This is good stuff. I am a stickler. I don’t buy bourbons just “to try it out”. I do lots of research, and if I am not simply buying an existing personal favorite, I am looking for new favorites, so I read lots of tasting notes and lots of reviews, and buy fairly carefully. High priced 2 year bourbons, port finished whiskies, tater traps and super expensive blended bourbons I generally stay away from out of principle. I want pure crafted stuff. I end up having a lot less to choose from as a result, but that’s okay. I still have a list of about 40 bottles that are on my radar to eventually pick up over time.
I needed this 2 years ago, great information. Each palate and wallet is different but this will help me with my due diligence in the future. Excellent episode.
Just found your channel for the first time. I thought your video was reasonably informative and entertaining. However, I really appreciate your signoff and I wish more people out there took this approach to others' feelings. Well done.
2:23 I knew the slang term "juice" for whiskey *years* before I began drinking whisky. I know some people don't like it, but a lot of those same people say "dram" or "pour" when they mean whisky. As far as I'm concerned it's a matter of personal preference. 5:32 I tried that, and all I got was reviews. Of course some might include the MSRP, but none of the results actually were the MSRP.
Hello Randy, I am a store owner in a control state. Here are my facts. We'll take Knob Creek 100 750 ml as an example. Googled msrp and from what i could tell it varied slightly from $21.99 to 28. Funny thing. My cost from the state on this bottle is $29.50. So right away we have problem. I know you'll say it varies from state to state, but the point is I believe you are misrepresenting independent stores and coloring them in a very bad light. You aren't the only one. Most whiskey youtuber's also do this. My question to you is this. What percent mark-up do you think is fair to charge the consumer? Thank you for mostly good information. I do enjoy when you talk about most things outside of the price gouging conversations. And i really want to try some of your Prideful Goat products, I hear they are really tasty.
I like a store to keep their margin around 25%. Anything above 30% I think is too much. When we talk about MSRP I need to be more specific and state MSRP for your state. Different states have different tax structures, which becomes part of the "laid in costs" that affect the final product on the shelf. We have really low excise taxes on liquor in Texas where I live, so we have low MSRP. Washington state has really high taxes, so their MSRP pricing is way above Texas. The point I want to make is that you should not avoid a store for their prices simply because taxes are higher. You should avoid a store that is charging a secondary market price for a product simply because they can. We talked with Wyoming about bringing in The Prideful Goat, but they only wanted a couple of cases at a time, and it is cost prohibitive for us to try to sustain that. One day we will go after control states.
Often, these lists are somewhat useless because they are geared toward only a connoisseur who might snob at low proof or low age and also is typically very subjective. This was WAY more useful, as it wasn't about specific bottles, but how to look out for bad buys. For instance, for a while Makers Mark has been on my list of bottles to get. I wanted a standard 46, but have heard 46 cask strength is great too. Using the tip from the video, the suggestion to just look at the basic math, they're selling the cask strength 46 for about 80% more than the regular, but the proof is only about 18% higher proof. (94 vs 111ish) The fact that they've slapped the "Limited" label on all their 46 Cask Strengths should be a giveaway already (tater rule could apply), but they are basically way overcharging for it. BUT if it's that much better, might be worth it, and it's understandable that for special production they might have to charge a bit extra since it costs more to divert resources to that, make different labels, etc. And if people do keep buying despite the higher price, maybe it will be considered more permanent, maybe they can produce it for less. (Though, hard to imagine them dropping the price because of higher demand) But I like that you really don't ever say "You'd be stupid to ever buy anything that is X Y OR Z" But rather you give these as guidelines to consider. Thanks for the insight and the video!
Great video. 1 thing I would like to mention is the retail stores. If you are lucky enough to live in a state that has liquor control laws the retails can not raise the price. there are many. Ohio is one, I live on the border in Kentucky and the local Party Source jacks the prices up and plays games on when they put certain bottles out (most of their friends get them) sad. I travel around alot for work and have filled my collection at very close to msrp because of these states. 1 recent example is a bottle of George T Stagg for $95 in New Hampshire. I also buy in Maine, I get Buffalo Trace there for $26 and my local Party Source charges $40 and plays a game with it.
This subject comes up frequently. The only downsides are supply and state officials unethically reserving bottles. Oregon and Virginia both have investigations going on right now. It is great to get it at a good price, but if there is nothing you can do to increase your odds and supply is lower than in some other states that can be a downside too.
Curious...I have heard, Buffalo Trace sends their Juice to Virginia, and then the Bowman distillery runs it again, ages it and then bottles it. Calling it a Virginia whiskey. I dont know how true that is, but I would like to know if its true. because the John J Bowman Single barrel is my number one drinker right now.
I feel ya! However; when I get allocated bourbons for the liquor store I’m told there isn’t enough to send everyone a case, so we get two bottles. Well, the single bottle price is higher than the case cost- plus there is a bottle charge! We pay pay almost retail for them to begin with. Our Blantons run 79.99… and we are not gouging, but it is over MSRP.
Exactly, even non allocated stuff is going to cost a little more in my store than it does in a wal mart or total wine because of how much they buy! We price stuff at a fair markup that allows us to stay in business. The narrative here makes it seem like we have total control and are raising prices out of greed. I will listen to the podcast though to see what else is talked about. Big fan of the channel and your content though!
Here in NorCal I've never seen a Blantons under $150 or a Stagg Jr under $250 I would happily take JUST a 50% markup on these bottles. It's getting ridiculous out here
Juice is a term used by industry professionals in reference to sourced whiskey. The people you respect in the industry use the term. I don't talk shit about brands. I also don't tell people what should tastes good to them. If I tell you what not to do it isn't going to be me telling you to dislike what I dislike. It is going to be me educating you to think for yourself.
It took me about 2 years to finally get my first bottle of Blanton’s because I refused to buy it from the store where it was $129. In those 2 years I drank a lot of really good stuff because I talked to the staff at the stores when I was stopping in. They had a lot of great people with a lot of really good recommendations. I love the whiskey community.
My local store (Virginia ABC. In Virginia every liquor store owned by state) have relatively dumb people who have no idea what they are selling. No matter how many times I asked questions they couldn’t give any reasonable information and their advice was always awful
I think my wife and I got lucky and stumbled upon Buffalo trace while on a nursing assignment in Lexington and our 2nd bourbon purchased was actually blantons and we were bummed that day it wasn’t Eagle rare. Got it for around $60 a bottle.
As a relatively new person in the serious Bourbon world, I appreciate this. By serious I mean looking into different distilleries, learning about the notes and more.
By the time the last batch came out, the 15 year was very popular. The distillery raised the price a bit, but our wholesaler bumped the price beyond our expectations, so the states that still have them that is the actual retail price.
It is required and it was on the back label. The problem it had not become public knowledge that SAOS has switched who they were buying barrels from, and I had a friend pick it up for me, so no one checked until it was too late.
I recently found a liquor store that marks up the hard to find bottles, but only about $10-20. It keeps the selection looking good because people are reluctant to go in there and buy a case at a time, but you can get something you might not be able to find elsewhere without paying anything close to secondary prices. I'm okay with that.
I have seen this today!! I found a bottle of Buffalo trace at $32.98. MRSP, I believe, but online, I saw it going for $50 + . Yes, I bought the bottle, lol it's almost impossible to find where I live.
@Bourbon Real Talk yes it's very hard to find here, lol . I only found it because it was in the middle of the day, and I saw the delivery truck pull away as I came down the street! Lol, I didn't even go in to look for it, I went in to see if they had any Knob Creek. They had it behind the counter!
