This is what I bought for someone as a gift. Not top shelf but supposed to be pretty good. |
What god-forsaken land do you live in where bourbon is hard to find? It can be hard to find *very good* bourbon in the land of the state store (VA and MD), but it's readily available. |
Buffalo Trace is . . . fine. Adequate. In no universe is it *chef's kiss* - as a general rule, nothing that can typically be found at an airport bar is *chef's kiss." |
Err ok? Trying to gatekeep alcohol is a thing now? Weird flex. Costco rocks. |
I guess it's the higher end stuff I'm talking about. Eagle Rare 17, Elijah Craig barrel proof, Blanton's, Four Roses limited editions, and anything small batch, etc.
Also, Maker's Mark, Woodford, etc. is SO overpriced now - it's gone up way more than inflation. Virginia has lotteries for the good bourbons and it's practically impossible to get. Even normal shipments of bourbon to ABC stores have huge lines waiting for them. Maybe I need to go to DC or MD to shop! |
OK, a few things: 1. Costco is great. 2. That's not what gatekeeping means. No one is trying to control your access to bourbon. (Although based on your posts, it's not the worst idea out there.) 3. It's undeniable that Buffalo Trace is a low to mid-level bourbon. It isn't rail, but it isn't upper level, either. No offense intended by pointing out an obvious fact. |
Montgomery county has the same system as VA - county stores, with a good selection for standard bourbon, and a lottery for the good stuff. But you can find whatever you want in DC, as long as you're willing to pay for it. P Street Liquors, Barmy, Imperial Wine and Spirits, etc. But you have a really wide range in what you're looking for. Eagle Rare 17 is part of the BTAC, and will be north of $800, if not $1000. Blanton's is a fraction of that, and not nearly so difficult to find. |
Where do you live? |
Calvert Woodley in DC has an incredible array of bourbon. |
You can also buy really nice rum cheaper than good whiskey or bourbon |
Get on the VA ABC email list, they have store drops and people line up to get a single bottle of a decent brand. Bring your friends to get bottles for you too. |
Go to Nick’s of Clinton or Nick’s of Calvert for really good options. There is life beyond Blantons, promise. |
Go to Total Wine in Laurel. |
Magruders usually has a decent offering of both usual and unusual bourbons |
+1 And realllly nice rum is a really nice treat that many people will not buy for themselves. (most will mix with coke or something) Any brand suggestions, PP? |