Bourbon Price Gouging

FrostyEgg

It's no secret bourbon prices are getting out of hand for more rare bottles. Is there a good source anywhere that covers MSRP/non-markup pricing? 

For example, what should a bottle of Eagle Rare run retail?

I know this gets discussed in that what are you drinking thread, but figured it could use its own topic.

lousubcap

When you can find Eagle Rare in a retail store it should sell for around $35/750 ml.
Buffalo Trace for around $27/750ml.  Blanton's for around $60/750 ml.  EH Taylor Small Batch for around $40/750 ml.
Beyond those Woodford Reserve for around $30-35 /750.
I could go on here but google and the label with MSRP will get you a solid number.  FWIW-

JohnInCarolina

You are looking for a price that you won’t actually be able to find anywhere right now?  

FrostyEgg

No, but there's certainly a threshold over MSRP i'm willing to spend/not spend. Just nice to know if a bottle is marked up $5 or $50.

I found a new local source that seems to get a lot of higher end stuff. If i'm going to get raped I at least want to know how badly.

GrateEggspectations

@lousubcap

Hot damn… those are good prices. Hard to find such offerings here and when we do, we pay through the nose. 

Ozzie_Isaac

lousubcap said:

When you can find Eagle Rare in a retail store it should sell for around $35/750 ml.
Buffalo Trace for around $27/750ml.  Blanton's for around $60/750 ml.  EH Taylor Small Batch for around $40/750 ml.
Beyond those Woodford Reserve for around $30-35 /750.
I could go on here but google and the label with MSRP will get you a solid number.  FWIW-

You would cry if you knew what I paid for my last 3 bottles of Blanton's.  I have switched to Four Roses Single Barrel and Brother Bond as my daily.

Until prices get back down to reality I will stick with saving my mad money purchases for special editions.

lousubcap

Develop a relationship with a retail source and you will be rewarded at random times.  I have purchased all the above Sazerac products at MSRP within the last six months and some more frequently than others.  
But I have also paid a whole lot more for some as well.  I live around 60 miles (at most) from all the big brand distilleries and the closer to the epicenter the harder to find.
Big $$ to be made exporting to the further reaches of the USA and especially Japan and SE Asia.  
I recall some 20 years ago finding Pappy Van Winkle (PVW) 12 yo on the shelf year round, 15 yo around 8-10 months of the year, 20 yo around 4-6 months and yes, even the 23 yo for a good month or more.  To me, the juice for those is now not worth the squeeze.  FWIW-

JohnInCarolina

FrostyEgg said:

No, but there's certainly a threshold over MSRP i'm willing to spend/not spend. Just nice to know if a bottle is marked up $5 or $50.

I found a new local source that seems to get a lot of higher end stuff. If i'm going to get raped I at least want to know how badly.

That makes sense, thanks.

RRP

FrostyEgg said:

It's no secret bourbon prices are getting out of hand for more rare bottles. Is there a good source anywhere that covers MSRP/non-markup pricing? 

For example, what should a bottle of Eagle Rare run retail?

I know this gets discussed in that what are you drinking thread, but figured it could use its own topic.

Don’t know where you live, but for instance we have a locally owned store which has prices and selection which beat the competition to pieces! I don’t mean by a few nickels and dimes…but several dollars per bottle! Of course with the price of gas then it really does pay to shop the discount retailers who will cut you a deal.

Buckwoody Egger

Blind taste tests cut through the b.s. and inform your preferences to avoid gouging. Gouging is driven by people who have desire for inclusion and possession far greater than their ability to assess quality and value.

FrostyEgg

I'm in Minnesota. The newly found source is independently owned. Plan on checking it out tomorrow. I'll report back with pricing/finds.

bbracey21

Last Eagle Rare I purchased a few months ago was $39.99 (750ml). But it’s rare to find the popular flavors on the shelves where I live.  Today I asked for Sazerac which they went to the back to get. $37.99 (750ml) for it. 