There are still plenty of stores who do not mark up. You just have to do the research to find them, because they don't advertise they have the bottles. They hid them and use them to reward profitable behavior.
@@BourbonRealTalk so far I have not found those stores. My favorite store knows me, and while they mark bourbon up less than others (for example $40 for Buffalo Trace when they have it, whereas other local stores charge $60) they still mark it up. I look forward to finding one of those stores in my area.
I recorded this a while ago, but I am pretty sure I didn't say anything that would preclude you from being a whiskey enthusiasts if you like those two brands since I like them both too.
In Oregon all liquor goes through the state run liquor control commission they set the price the retailer does not get to he is allowed to make so much per bottle and that's all he gets and again The liquor control commission sets the price that's a straight run agency 🤠
I have a lot of viewers who like their state run stores because prices are good, but a lot that hate it because the selection is not always the best. I guess you win some and lose some.
In Oregon you have no choice wish you did but that's the way they do it you are in The liquor control commission is got a choke hold on that it's unfortunate 🤠😎
@@BourbonRealTalk my dad was a small town commercial printer and I used to proof read for him, so that sort of thing jumps out at me. I should have mentioned what great content the video held, though!
Thanks for sharing the story of your brother. Real talk indeed. Your a good person Randy...We need more of you in this world. Cheers to you and your family and wish you continued wisdom and gratitude.
I think they are their own worst enemy. I think it will all work itself out in the end. When inventory levels go up in the next 4-6 years those stores will not have the droves of buyers that the MSRP stores do...and then they will regret it.
I refuse to pay over MSRP for any of them. I've been fortunate to find a few allocated things here and there and pay the normal price. Earlier this year I found Weller Special Reserve at BevMo for $26 and was happy with that. I was more excited about finding it than I was the actual taste of it. it was good but I have no idea why someone would pay the secondary price for it. I'm so glad I found your channel as I'm learning a lot.
Congrats on the find. The thrill of the hunt is part of the fun. Just don't let the hype negatively impact the experience. The margin of level of enjoyability between well made bourbons is small, and does not justify the hype differences between brands. I look at hype not as an indicator of enjoyability, but as a tool to increase the quality of the interactions I have with people I am sharing a pour with. If they have wanted it but can't find it, the connection we feel when we drink it together is better. That is why I seek overhyped bottles. Thank you for watching the channel.
That is what is known as a "tater stiker". Whiskey clubs who partner with retail stores to release single barrels to their members often make an aftermarket sticker to commemorate the bottle. The first time we picked a 1792 we got to a us a "whiskey thief" to get our barrel samples out. We turned that into a sticker where Hamburgerler was using a whiskey thief. After that we decided to make all our 1792 single barrels fast food themed. That one we called Bourbon King instead of bourbon king. We give the stickers away for free and most of the people put them on the back of the bottle.
Spot-on advice about NDP’s, but personally, I don’t have patience for them when there are so many more whiskies on the shelf that I like better with tastes and prices I like better.
Straight means 2+ years. BiB means 4+, but there is a separate law in the US than anything label as "Whiskey" that does not have an age must be 4+ years. So if a whiskey is produced in the US of any type, and it does not have an age statement, it means it must be 4+ years old. I also believed as you do...until I embarrassed the shit out of myself at a party infront of a bunch of people when I argued with Robert Likarish from Ironroot. We made a bet, I lost, and had to give him a 2 oz sample of EHTBP.
@@BourbonRealTalk wow, interesting, and great factoid that probably a lot of people don’t know... so don’t feel too bad! Thanks for the helpful response!
Love the list videos. I have been building a whiskey collection for about five years but I still learn something new from many of your videos. My state is a control state with ABC stores so most of what I see is MSRP. My general rule of thumb outside of that is I’m normally willing to go about 10% above MSRP and I’d go another 10% if it’s a barrel pick to support the store (or whoever picked the barrel). There are exceptions to every rule (if I saw a GTS for $150 I would NOT turn it down) but that’s typically what I expect to pay when I walk in a store and walk out with nothing when I see gouging. I definitely have tater impulses tho. Put a good sticker on the back and I’ll make poor decisions 9 times out of 10 😂
Sounds like a good strategy. SSW does a lot of single barrels, and most of them have a sticker. I guess because I have no eye for design I have never felt the urge to buy a bottle because of a sticker. Thanks for supporting the channel.
I totally agree with you on all of these but 1 comment, it is hard to avoid stores that charge above retail where I am. They all do it. You will have to buy from grocery stores here to avoid a mark-up but the grocery stores do not get the up level versions nor brands. Great video.
It is OK to pay above MSRP if you are experienced and know the premium you are paying, and also aware of what the secondary shipped to your house price is. I bought a bottle last week from a price gouge retailer at 8X MSRP, but 40% of secondary...so it was a relative deal.
Holy shit bro!!! Sick burn!!! I bet you slay at the comedy club. My advice is for newer people who don't necessarily know what they are buying. I buy all the over priced/hyped stuff I can find so the thousands of people I have over to my house from the whiskey club I admin Someone Say Whiskey can try it for themselves and decide if it is worth it for them. I have the money to burn. I don't want a new person getting into whiskey to feel taken advantage of and lose interest.
@@whodey59 Also, My rule was about a bottle that is $35 being sold for $115 because it was finished. You can not run the calculation on AE because they are ALL finished. The one you see was a single barrel from out of town that came recommended from a friend. My wife loves AE rye so I bought it for her. I didn't say don't buy finished whiskey that cost more than a cheap shelf bottle. I said don't buy special releases of finished whiskey that the addition cost above the regular product is not justified by the finishing process...which as I mentioned does not apply to AE.
@@BadWeatherfreak I spend about 70% of my time admining the Facebook based whiskey club Someone Say Whiskey and producing the podcast. This causes me to meet new customers for my real estate business and find investment opportunities and investors for my funding company. So I am a residential real estate agent and I also run a fund that is kind of like hard money lending. Most Realtors spend about 70% of their time looking for new clients. I just invest that time in whiskey and find just as many new customers by accident. I also used to process BRT Merch orders, but that is Lindsey's job now.
At $10 a year rule of thumb is spot on. I saw a single barrel in Michigan of Nulu bourbon finished in a honey barrels for $200. It was like five year MGP bourbon.
Avoid over priced high age statements - Looking at you Orphan Barrel Avoid over priced finished bourbons - Looking at you Jefferson's Avoid overpriced barrel proof bourbons - Looking at you Angel's Envy
i don't think the secondary market for whiskey is a black market. sure it is illegal but it is bourbon collectors and enthusiasts who participate. it isn't racketeering
Good stuff! One celebrity line I think is actually great would be Heavens Door in collab with Bob Dylan. For about $70, they’ve got some cool releases that taste great
Never avoid smoke wagon. They disclose! I don't want people to buy whiskey companies who are trying to trick the public into believing they are something they are not.
If you’re new, never pay more than $40-$60 + tax for a bottle. Learn which distilleries make products and go one at a time through each distillery. If you like a distillery’s flavor profile, try a more expensive product from them. If not, save your money. NDPs can be good but first know who produced it before you buy it.
