is a sorry state of affairs. So unless all stores move to some sort of "no purchase necessary" raffle I think trying to make it a true crap shoot at least has merit. In Illinois store owners do whatever they like so unless you spend $20k per year so you get on the store owners' short list you are almost better finding the stores that sell allocated a between MSRP and secondary rather than wasting money and time trying to build a relationship with a store when you will never be a "big" fish.
Eric that is what happens here the hunters are looking for the bottles to then take into DC and flip to the lobbyist who will pay anything for an allocated bottle.
I'd rather a true lottery all around. With the system as is you have to either live right next to a store, be best buds with a manager, or pure lucky. I'd be more okay if the store managers had no notice either, but as it is they get a short heads up and can tip off their friends
David I was lucky to get the ORVW 10 and my daughter the VW12 in the VA lottery. Crazy lucky. I agree with crazy way ABC is handling things. Just missed an Angels Envy Cask strength Sat. I have a WFP unopened as well. We should get together and have a tasting. I am in Leesburg!
Oh wow, next meet up you should come!!!
@@WhiskeyRow David have you had Redbreast 15?
i get a few allocated each year as my local shop does a loyalty pts and sells the allocated then for msrp. I got a magnus cigar blend and stag jr last year and a few others so i am happy with that arrangement.
I live about an hour from Ironroot. I have a Harbinger barrel pick and 3 Ironroot limited releases. If you're interested in samples let me know.
I would love to get my hands on an old Forester birthday or president's choice. Those are my unicorn bottles.
Btw David if you want any iron root, hit me up, I live 15 minutes from the distillery and typically see the harbinger cask, store picks etc in my area. Happy to pick a bottle up for you.
Thank you, got several offers so that may get purchased fast
I’d be willing to trade an EH Taylor Small Batch as I was fortunate to be able to pick up an extra one. I also have a Michter’s 10 Year Bourbon and a Michter’s Barrel Strength Rye I would consider parting ways with.
Interested in the Michter's 10. I really liked the Bomberger's when I tried it.
I had some King of Kentucky 2019 release in Louisville in March and it has been hands down the best bourbon I’ve had. I know I’ll never find one but damn was it good!
With you on this. Best bottle I’ve had and I put it up against pappy 15 and Taylor Warehouse C. It ran away with the win.
Eagle Rare 17 is the one I most want, and have for a while. After that, the EC18, Michter's 10year, and Magnus Cigar Blend.
Where do people find places to trade? I picked up an extra 2018 Parkers Heritage at HH this month and would totally trade it. Selling just feels....shady and bad.
same here. I never sell, only trade
The allocated bourbon games has pushed me to Irish as of late.
Your list reaffirms my new outlook on bourbon: Learn to find enjoyment in the bottles that are readily available down at the VA ABC. Bourbon is only going to get harder to find at a good price. Anyways, we are all familiar with the law of diminishing returns. I have too many other priorities. Anyways David, the back-up stash to your back-up stash seems like a pretty sweet collection.
Truly a first world problem 😂😂 that said, in having a UA-cam channel my bourbon goals and needs are greater than most
@@WhiskeyRow Thanks for the reply. To answer the question posed in the video: I would love to find a 2021 OF Birthday Bourbon at a somewhat decent price. My son was born last year, and I think that would be a really cool thing for us to share when he's an adult. Cheers, David and Jamie. Sorry if the comments to this video are a little more of a downer than usual. It's bleak out there for anyone looking for new, unique, or exclusive bottles at MSRP. Keep up the great content.
I could be careless. There are a lot of good Bottles (Whiskey and Bourbon) on the shelves lately. I just bought a Green Spot that I have not seen for over a year. Red Breast is back on the shelf too.
That GTS 2020 is 🔥🔥🙌🙌
Question: Can a store owner buy or order allocated whiskey or bourbon and keep it for themselves?
Absolutely.
Not in Virginia
@@WhiskeyRow Or in NC or any other ABC state.
But states with privately owned stores, yes. There's a dude near Myrtle Beach SC, he has an AMAZING museum-type collection on display next to his store, Old Forester birthday bourbon, all kinds of cool stuff.
they're not "allowed" to in VA, but I've been at stores when they say "we only got 4 bottles of blanton's" when it's delivered 6 in a case and it was all college age kids working at the store that day...
@@francisrizzo1529 Oh yeah, I know of certain stores in NC that play games like that even though they're not supposed to.
The NC ABC is Laurel Park NC regularly gets allocated product and puts ZERO percent out for consumers. They've told me to my face that all allocated goes to the local country club.
I am pretty simple, I don't search for anything, but the one bottle I would like to find is Knob Creek 12.