Ozzie_Isaac

bbracey21 said:

Last Eagle Rare I purchased a few months ago was $39.99 (750ml). But it’s rare to find the popular flavors on the shelves where I live.  Today I asked for Sazerac which they went to the back to get. $37.99 (750ml) for it. 

I bought Sazerac for MSRP while at my local shop.  They had just got a shipment in.  It was fine, but nothing for me to get excited about.

ColbyLang

bbracey21 said:

Last Eagle Rare I purchased a few months ago was $39.99 (750ml). But it’s rare to find the popular flavors on the shelves where I live.  Today I asked for Sazerac which they went to the back to get. $37.99 (750ml) for it. 

Barrel pick Saz here for $19.99……I can get Blanton’s for about $56, Eagle rare for $35 (store pick for $50) the last 12 Buffalo Trace I’ve gotten have ranged anywhere from $26-32. All store barrel picks. 

saluki2007

I have not personally used it, but have heard good things about an app called BoozApp.  It will give you what the MSRP should be and what the average going rate is.

Now me personally, I have drank enough different whiskeys to know what I am willing to pay for certain bottles.  Weller's Special Reserve is a perfect example.  MSRP is right around $30 and I will pay that all day for it, but I have seen it for $40 and up.  I have tried and liked a lot more readily available whiskeys at that price point that I would take over it all day everyday.  So in the end it's all about what do you like and how much are you willing to pay for it.

TechsasJim

Great topic for an ever-moving needle.  

I got my first bottle of Eagle Rare at an overly-priced store 5yrs ago for $27.99 (I don’t like it so I I feel like I overpaid).   

Cap outlines it pretty well above and agree with his price points +\- a buck or two.  

I’m not chasing the dragon anymore.   When I accidentally paid $85 for a bottle of Blantons I pulled the ripcord.   So many great offerings nowadays that are not artificially inflated IMO.  

bbracey21

Ozzie_Isaac said:

bbracey21 said:

Last Eagle Rare I purchased a few months ago was $39.99 (750ml). But it’s rare to find the popular flavors on the shelves where I live.  Today I asked for Sazerac which they went to the back to get. $37.99 (750ml) for it. 

I bought Sazerac for MSRP while at my local shop.  They had just got a shipment in.  It was fine, but nothing for me to get excited about.

I really like Saz in my old fashioneds. Something about it just hits the spot for me personally.

Ozzie_Isaac

bbracey21 said:

Ozzie_Isaac said:

bbracey21 said:

Last Eagle Rare I purchased a few months ago was $39.99 (750ml). But it’s rare to find the popular flavors on the shelves where I live.  Today I asked for Sazerac which they went to the back to get. $37.99 (750ml) for it. 

I bought Sazerac for MSRP while at my local shop.  They had just got a shipment in.  It was fine, but nothing for me to get excited about.

I really like Saz in my old fashioneds. Something about it just hits the spot for me personally.

I might have to try that.  I usually only drink mine neat or with a single ice cube.  Depends on what I am.drinking.

saluki2007

bbracey21 said:

Ozzie_Isaac said:

bbracey21 said:

Last Eagle Rare I purchased a few months ago was $39.99 (750ml). But it’s rare to find the popular flavors on the shelves where I live.  Today I asked for Sazerac which they went to the back to get. $37.99 (750ml) for it. 

I bought Sazerac for MSRP while at my local shop.  They had just got a shipment in.  It was fine, but nothing for me to get excited about.

I really like Saz in my old fashioneds. Something about it just hits the spot for me personally.