RE: Willets Pot Still and labeling. I've had it. It's OK. I didn't buy it because of the bottle shape, but I bought it because I love Irish whiskey made in a pot still. It has a richness I enjoy and I enjoy bourbon, so I wondered what this one would taste like. The thing is when I read the label, a few years ago, it never specifically stated the juice in the bottle was distilled in a single pot still. It raves about the virtues of such a whiskey, but it doesn't take the plunge and say "This is whiskey is made in a pot still" or "You will enjoy the rich flavor of this pot still whiskey." Maybe it is, and the problem is that the person writing the information on the label isn't real good at what he or she does. Or maybe that person is a real good writer leading the consumer to draw a false conclusion. It doesn't taste like I had expected. And since it's been years, maybe the label has changed. Label reading is as important as you say it is, but then so is label writing.
It is widely accepted that KBD (maker's of WPS) use pot still distillation to make WPS. I think sometimes marketing people are tasted to write a label, but don't understand the nuance that enthusiasts do. Cheers!
A lot of great nuggets here. The gimmick/mimic bottles I definitely stay away from. Point 10 is very true. I know of some guys that got caught up in the hunt and fomo that have bottles they never tasted. They got their prize but it will just sit on the shelf.
My name is Victor I like any think smooth I been buying whiskey specially smoothest my question is what do you think about Flavian co please answer my question
Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts! It's always a good idea to try before you buy, especially when it comes to pricey bottles. Have you tried any other highly sought-after bourbons that you would recommend?
I have enjoyed them. I have not owned one but have had the chance to try them at bottle shares. I think the quality price ratio might be off for me to invest in a bottle, but they are solid pours based on memory.
I’ve recently found your channel and truly enjoy watching your videos. I have very many hard to find bottles and like you, I open them all because I just need to know how it tastes. Don’t laugh but my favorite is still Jack Daniel’s no. 7. Last year I visited Cascade Hollow and Big Machine Distillery as I was driving to visit my parents in St. Louis. I have stage IV cancer I got from environmental exposures in Afghanistan and in Jan. 2016 was told I have 6 months to live. I’m still here and still doing IV treatments monthly and there is one bottle I need to find before I die. Jack Daniel’s 10 year. I found one locally here in Port Charlotte and he is gouging and asking $400, which I refuse to pay. I would like to ask you, if I were to hit the road in search of a Jack 10 this year should I go in October or November?
TBH I didn't get one, so I am unsure. The original press release said it would be an annual release, and it came out one year ago in Sept 2021. It stands to reason that it will hit the shelves again soon. Any stores that still have a 2021 bottle likely have not sold it because it is overpriced. I looked online and there are a number of online retailers selling around $250. If you want to find one in the wild for MSRP I would recommend you join facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity and post in there. Ask the members who got a bottle. When you find them ask how common it was in their market. This will help you figure out which areas got good distribution. Then ask people to let you know when it pops back into their market, and you will know where to hunt. Hope this helps.
@@BourbonRealTalk Thanks for the reply and information. I appreciate it. I’ll try what you suggested. Keep up the great work and I look forward to more amazing videos.
I had been drinking, but I don't think I was drunk. What makes you think I was drunk? Was it my cadence? I recorded 4 episodes that day and had roughly 2 hours worth of dialog memorized. Maybe I was thinking too much? Appreciate the feedback.
Thanks this was a really good insight video. I guess what I dont like about the secondary market is when it comes to select releases. I live in an area where we just don't get a select releases; for instance the newly released Wild Turkey Masters Keep One. Relased about $180, but I won't be able to see it until it hits the secondary market at twice the cost. There are some other really good less expensive whiskey available to me though.
I always find it interesting how rare bottles get distributed in such an uneven manor. Luckily in Dallas we get a little of everything, but there are so many people hunting that I have given up on finding anything great in the wild.
I’m cool with stores that sell for a little bit over msrp but now i’m actively avoiding the few places around here that have crazy prices and I generally still get allocated just fine at or near msrp for most bourbons.
I agree. There is a point somewhere between MSRP and Secondary value that I think it crosses over the line of good capitalism and move into the category of greed. I think stores charging over secondary should loose their license.
Great point on #9!!! I got burned bad on Instagram regarding this unregulated secondary market. Learned a hard lesson. basically, if it's not on a shelf of a retailer, not every buying it...period! Good Stuff Randy!
Just bought Hirsch single barrel and saw your video here. It’s a Willits mash bill. But don’t know how to tell which Willits to know if it’s just a marked up version.
@@BourbonRealTalk Thanks! Like your videos and will keep watching to learn. Saw a few negative reviews on the brand after I got home. But no rush to crack it open and find out. Buying more than I can drink at this point.
Mixing rum and bourbon can indeed create interesting flavor combinations, and some distilleries even produce whiskey finished in rum casks. It's a fun way to experiment with different taste profiles and add depth to your whiskey experience. However, it's important to note that "rum finished bourbon" typically refers to a specific maturation process where bourbon spends some time aging in ex-rum barrels, rather than simply mixing the two spirits together. Have you tried any bourbon finished in rum casks or experimented with other types of whiskey finishes? I'm curious to know your thoughts on different flavor combinations and maturation techniques. Cheers!
Great tips here! Agree about avoiding to pay secondary on bottles you’ve never tasted. I will admit that I experienced FOMO and purchased some expensive bottles without sampling… my biggest regret there wasn’t that I didn’t enjoy it, but that it wasn’t NEARLY worth the price I paid. Almost all bottles on secondary aren’t worth the price tag, especially with expensive bottles mostly coming from Buffalo Trace. I agree it’s all about community, and I love sharing samples with local enthusiasts. I’ve been able to try some samples and decide whether or not I want to purchase them, and I’ve also been introduced to some whiskey I’ve never heard of and completely fell in love. Hopefully things level out and everyone gets to enjoy all the great whiskey, at more reasonable costs. Thanks for the great video! Cheers
It will happen eventually! In the mean time the community will provide opportunities for everyone to try something interesting that the taster could not find on their own.
Price of product/ABV= price per % of alcohol. Do that with both the regular and cask strength products. If the cask strength price per % of alcohol is much higher, then it might be a pass.
There is a price gouge store that charges that much in my area. Your statement "you make it cost that much" makes it seem that I am involved in it being at that price, and I am not.
Great video! Thankfully since I have gotten more into whiskey I have been able to find hard to find bottles from low to mid MSRP because of videos like this and research. I admit I have been guilty of a couple of these things, thankfully the whiskey was really good. Thanks again for the info!
Great information! I’ve become a bourbon drinker and my single malt has taken a back seat, your videos have helped me to decide what I want to try and how much to spend. Now I can venture out with a very basic knowledge of bourbon and be comfortable with my purchases. Again thanks!
I just starting watching your channel. I am new to whiskey / bourbon. 57 years old and entry level. I like WT101, BT, and EW Bottled and Bonded for entry level. I was introduced to Angels Envy Rye (Green) and liked it and messed up and bought the Red one and I don’t like. I will use it fir mixing. The rye (green) label is $100 which I cannot afford. Is there another similar in taste that you could recommend?
Welcome to the whiskey/bourbon world! I'm glad you're enjoying the channel. If you liked Angel's Envy Rye, you might want to try WhistlePig 10 Year Rye or Sazerac Rye. Both are great ryes with similar tasting notes. Let me know if you have any other questions!
I have watched many of your video and also a subscriber. I am also a patreon member of you web site and buy the way the coasters I purchased are really nice. Thank you
@@thomasbelk3834 Hey, that's awesome! Thanks so much for your support and becoming a Patron. Let me know if there's any content ideas you have that you'd like us to cover. Glad you like the coasters!