I'm in the UK so if I could even get the 1920 Old Forester you mentioned at the end I would be overjoyed.
That is just brutal!
Great video as always! all of these are on my list and if you think these bottles are hard to come by, try living in Ontario Canada where the LCBO controller all liquor sales so there's no independently owned liquor stores lol if you had to choose 1 Bourbon to sip neat for the rest of your existence ( price included) what would it be? cheers!
William Larue Weller
Birthday Bourbon
Rock hill farms
Purple top. These are my top 4 I wish I can get
Hey David! Just getting into your videos and have watched a few dozen in the last week, great stuff man! I’m in fxbg and have had decent luck with the drops. Let me know if you ever want to make a trade!
Have you had the full proof Weller yet?
I know most of your content is regarding bourbons, but have you tried any of the Whistle Pig varieties? They have some pretty amazing rye whiskies!
Being an extreme introvert with ptsd I’m screwed on the allocated stuff lol
It's not a special bottle but have you had Early Times BiB? It's the best sub 30 bottle I've ever had. In a blind it competes with EHT SmB
I like that one a lot and a great value for sure!
Parker's Heritage 10yr Heavy Char, probably 2nd best bourbon I've tasted to date. GTS2020 best so far. Old Carter Bourbon, RR13, EHT Rye and the Willett Purple top
Great list
old forester birthday on the top of my list...that and any Taylor.
I'm looking for Elmer T Lee
I got SUPER LUCKY in March and won a raffle for an ETL at a NC ABC. $39.95 🥃
Try lighthouse wine & spirts. Weller full proof.
Thanks for the tip!
The Remus repeal I think you forgot and the old forester birthday bourbon
Would love another bottle of new riff malted rye, also woodford reserve batch proof, really wanna try that one
Remus repeal and John J Bowman Single Barrel are my two unicorns that I want. Otherwise I’m good. I don’t do the hunting or want anything allocated too bad as there is so much good bourbon out there instead.
I like the new Va allocated system. In the past it just ended up with the same six connected guys camping out front at 7 or 8am and most likely reselling them. He is spot on about the parking lot though, I got lucky and was 4th in line in Chantilly and by the time I left there was dozens of people sprinting through the lot, one of which I almost backed into. I think they should do as they are doing now with the drops but with no email or social media notice.
i got lucky this year and scored a bottle of 21 WLW through the VA lotto system. i agree the new VA distribution system SUCKS.
I'm looking forward to the EHT BP rye
I’ve seen most of those and have access to most of those. However the secondary prices are unreal. Stagg jr399.99 George T 1200.00, E.H. Barrel proof 899.00, single barrel 350.00, all these allocated are 400+
Insane. You better be making at least six figures to be drinking that fancy
@@BigBadJerryRogers I make 6fig+ However will not pay these prices for these bottles. I was just saying in my area, the stores that have these are charging those prices.
That is insane
At least you had 2020/2021 impressive grabs 🥃🍾😀👍
I can't complain about the last couple years for sure, luckier than most
For a guy who has way more hard to find whiskey than 98% of us out here I think you are rubbing salt in the wound with this video. Its basically a hoarders and flippers list. Sure we would all love some or all of those you mentioned, but its an insiders game where a small percentage take home most of the highly desirable bottles. I understand the VABC system and while I don't live in VA I shop there occassionally. Its certainly limited. I watch your reviews often and most are very good with a lot of added insight but this one turned me off. Maybe this one was geared to the whiskey elite, that small percentage with most of the good stuff. If you want to help most of us keep focusing on what we can get and why its worth getting.
Hey Fishesdeep,, I think your idea of only the "elites" get all the good stuff while u can't get any is bullshit, it takes personal " EFFORT " to get the best, u have to get up off your ass and try. It took me trying every week for a year to finally find a bottle of Jack Daniels Sinatra Select. U gotta want it ,,, not bitch about it.
Came here to say this. I just want to find a Russell’s pick.
Was going to say something similar. The new ABC rules allow more people to get special bottles, rather than the same few people that either camp out in line for bottles or pay for insider information. Not saying the paying for info is going away, but it is certainly less impactful now that each person can only buy 1 bottle of limited/allocated bourbon per day. I personally love the new system, as I can actually get bottles that would be gone within minutes before - such as Eagle Rare.
It really is crazy how nuts things have gone. Eagle rare is almost as hard to get as Blantons is. I’m only 45, but I can remember when eagle rare sat on shelves dusty.
I like David a lot but I can see your point.
The problem I have is with Patreon. I stopped watching Bourbon Junkies - they don't have to pay for shit and intentionally waste / spill whiskey all the time with stupid bottle flips. Talk about rubbing salt in the wound.
