Bourbon.

[Grayland]

As most probably do, I always check out liquor availability in different states when traveling. I live in upstate NY. I was in a Wegman's Grocery Store in a suburb of Boston. Wasn't expecting to find much good as I assumed the shelves would be picked over for Christmas. They had Buffalo Trace ($28.99), Eagle Rare ($39.99) and Blanton's ($79.99). I see BT fairly often but at higher prices. I occasionally see Eagle Rare at about $59-$69 and very rarely see Blanton's, and when I do -it's $129. They were locked up and you could only buy 1 bottle per 24 hours - not 1 bottle of each, but you could pick one. I picked the Blanton's. I have 1.75's of the BT and ER. Not suggesting these are the best bourbons, but to see those allocated bottles on the shelf at one time - at pretty reasonable prices is a rarity where I usually buy bourbon.

 

[cocostella]

Idyllwild cabin juice…

 

[gnatty8]

The Still Austin stuff intrigues me, but haven't grabbed a yet…

You definitely need to give them a shot. I’ve liked everything they’ve done, but the cask strength bourbon is a great place to start

 

[gnatty8]

Lovely morning at Walter Reed 🤪

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Grabbed one of these the day after Spec’s bourbon drop in Houston. Haven’t opened it yet, but can’t see how this one won’t be good

 

[cocostella]

Was at my parents’ so no proper cubes…

 

[venividivicibj]

Was at my parents’ so no proper cubes…
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Cute cars though (and can’t go wrong with rare breed)

 

[armedferret]

no garnish (semper sadface™) but KC18 makes a lovely ol fashy.

 

[gnatty8]

View attachment 2310089

no garnish (semper sadface™) but KC18 makes a lovely ol fashy.

Picked up one of those a year ago, have yet to open. How do you like it?

 

[gnatty8]

Think I've read no fewer than three articles in the last couple of weeks about the end of the bourbon bubble. I actually do see signs here and there. Booker's back available on the shelves for a few weeks around release times. Pretty regular restocks of Weller's 12, Buffalo Trace and Eagle Rare - all pretty average stuff to my taste buds - but for some reason, almost impossible to buy 2 or 3 years ago. If true, more for the rest of us I guess.

 

[TheSuitBurnsBetter]

Think I've read no fewer than three articles in the last couple of weeks about the end of the bourbon bubble. I actually do see signs here and there. Booker's back available on the shelves for a few weeks around release times. Pretty regular restocks of Weller's 12, Buffalo Trace and Eagle Rare - all pretty average stuff to my taste buds - but for some reason, almost impossible to buy 2 or 3 years ago. If true, more for the rest of us I guess.

There were quite a few bottles of Booker's 2024-3 ("Master Distiller's Batch") at my Costco last week, and for like $40 less than what I've typically seen on shelves the past few years.

 

[venividivicibj]

Think I've read no fewer than three articles in the last couple of weeks about the end of the bourbon bubble. I actually do see signs here and there. Booker's back available on the shelves for a few weeks around release times. Pretty regular restocks of Weller's 12, Buffalo Trace and Eagle Rare - all pretty average stuff to my taste buds - but for some reason, almost impossible to buy 2 or 3 years ago. If true, more for the rest of us I guess.

Also super regional - I've never had a problem with Bookers (I see last 3 batches on shelves at all my regular stores), Buffalo Trace as well, but still never see Weller (of any kind, even the Antique) or Eagle Rare

 

[armedferret]

Think I've read no fewer than three articles in the last couple of weeks about the end of the bourbon bubble. I actually do see signs here and there. Booker's back available on the shelves for a few weeks around release times. Pretty regular restocks of Weller's 12, Buffalo Trace and Eagle Rare - all pretty average stuff to my taste buds - but for some reason, almost impossible to buy 2 or 3 years ago. If true, more for the rest of us I guess.

Next time you see W12 if it's close to MSRP please drop me a note! Have venmo available 24/7.

On the KC18, while i truly enjoy it (and one of the more oaky ones I can actually enjoy; youthful oak just tastes like sawdust to me and often older oak can get sour FAST for me--yay burn pits!!) I personally gravitate toward the 12-year for a more "common everyday" option, just because of the substantially cheaper price tag and the fact it's *WAY* easier to find (the NEX at least always has plenty on the shelf for about 60-ish a bottle).

I recently picked up a backup 18-year though, so I'm having some fun with the existing open bottle I've been nursing.

 

[venividivicibj]

Next time you see W12 if it's close to MSRP please drop me a note! Have venmo available 24/7.

On the KC18, while i truly enjoy it (and one of the more oaky ones I can actually enjoy; youthful oak just tastes like sawdust to me and often older oak can get sour FAST for me--yay burn pits!!) I personally gravitate toward the 12-year for a more "common everyday" option, just because of the substantially cheaper price tag and the fact it's *WAY* easier to find (the NEX at least always has plenty on the shelf for about 60-ish a bottle).

I recently picked up a backup 18-year though, so I'm having some fun with the existing open bottle I've been nursing.

I think the 15 was a great sweet spot, unfortunate that they made it a one time thing

 

[armedferret]

Ol fasharino. Spy edition. 🤪