If you follow them on FB or IG they announce when it is being released in various states. We have a release happening in the next two weeks in the following states: California, Louisiana, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, Colorado and Illinois
thanx for a great podcast i listen whenever i drive.im curious as to your take on all the small batch, very small batch etc. from jeffersons which i believe is an ndp. thanx again!
It it technically contract distilled. They have hired another producer to make their whiskey to their specifications. One step above an NDP. I like it quite a bit. They don't have economies of scale, so if you compare it to major distilleries like HH, MM, BT, JB, WT you will feel like you are paying a premium. This isn't because Jefferson's is raking in the dough, their production costs are literally higher. If you like variety like I do you don't mind the small premium. Have you joined our member community? facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity/
@@boruchfalk1242 Create a burner account. I have LEOs, Judges, a world renowned heart surgeon, people with crazy exes that just make up a name, create an account, and only use it for groups. No personal posts or photos. Just groups. Just an idea. If you decide to do that I will approve your account.
@@BourbonRealTalk Recomend a good whiskey to a man and he drinks well for a little while, teach a man how to pick a good whiskey and he drinks well for life. Ha!
Excellent video! Thank you for making this video. You hit the mark on the Willet potstill. I purchased it exactly for the reason of the bottle being pretty. I actually bought two - one for my collection and one to drink. I tried to drink that bourbon so hard! I tried and drink neat, I tried drinking on the rocks, I tried it with limestone water, I even tried to drink it with in cocktails - it was not pleasing to my palate in any way shape or form no matter the way I made it. I ended up pouring the remaining down the drain.
I like WPS, but everyone's palate is different. Please never drain pour. One man's trash is another man's treasure. You find that bottle an adoptive home that will give it the love it deserve :-)
Based on flavor I would say no. The younger old Fitz have a nutty component to them that reminds me of some beam products, but the fruit is different. The higher age statement old Fitz bottles seem to develop more of the orange zest that seems to be the hallmark of an higher aged wheated bourbon. So I really don't know what else would taste like that, but the point of alternatives for me isn't to perfectly mimic the taste as much as try to create as enjoyable of an experience. With that in mind any wheated bourbon could do the trick. Larceny would be a great option since it is available, inexpensive, and it is the same whiskey. Just a different proof and age. Hope that helps.
Sorry about that. It really applies to wine, but being behind the scenes attempting to buy whiskey for two different NDPs you learn quickly it is a widely used industry term even if it weirds out consumers.
That was the producer. He is a videographer not a whiskey expert. I didn't catch it until it was published and had a couple thousand views. You can not edit a published video without deleting it, so it got left in. Sorry.
This is good stuff. I am a stickler. I don’t buy bourbons just “to try it out”. I do lots of research, and if I am not simply buying an existing personal favorite, I am looking for new favorites, so I read lots of tasting notes and lots of reviews, and buy fairly carefully. High priced 2 year bourbons, port finished whiskies, tater traps and super expensive blended bourbons I generally stay away from out of principle. I want pure crafted stuff. I end up having a lot less to choose from as a result, but that’s okay. I still have a list of about 40 bottles that are on my radar to eventually pick up over time.
Sounds like you are doing it right my friend. Cheers!
I needed this 2 years ago, great information. Each palate and wallet is different but this will help me with my due diligence in the future. Excellent episode.
Glad it was helpful! Cheers!
Just found your channel for the first time. I thought your video was reasonably informative and entertaining. However, I really appreciate your signoff and I wish more people out there took this approach to others' feelings. Well done.
Awesome, thank you!
I love your channel! It’s very helpful and I too lost my brother in 2017…being kind to your neighbors despite any “political” bs is a great thing! ✌️
Sorry for your loss! Together we change change the tide!
2:23 I knew the slang term "juice" for whiskey *years* before I began drinking whisky. I know some people don't like it, but a lot of those same people say "dram" or "pour" when they mean whisky. As far as I'm concerned it's a matter of personal preference.
5:32 I tried that, and all I got was reviews. Of course some might include the MSRP, but none of the results actually were the MSRP.
It generally works for me, but I do have to click a few links some of the time.
Hello Randy, I am a store owner in a control state. Here are my facts. We'll take Knob Creek 100 750 ml as an example. Googled msrp and from what i could tell it varied slightly from $21.99 to 28. Funny thing. My cost from the state on this bottle is $29.50. So right away we have problem. I know you'll say it varies from state to state, but the point is I believe you are misrepresenting independent stores and coloring them in a very bad light. You aren't the only one. Most whiskey youtuber's also do this. My question to you is this. What percent mark-up do you think is fair to charge the consumer? Thank you for mostly good information. I do enjoy when you talk about most things outside of the price gouging conversations. And i really want to try some of your Prideful Goat products, I hear they are really tasty.
I like a store to keep their margin around 25%. Anything above 30% I think is too much. When we talk about MSRP I need to be more specific and state MSRP for your state. Different states have different tax structures, which becomes part of the "laid in costs" that affect the final product on the shelf. We have really low excise taxes on liquor in Texas where I live, so we have low MSRP. Washington state has really high taxes, so their MSRP pricing is way above Texas. The point I want to make is that you should not avoid a store for their prices simply because taxes are higher. You should avoid a store that is charging a secondary market price for a product simply because they can.
We talked with Wyoming about bringing in The Prideful Goat, but they only wanted a couple of cases at a time, and it is cost prohibitive for us to try to sustain that. One day we will go after control states.
Often, these lists are somewhat useless because they are geared toward only a connoisseur who might snob at low proof or low age and also is typically very subjective.
This was WAY more useful, as it wasn't about specific bottles, but how to look out for bad buys.
For instance, for a while Makers Mark has been on my list of bottles to get.
I wanted a standard 46, but have heard 46 cask strength is great too.
Using the tip from the video, the suggestion to just look at the basic math, they're selling the cask strength 46 for about 80% more than the regular, but the proof is only about 18% higher proof. (94 vs 111ish) The fact that they've slapped the "Limited" label on all their 46 Cask Strengths should be a giveaway already (tater rule could apply), but they are basically way overcharging for it.
BUT if it's that much better, might be worth it, and it's understandable that for special production they might have to charge a bit extra since it costs more to divert resources to that, make different labels, etc. And if people do keep buying despite the higher price, maybe it will be considered more permanent, maybe they can produce it for less. (Though, hard to imagine them dropping the price because of higher demand) But I like that you really don't ever say "You'd be stupid to ever buy anything that is X Y OR Z" But rather you give these as guidelines to consider.
Thanks for the insight and the video!
I appreciate that. I generally try not to say anything bad about any brand. I prefer people think for themselves than just do the same things I do.
#1 Weller 12 at secondary it’s an amazing 35 dollar bottle it is not a good 230 dollar bottle.
That is fair!
Great video. 1 thing I would like to mention is the retail stores. If you are lucky enough to live in a state that has liquor control laws the retails can not raise the price. there are many. Ohio is one, I live on the border in Kentucky and the local Party Source jacks the prices up and plays games on when they put certain bottles out (most of their friends get them) sad. I travel around alot for work and have filled my collection at very close to msrp because of these states. 1 recent example is a bottle of George T Stagg for $95 in New Hampshire. I also buy in Maine, I get Buffalo Trace there for $26 and my local Party Source charges $40 and plays a game with it.
This subject comes up frequently. The only downsides are supply and state officials unethically reserving bottles. Oregon and Virginia both have investigations going on right now. It is great to get it at a good price, but if there is nothing you can do to increase your odds and supply is lower than in some other states that can be a downside too.