You'd have to be an idiot to be giving those guys money at this point.
I am not a fan of the new system for Va ABC...On the up side I did get A122 last week...Cheers...
Hi David, my son who lives in Lexington sees most of the Four Gates all the time, send me an email if you still have it on which ones in particular….grabbed myself and another friend a couple bottles a couple weeks ago. Also, the Garrison Cowboy was on our shelf last week, here in Wilson, NC. Cheers
I picked up a Iron Root Harbinger a few weeks ago…interesting bourbon.
David do you guys have that glass for sale on the website?
Yes! Whiskeyrow.shop
Four Roses special bottle, Yellowstone 115 proof or any special bottle
This was such a funny video, i'm looking for the same thing your looking for:) Four roses limited edition would be great
I got bottle George t stagg it was a 2021 stagg jr last edition that they said didn't make stagg cut. So it's a middle ground.
Hope you check out the new Jack Daniels Bonded and Triple Mash good price they are 700 ml bottles.
Loved the JD BiB and just got a bonded, but haven't tried it yet
Hey that's my list too
😂😂😂
single barrel Devil's River rocks
Cream of Kentucky, Handy, or more Little Book among some others.
I hope the ABC system here in NC doesn't turn stupid and copy VA 😐
Mine would be a stagg jr
Got SUPER LUCKY in December with a NC ABC lottery. Got one for $49.95 🥃
I have a Michters special release barrel proof rye.
it would be interesting if you said your price points that you would pay for those. for instance i really want a WLW too. had a chance to get one for $600. was an easy pass.
Love to have one of those as well but it's been cost prohibitive anywhere I could find it
I have 6 kids so true secondary is just not possible for me
I’m in Richmond. I’ve got some of your ISOs if you ever want a sample to review on your channel. Let me know!
There is elijah craig 18 is sitting in store here in my pa store. Let me know I can grab you one.i got one still haven't opened.
Appreciate the offer, but just spent all the money in SC lol
Have you ever tried the lottery that VaABC does? I signed up for Mays.
I sign up for almost every one lol. I even won once
David, I have a sazerac rye and a JD single barrel barrel proof to trade if you are interested?
In the History of Bourbon I'm not convinced anyone has even cruised into a local store front and perused the isles walking out with a GTS or WLW.. Any BTAC for that matter. We've got a crisis on our hands here folks!
Weller Antique 107
I think hunting is as fun as finding a bottle
I use to think that too...
“…not necessarily the ones you should look for, but ones I’m looking for…” There’s none left after that list!!! Hahaha
I would love to get my hands on a Blanton's SFTB, Stagg JR, or EHT Barrel Proof.
Have the EHT small batch and the SB but sadly not the BP.
@@markrutherford6139 only EHT I've had is the SmB. Got me 2 bottles from Buffalo Trace when I visited
I have a Willet purple top (15 year) that I’ve been waiting for a special occasion to open. If you want to join me for a drink I’d consider it a special occasion and give you a sample too. I’m in NoVa
Oh wow, that is a bottle for sure!
Should’ve ranked them
Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Decades
A great choice!!!
Have never seen one in my travels, 11 states, 300+ stores 😐
William Larue Weller would be amazing to find. Do t have one of those :/
I’ve emailed you. I have a few of the ones you mentioned I’d like to send samples of . If I ever find a WLW I’ll let you know. I’m better off finding my father than I am that unicorn
I'll check my email... way behind
It’s so odd to me how all of this works. Much of what’s sitting behind you I could never find. Yet EHT small batch and single barrel are everywhere here at retail and i have two WFP that I snagged at 49.99.
For sure, alcohol distribution is crazy
EHT Warehouse C!
That is a dream bottle for sure
4 Gates sit on a shelf down here in GA. Happy to be your buy, pm me
Sounds like you are upset you can't chase trucks anymore. Nice to let other guys get a chance at a bottle vs the same 20 guys following delivery drivers
Never tried that, but now it doesn't matter. All you had to do was get to your store on delivery day before other people... it wasn't rocket science just had to actually put in some effort
I get your perspective.
The problem is we’re all looking for the same stuff. The solution is simple: Everyone stop looking except me. :)
Wooo
Hey bro, I can help you get what you need from Knoxville TN, retail plus shipping. Let me know.
Wow, all of that and no J.M. Cigar Blend?? 🤦🏻♂️
Still haven't found one
@@WhiskeyRow top 3 best for me
Sounds like you have 20k to drop on bourbon
Nope, I can't pay true secondary... too many kids 😂😂