Curious...I have heard, Buffalo Trace sends their Juice to Virginia, and then the Bowman distillery runs it again, ages it and then bottles it. Calling it a Virginia whiskey. I dont know how true that is, but I would like to know if its true. because the John J Bowman Single barrel is my number one drinker right now.
That is my understanding.
I feel ya! However; when I get allocated bourbons for the liquor store I’m told there isn’t enough to send everyone a case, so we get two bottles. Well, the single bottle price is higher than the case cost- plus there is a bottle charge! We pay pay almost retail for them to begin with. Our Blantons run 79.99… and we are not gouging, but it is over MSRP.
Please join the BRT community and say that in a post. People need to hear about this.
facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity
Exactly, even non allocated stuff is going to cost a little more in my store than it does in a wal mart or total wine because of how much they buy! We price stuff at a fair markup that allows us to stay in business. The narrative here makes it seem like we have total control and are raising prices out of greed. I will listen to the podcast though to see what else is talked about. Big fan of the channel and your content though!
@@peterstull1013 And as long as you you aren't charging a 50% markup I'm willing to bet your customers are extremely appreciative of it!
Here in NorCal I've never seen a Blantons under $150 or a Stagg Jr under $250
I would happily take JUST a 50% markup on these bottles. It's getting ridiculous out here
juice is a stupid word for whiskey...... fricken hipsters.......................
was looking for a list, not what to watch out for.... bummer.
Juice is a term used by industry professionals in reference to sourced whiskey. The people you respect in the industry use the term.
I don't talk shit about brands. I also don't tell people what should tastes good to them. If I tell you what not to do it isn't going to be me telling you to dislike what I dislike. It is going to be me educating you to think for yourself.
It took me about 2 years to finally get my first bottle of Blanton’s because I refused to buy it from the store where it was $129. In those 2 years I drank a lot of really good stuff because I talked to the staff at the stores when I was stopping in. They had a lot of great people with a lot of really good recommendations. I love the whiskey community.
That is what I am talking about!
My local store (Virginia ABC. In Virginia every liquor store owned by state) have relatively dumb people who have no idea what they are selling. No matter how many times I asked questions they couldn’t give any reasonable information and their advice was always awful
I think my wife and I got lucky and stumbled upon Buffalo trace while on a nursing assignment in Lexington and our 2nd bourbon purchased was actually blantons and we were bummed that day it wasn’t Eagle rare. Got it for around $60 a bottle.
As a relatively new person in the serious Bourbon world, I appreciate this. By serious I mean looking into different distilleries, learning about the notes and more.
Glad I could be of service!
I know this video is a year old but I only see the PG 15 for $200+ would like to try it but can’t spend that when I’ve never tried it.
By the time the last batch came out, the 15 year was very popular. The distillery raised the price a bit, but our wholesaler bumped the price beyond our expectations, so the states that still have them that is the actual retail price.
love "i'm a TATER, and buy TATERific bottles." Thanks for the info, always good stuff!
It is good to be self aware!
Just buy American single malts instead. They are readily available and in most ways, much more interesting then most bourbons.
American single malts have a lot to offer.
Is Old Forester a good starting bourbon for someone just getting into it
Absolutely, All OF products are of the highest quality for their price.
Didn't the Old Scout say it was distilled in Tennessee on the back of the bottle? It seems like that would have been a requirement.
It is required and it was on the back label. The problem it had not become public knowledge that SAOS has switched who they were buying barrels from, and I had a friend pick it up for me, so no one checked until it was too late.
Thanks for the insight
All the tips are nice but so much hype and just building , if you want something , just have to buy it
Not sure what this means but thanks for watching.
This dude is thinker than he drunks he is. Been there!
We film 4-6 episodes per filming session. If it is a later one, and all the ones before included drinking, it can pile up on you.
@@BourbonRealTalk
Wish I was there to share with you. Love the content. Love my aroma kit too. Keep on keepin’ on, brother.
I recently found a liquor store that marks up the hard to find bottles, but only about $10-20.
It keeps the selection looking good because people are reluctant to go in there and buy a case at a time, but you can get something you might not be able to find elsewhere without paying anything close to secondary prices.
I'm okay with that.
I am OK with this practice.
Agree.
I have seen this today!! I found a bottle of Buffalo trace at $32.98. MRSP, I believe, but online, I saw it going for $50 + . Yes, I bought the bottle, lol it's almost impossible to find where I live.
It is a solid pour, but really hard to find in some areas.
@Bourbon Real Talk yes it's very hard to find here, lol . I only found it because it was in the middle of the day, and I saw the delivery truck pull away as I came down the street! Lol, I didn't even go in to look for it, I went in to see if they had any Knob Creek. They had it behind the counter!
Great advice thanks. I have no products from buffalo trace because everyone marks them way up. What good is an MSRP if everyone ignores it?
There are still plenty of stores who do not mark up. You just have to do the research to find them, because they don't advertise they have the bottles. They hid them and use them to reward profitable behavior.
@@BourbonRealTalk so far I have not found those stores. My favorite store knows me, and while they mark bourbon up less than others (for example $40 for Buffalo Trace when they have it, whereas other local stores charge $60) they still mark it up. I look forward to finding one of those stores in my area.
i think after watching this video I m not really Whisky enthusiast as 2 my fav brands are Buffalo Trace and Bulleit lol
I recorded this a while ago, but I am pretty sure I didn't say anything that would preclude you from being a whiskey enthusiasts if you like those two brands since I like them both too.
@@BourbonRealTalk for me was more about a price range :) really like your channel, keep up good work
In Oregon all liquor goes through the state run liquor control commission they set the price the retailer does not get to he is allowed to make so much per bottle and that's all he gets and again The liquor control commission sets the price that's a straight run agency 🤠
I have a lot of viewers who like their state run stores because prices are good, but a lot that hate it because the selection is not always the best. I guess you win some and lose some.
In Oregon you have no choice wish you did but that's the way they do it you are in The liquor control commission is got a choke hold on that it's unfortunate 🤠😎
We lost our son so suicide. Thanks for supporting suicide prevention!!!
I am so sorry for your loss! I know my parents struggle with it. Love you brother!
That is heartbreaking I am so sorry to hear about your son.
Check spelling on distillers in the opening.
Good eye Steve.The producer did that and I didn't catch it until it was published. You can not edit a video after you publish so I was stuck with it.
@@BourbonRealTalk my dad was a small town commercial printer and I used to proof read for him, so that sort of thing jumps out at me. I should have mentioned what great content the video held, though!
A couple of FB groups used to be an amazing and safe way to get some good stuff.
I miss those days.
Awesome talk Randy. Couldn’t agree more with all of the reasons. Cheers!
Thanks!
Thanks for sharing the story of your brother. Real talk indeed. Your a good person Randy...We need more of you in this world. Cheers to you and your family and wish you continued wisdom and gratitude.
I appreciate that! If we all shift our focus to love instead of division the world will be a better place. Cheers!
A great ethically thought out video 😊
Thanks! 😊
Perhaps we start flagging (and flogging) stores that price gouge or significantly overprice? Or am I being too harsh?
I think they are their own worst enemy. I think it will all work itself out in the end. When inventory levels go up in the next 4-6 years those stores will not have the droves of buyers that the MSRP stores do...and then they will regret it.
I refuse to pay over MSRP for any of them. I've been fortunate to find a few allocated things here and there and pay the normal price. Earlier this year I found Weller Special Reserve at BevMo for $26 and was happy with that. I was more excited about finding it than I was the actual taste of it. it was good but I have no idea why someone would pay the secondary price for it. I'm so glad I found your channel as I'm learning a lot.
Congrats on the find. The thrill of the hunt is part of the fun. Just don't let the hype negatively impact the experience. The margin of level of enjoyability between well made bourbons is small, and does not justify the hype differences between brands. I look at hype not as an indicator of enjoyability, but as a tool to increase the quality of the interactions I have with people I am sharing a pour with. If they have wanted it but can't find it, the connection we feel when we drink it together is better. That is why I seek overhyped bottles. Thank you for watching the channel.
What is in that Burger King bottle?
That is what is known as a "tater stiker". Whiskey clubs who partner with retail stores to release single barrels to their members often make an aftermarket sticker to commemorate the bottle. The first time we picked a 1792 we got to a us a "whiskey thief" to get our barrel samples out. We turned that into a sticker where Hamburgerler was using a whiskey thief. After that we decided to make all our 1792 single barrels fast food themed. That one we called Bourbon King instead of bourbon king. We give the stickers away for free and most of the people put them on the back of the bottle.
This is one of the best videos on whiskytube, no one else has done anything like this, I wish I had watched this when I first started on whiskey.
Holy crap! That is high praise! Thank you for watching.
Spot-on advice about NDP’s, but personally, I don’t have patience for them when there are so many more whiskies on the shelf that I like better with tastes and prices I like better.
That is fair.
Great information, thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
15:08 not age stated means at least 4 years old? Really ? I think maybe you mean BIB?
Straight means 2+ years. BiB means 4+, but there is a separate law in the US than anything label as "Whiskey" that does not have an age must be 4+ years. So if a whiskey is produced in the US of any type, and it does not have an age statement, it means it must be 4+ years old. I also believed as you do...until I embarrassed the shit out of myself at a party infront of a bunch of people when I argued with Robert Likarish from Ironroot. We made a bet, I lost, and had to give him a 2 oz sample of EHTBP.
@@BourbonRealTalk wow, interesting, and great factoid that probably a lot of people don’t know... so don’t feel too bad! Thanks for the helpful response!
Randy you are a very special guy. I love your attitude and your choices in bourbon I love you brother!!!!!
Love the list videos. I have been building a whiskey collection for about five years but I still learn something new from many of your videos.
My state is a control state with ABC stores so most of what I see is MSRP. My general rule of thumb outside of that is I’m normally willing to go about 10% above MSRP and I’d go another 10% if it’s a barrel pick to support the store (or whoever picked the barrel). There are exceptions to every rule (if I saw a GTS for $150 I would NOT turn it down) but that’s typically what I expect to pay when I walk in a store and walk out with nothing when I see gouging.
I definitely have tater impulses tho. Put a good sticker on the back and I’ll make poor decisions 9 times out of 10 😂
Sounds like a good strategy. SSW does a lot of single barrels, and most of them have a sticker. I guess because I have no eye for design I have never felt the urge to buy a bottle because of a sticker. Thanks for supporting the channel.
More "than", not "then".
Thank you. Unfortunately we can not make edits after we publish.
I totally agree with you on all of these but 1 comment, it is hard to avoid stores that charge above retail where I am. They all do it. You will have to buy from grocery stores here to avoid a mark-up but the grocery stores do not get the up level versions nor brands. Great video.
It is OK to pay above MSRP if you are experienced and know the premium you are paying, and also aware of what the secondary shipped to your house price is. I bought a bottle last week from a price gouge retailer at 8X MSRP, but 40% of secondary...so it was a relative deal.
I agree ALL the stores in my area are above MSRP.
#6. Don't buy those over priced finished whiskeys....like that Angel's Envy sitting on the shelf behind you.
Holy shit bro!!! Sick burn!!! I bet you slay at the comedy club.
My advice is for newer people who don't necessarily know what they are buying. I buy all the over priced/hyped stuff I can find so the thousands of people I have over to my house from the whiskey club I admin Someone Say Whiskey can try it for themselves and decide if it is worth it for them. I have the money to burn. I don't want a new person getting into whiskey to feel taken advantage of and lose interest.
@@BourbonRealTalk oh...."newer people". Good to know. I just thought you were another "rules for thee, not for me" guy.
@@whodey59 Also, My rule was about a bottle that is $35 being sold for $115 because it was finished. You can not run the calculation on AE because they are ALL finished. The one you see was a single barrel from out of town that came recommended from a friend. My wife loves AE rye so I bought it for her. I didn't say don't buy finished whiskey that cost more than a cheap shelf bottle. I said don't buy special releases of finished whiskey that the addition cost above the regular product is not justified by the finishing process...which as I mentioned does not apply to AE.
@@BourbonRealTalk what type of work you do to have money to burn? If you don't mind me asking.
@@BadWeatherfreak I spend about 70% of my time admining the Facebook based whiskey club Someone Say Whiskey and producing the podcast. This causes me to meet new customers for my real estate business and find investment opportunities and investors for my funding company. So I am a residential real estate agent and I also run a fund that is kind of like hard money lending. Most Realtors spend about 70% of their time looking for new clients. I just invest that time in whiskey and find just as many new customers by accident. I also used to process BRT Merch orders, but that is Lindsey's job now.
Thank you
Our pleasure!
At $10 a year rule of thumb is spot on. I saw a single barrel in Michigan of Nulu bourbon finished in a honey barrels for $200. It was like five year MGP bourbon.
With inflation I have raised it to 12-13 max, but 5 year MGP should not be 200.
Avoid over priced high age statements - Looking at you Orphan Barrel
Avoid over priced finished bourbons - Looking at you Jefferson's
Avoid overpriced barrel proof bourbons - Looking at you Angel's Envy
You odiously get the concepts. Thank you for watching.
i don't think the secondary market for whiskey is a black market. sure it is illegal but it is bourbon collectors and enthusiasts who participate. it isn't racketeering
Legally a black market, but functionally I see your point. Cheers!
Absolutely don not get the Botox! But Lindsey has your back on the pressed powder. Nobody wants to be oily on camera…
I still make jokes about the kabuki brush requiring violence 😂
Good stuff! One celebrity line I think is actually great would be Heavens Door in collab with Bob Dylan. For about $70, they’ve got some cool releases that taste great
Heaven's Door, Belfour Spirits, and Brother's Bond are all pretty legit.
Thanks for the video! So are you saying to avoid Smoke wagon, or it’s okay because they define Indiana as star of distillery? Thanks for you time!
Never avoid smoke wagon. They disclose! I don't want people to buy whiskey companies who are trying to trick the public into believing they are something they are not.
If you’re new, never pay more than $40-$60 + tax for a bottle. Learn which distilleries make products and go one at a time through each distillery. If you like a distillery’s flavor profile, try a more expensive product from them. If not, save your money. NDPs can be good but first know who produced it before you buy it.
Awesome advice. I have a beginners guide video coming out in two weeks that covers a lot of what you said!
RE: Willets Pot Still and labeling. I've had it. It's OK. I didn't buy it because of the bottle shape, but I bought it because I love Irish whiskey made in a pot still. It has a richness I enjoy and I enjoy bourbon, so I wondered what this one would taste like. The thing is when I read the label, a few years ago, it never specifically stated the juice in the bottle was distilled in a single pot still. It raves about the virtues of such a whiskey, but it doesn't take the plunge and say "This is whiskey is made in a pot still" or "You will enjoy the rich flavor of this pot still whiskey." Maybe it is, and the problem is that the person writing the information on the label isn't real good at what he or she does. Or maybe that person is a real good writer leading the consumer to draw a false conclusion. It doesn't taste like I had expected. And since it's been years, maybe the label has changed. Label reading is as important as you say it is, but then so is label writing.
It is widely accepted that KBD (maker's of WPS) use pot still distillation to make WPS. I think sometimes marketing people are tasted to write a label, but don't understand the nuance that enthusiasts do. Cheers!
A lot of great nuggets here. The gimmick/mimic bottles I definitely stay away from. Point 10 is very true. I know of some guys that got caught up in the hunt and fomo that have bottles they never tasted. They got their prize but it will just sit on the shelf.
A full bottle has no memories in it!
7:17 is it just me or does the ABV and the proof not match on the Prideful Goat Label? Isn’t 67.5% ABV 135 proof? Not 115?
The label is just hard to see in the video. The Proof of the bottle is 115.
My name is Victor I like any think smooth I been buying whiskey specially smoothest my question is what do you think about Flavian co please answer my question
I am sorry to say I have never heard of Flavian co.
Okay. I’ve been watching your videos and you definitely have to be related to Dave Rubin. Look him up lol
Not familiar. He is a good looking dude, so I am flattered. Cheers!
I just bought eh Taylor small batch and paid 100, I knew it was over price but I also drove two miles from home to get it.
I don't know how much those are on secondary, but I do know they are great whiskey. Enjoy!
So don't pay secondary for Pappy 15 until I've tried it first 😅gotcha guess I'll probably never get to taste it then .😂
Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts! It's always a good idea to try before you buy, especially when it comes to pricey bottles. Have you tried any other highly sought-after bourbons that you would recommend?
Thank you sincerely for your thoughts and expertise. A real Bourbon rookie here but enjoying the journey so far! Thanks for the Love!
Glad you enjoyed it! If you have not done so already, I recommend you join facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity.
Great video!
Thoughts on Sam Houston and Calumet? Both are great daily drinkers in my opinion!
I have enjoyed them. I have not owned one but have had the chance to try them at bottle shares. I think the quality price ratio might be off for me to invest in a bottle, but they are solid pours based on memory.
I’ve recently found your channel and truly enjoy watching your videos. I have very many hard to find bottles and like you, I open them all because I just need to know how it tastes. Don’t laugh but my favorite is still Jack Daniel’s no. 7. Last year I visited Cascade Hollow and Big Machine Distillery as I was driving to visit my parents in St. Louis. I have stage IV cancer I got from environmental exposures in Afghanistan and in Jan. 2016 was told I have 6 months to live. I’m still here and still doing IV treatments monthly and there is one bottle I need to find before I die. Jack Daniel’s 10 year. I found one locally here in Port Charlotte and he is gouging and asking $400, which I refuse to pay. I would like to ask you, if I were to hit the road in search of a Jack 10 this year should I go in October or November?
TBH I didn't get one, so I am unsure. The original press release said it would be an annual release, and it came out one year ago in Sept 2021. It stands to reason that it will hit the shelves again soon. Any stores that still have a 2021 bottle likely have not sold it because it is overpriced. I looked online and there are a number of online retailers selling around $250. If you want to find one in the wild for MSRP I would recommend you join facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity and post in there. Ask the members who got a bottle. When you find them ask how common it was in their market. This will help you figure out which areas got good distribution. Then ask people to let you know when it pops back into their market, and you will know where to hunt. Hope this helps.
@@BourbonRealTalk Thanks for the reply and information. I appreciate it. I’ll try what you suggested. Keep up the great work and I look forward to more amazing videos.
I live in the common wealth of Pennsylvania we have state stores not bad prices
Yes, some of my content doesn't apply very well in control states.
This guy is obviously drunk. But hey, given the topic and setting it makes perfect sense.
I had been drinking, but I don't think I was drunk. What makes you think I was drunk? Was it my cadence? I recorded 4 episodes that day and had roughly 2 hours worth of dialog memorized. Maybe I was thinking too much? Appreciate the feedback.
Thanks this was a really good insight video. I guess what I dont like about the secondary market is when it comes to select releases. I live in an area where we just don't get a select releases; for instance the newly released Wild Turkey Masters Keep One. Relased about $180, but I won't be able to see it until it hits the secondary market at twice the cost. There are some other really good less expensive whiskey available to me though.
I always find it interesting how rare bottles get distributed in such an uneven manor. Luckily in Dallas we get a little of everything, but there are so many people hunting that I have given up on finding anything great in the wild.
I’m cool with stores that sell for a little bit over msrp but now i’m actively avoiding the few places around here that have crazy prices and I generally still get allocated just fine at or near msrp for most bourbons.
I agree. There is a point somewhere between MSRP and Secondary value that I think it crosses over the line of good capitalism and move into the category of greed. I think stores charging over secondary should loose their license.
Great point on #9!!! I got burned bad on Instagram regarding this unregulated secondary market. Learned a hard lesson. basically, if it's not on a shelf of a retailer, not every buying it...period! Good Stuff Randy!
Glad you agree! Thank you for watching!
Also bought the 13 year SAOS without realizing the change as was very disappointed opening it. Glad I got it at MSRP but wish I would have passed
At msrp I would have been happy, but I bought it from a friend at the secondary value if it had been MGP.
Just bought Hirsch single barrel and saw your video here. It’s a Willits mash bill. But don’t know how to tell which Willits to know if it’s just a marked up version.
I am just now learning of these new Willet juice bottles. The ones used when the name was first relaunched were not good.
@@BourbonRealTalk Thanks! Like your videos and will keep watching to learn. Saw a few negative reviews on the brand after I got home. But no rush to crack it open and find out. Buying more than I can drink at this point.
pour a little bit of rum in a glass, then top it off with bourbon.. BOOM rum finished boubon.
Mixing rum and bourbon can indeed create interesting flavor combinations, and some distilleries even produce whiskey finished in rum casks. It's a fun way to experiment with different taste profiles and add depth to your whiskey experience. However, it's important to note that "rum finished bourbon" typically refers to a specific maturation process where bourbon spends some time aging in ex-rum barrels, rather than simply mixing the two spirits together.
Have you tried any bourbon finished in rum casks or experimented with other types of whiskey finishes? I'm curious to know your thoughts on different flavor combinations and maturation techniques. Cheers!
Black market makes more sense though since it is illegal (at least in the US)
ua-cam.com/video/qKtt9Oi6Yz8/v-deo.html
Great tips here! Agree about avoiding to pay secondary on bottles you’ve never tasted. I will admit that I experienced FOMO and purchased some expensive bottles without sampling… my biggest regret there wasn’t that I didn’t enjoy it, but that it wasn’t NEARLY worth the price I paid. Almost all bottles on secondary aren’t worth the price tag, especially with expensive bottles mostly coming from Buffalo Trace.
I agree it’s all about community, and I love sharing samples with local enthusiasts. I’ve been able to try some samples and decide whether or not I want to purchase them, and I’ve also been introduced to some whiskey I’ve never heard of and completely fell in love.
Hopefully things level out and everyone gets to enjoy all the great whiskey, at more reasonable costs. Thanks for the great video! Cheers
It will happen eventually! In the mean time the community will provide opportunities for everyone to try something interesting that the taster could not find on their own.
want to talk capitalism. We can talk that. But please man you’re collector not really a bourbon enthusiast
I think this is directed at the price gouge store.
I tasted so many verances that have that great taste. Just because you have a great bourbon doesn’t mean that you speak about great Berman
?
Absolutely loved your closing. It's upbeat and encouraging! Most excellent information.
Thanks so much!
Is there a formula for the difference between standard and barrel proof, so I can price compare when I'm in the store?
Price of product/ABV= price per % of alcohol. Do that with both the regular and cask strength products. If the cask strength price per % of alcohol is much higher, then it might be a pass.
How about names of the liquors instead of titles … NDP name the brands .
I don't trash brands. I teach people how to inform themselves so they can form their own opinion.
699 for Weller full proof are you kidding me bro you make it cost that much
There is a price gouge store that charges that much in my area. Your statement "you make it cost that much" makes it seem that I am involved in it being at that price, and I am not.
Great video! Thankfully since I have gotten more into whiskey I have been able to find hard to find bottles from low to mid MSRP because of videos like this and research. I admit I have been guilty of a couple of these things, thankfully the whiskey was really good. Thanks again for the info!
I am guilty of all these things, I just want people to know what they are getting into so they don't feel taken advantage of. Cheers!
Really informative. Hate to admit it but I’m guilty of several these rules. #FOMOisREAL
I break all these rules, but I know I am being taken advantage of and I am OK with it. I don't want people to get discouraged if they are unaware.
Great info Randy ! I've been getting into Whiskey for a little more than a year now ! Really appreciate the knowledgeable advice! Thanks !
Glad to help!
Lots of details to give thought to but very informative. Thanks Randy.
Glad it was helpful!
Great information! I’ve become a bourbon drinker and my single malt has taken a back seat, your videos have helped me to decide what I want to try and how much to spend. Now I can venture out with a very basic knowledge of bourbon and be comfortable with my purchases. Again thanks!
Great to hear! Cheers!
I just starting watching your channel. I am new to whiskey / bourbon. 57 years old and entry level. I like WT101, BT, and EW Bottled and Bonded for entry level. I was introduced to Angels Envy Rye (Green) and liked it and messed up and bought the Red one and I don’t like. I will use it fir mixing. The rye (green) label is $100 which I cannot afford. Is there another similar in taste that you could recommend?
Welcome to the whiskey/bourbon world! I'm glad you're enjoying the channel. If you liked Angel's Envy Rye, you might want to try WhistlePig 10 Year Rye or Sazerac Rye. Both are great ryes with similar tasting notes. Let me know if you have any other questions!
@@BourbonRealTalk WhistlePig 10 Year “Small Batch”?
Excellent talk, Randy. I've not seen anyone else provide this whiskey education on bourbon podcasts.
I try, but I can not take too much credit since I learned all this stuff from others who also serve the community. Cheers!
Excellent video
So glad you enjoyed it! Is this your first time viewing the channel?
I have watched many of your video and also a subscriber. I am also a patreon member of you web site and buy the way the coasters I purchased are really nice. Thank you
@@thomasbelk3834 Hey, that's awesome! Thanks so much for your support and becoming a Patron. Let me know if there's any content ideas you have that you'd like us to cover. Glad you like the coasters!
Great info. Love your new "production set" and have been enjoying my tiny glencairn! Be well!
Glad you enjoy it! Cheers!
How do I get my hands on one of those Prideful Goat 🐐 🤔? I am super interested in try that one.
If you follow them on FB or IG they announce when it is being released in various states. We have a release happening in the next two weeks in the following states: California, Louisiana, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, Colorado and Illinois
@@BourbonRealTalk I'm in Florida, son is in Cali, doubled my chances 🤣. Thank you sir
thanx for a great podcast i listen whenever i drive.im curious as to your take on all the small batch, very small batch etc. from jeffersons which i believe is an ndp. thanx again!
It it technically contract distilled. They have hired another producer to make their whiskey to their specifications. One step above an NDP. I like it quite a bit. They don't have economies of scale, so if you compare it to major distilleries like HH, MM, BT, JB, WT you will feel like you are paying a premium. This isn't because Jefferson's is raking in the dough, their production costs are literally higher. If you like variety like I do you don't mind the small premium.
Have you joined our member community? facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity/
@@BourbonRealTalk i really want to. but long story short it wouldnt be smart for me to have facebook. ill explain if we ever meet which would an honor
@@boruchfalk1242 Create a burner account. I have LEOs, Judges, a world renowned heart surgeon, people with crazy exes that just make up a name, create an account, and only use it for groups. No personal posts or photos. Just groups. Just an idea. If you decide to do that I will approve your account.
5:51 this advice is not true in the state of PA. thought to at least * comment
I don't live in a control state, so I am sorry if I ever make a recommendation that does not apply to you.
Great review and advice
You probably just saved a bunch of people money
Like stated on here already, too bad you didn’t name brands.
There are new brands popping up all the time, so the video is supposed to teach people how to evaluate for themselves.
@@BourbonRealTalk Recomend a good whiskey to a man and he drinks well for a little while, teach a man how to pick a good whiskey and he drinks well for life.
Ha!
That's a feisty headline lol. Love the video
Thank you! We aim to come up with attention grabbing titles.
Excellent video! Thank you for making this video.
You hit the mark on the Willet potstill. I purchased it exactly for the reason of the bottle being pretty. I actually bought two - one for my collection and one to drink.
I tried to drink that bourbon so hard! I tried and drink neat, I tried drinking on the rocks, I tried it with limestone water, I even tried to drink it with in cocktails - it was not pleasing to my palate in any way shape or form no matter the way I made it. I ended up pouring the remaining down the drain.
I like WPS, but everyone's palate is different. Please never drain pour. One man's trash is another man's treasure. You find that bottle an adoptive home that will give it the love it deserve :-)
I poured half a bottle of Eagle Rare down the drain. Thin, hot, nasty. That's how I like my women, not my whiskey.
@@kirbyculp3449 you need Jesus! 😂🤣😂
Yeah, I like Willet Pot Still too. To each his own though. Cheers.🥃
Looks like you have some “kabuki” on your glass and possibly IN your glass there my friend! Hahaha🤣🤣
😅
💯🙋🏽♂️
When you say "randy sullivan here" half the time i just brace for an infomercial for kaboom or something
It is so engrained in my mind now I don't think I could change it.
@@BourbonRealTalk well then its good that theres no need to
Are there any Old Fitz mimic bottles??
Based on flavor I would say no. The younger old Fitz have a nutty component to them that reminds me of some beam products, but the fruit is different. The higher age statement old Fitz bottles seem to develop more of the orange zest that seems to be the hallmark of an higher aged wheated bourbon. So I really don't know what else would taste like that, but the point of alternatives for me isn't to perfectly mimic the taste as much as try to create as enjoyable of an experience. With that in mind any wheated bourbon could do the trick. Larceny would be a great option since it is available, inexpensive, and it is the same whiskey. Just a different proof and age. Hope that helps.
Lol I hate the term juice when talking about Whiskey it sounds so bad to me
Sorry about that. It really applies to wine, but being behind the scenes attempting to buy whiskey for two different NDPs you learn quickly it is a widely used industry term even if it weirds out consumers.
@@BourbonRealTalk yeah I can imagine lol love the channel brother...Cheers!!!
Great video. I really learned a lot. Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Red flag #1; can’t spell “distiller”.
That was the producer. He is a videographer not a whiskey expert. I didn't catch it until it was published and had a couple thousand views. You can not edit a published video without deleting it, so it got left in. Sorry.