I know it's a different cocktail but along the lines of something you wouldn't think of is I really like Whistle Pig Piggy Back as a mule.

alaskanassasin

lousubcap said:

Develop a relationship with a retail source and you will be rewarded at random times.  I have purchased all the above Sazerac products at MSRP within the last six months and some more frequently than others.  
But I have also paid a whole lot more for some as well.  I live around 60 miles (at most) from all the big brand distilleries and the closer to the epicenter the harder to find.
Big $$ to be made exporting to the further reaches of the USA and especially Japan and SE Asia.  
I recall some 20 years ago finding Pappy Van Winkle (PVW) 12 yo on the shelf year round, 15 yo around 8-10 months of the year, 20 yo around 4-6 months and yes, even the 23 yo for a good month or more.  To me, the juice for those is now not worth the squeeze.  FWIW-

Yep, our guy used to hide the good stuff under the cash register in a cabinet.  

   I’ve been into Belle Meade lately, It seems like every time I get into a bourbon I never see it again. Casual shopper fwiw if it’s not in my Kroger liquor store I’m not getting it.

Ybabpmuts

@alaskanassasin

"Yep, our guy used to hide the good stuff under the cash register in a cabinet"

Jeesh, our guy used to hide the good stuff in his pants and you could never accurately figure out the bottle size either, so you stood there looking at his pants and he would have that smug "guess the size of the bottle I've hidden  in my pants look" on his face.. I wish our guy would hide the good stuff under the cash register like yours. I'm guessing he saves a bundle not buying bottle hiding pants.

ColbyLang

Allocation and “Bigfoot” bourbon have driven the prices sky high. Add to that the clowns selling (and buying) on the secondary market and the average drinker has no chance. My local honey hole sells Blanton’s on the regular for north of $100. They sell it to me for $56.99. The store pick Buffalo Traces that were $30 were $80 an hour later online.  I get my hands on the allocations when I want them and pay very close to MSRP. I’ve also bought bottles I wasn’t seeking just to stay in good graces. 

dmchicago

FrostyEgg said:

No, but there's certainly a threshold over MSRP i'm willing to spend/not spend. Just nice to know if a bottle is marked up $5 or $50.

I found a new local source that seems to get a lot of higher end stuff. If i'm going to get raped I at least want to know how badly.

I’m not trying to throw a wet blanket over a bourbon thread, but let’s not compare overpaying for booze to rape. 

HighHeat

dmchicago said:

FrostyEgg said:

No, but there's certainly a threshold over MSRP i'm willing to spend/not spend. Just nice to know if a bottle is marked up $5 or $50.

I found a new local source that seems to get a lot of higher end stuff. If i'm going to get raped I at least want to know how badly.

I’m not trying to throw a wet blanket over a bourbon thread, but let’s not compare overpaying for booze to rape. 

True.  Save that for the gas prices thread.  Thanks, Joe.

fishlessman

eagle rare is 32 bucks in nh but the state is currantly out. maine has some listed for 35 bucks if you can find the supermarket that has it in house

Acn

fishlessman said:

eagle rare is 32 bucks in nh but the state is currantly out. maine has some listed for 35 bucks if you can find the supermarket that has it in house

I’ll be loading up on Jefferson for like $27/bottle going through NH next week.

fishlessman

Acn said:

fishlessman said:

eagle rare is 32 bucks in nh but the state is currantly out. maine has some listed for 35 bucks if you can find the supermarket that has it in house

I’ll be loading up on Jefferson for like $27/bottle going through NH next week.

always good prices and the website is good for locating it by store

rekameohs

JohnInCarolina said:

You are looking for a price that you won’t actually be able to find anywhere right now?  

Here's a price list for North Carolina.  
https://abc.nc.gov/Pricing/PriceList

However, as John notes, that doesn't mean the store will actually have it.  Friends have a FB group that posts whenever an ABC store has (or had) certain desirable bottles.

fishlessman

rekameohs said:

JohnInCarolina said:

You are looking for a price that you won’t actually be able to find anywhere right now?  

Here's a price list for North Carolina.  
https://abc.nc.gov/Pricing/PriceList

However, as John notes, that doesn't mean the store will actually have it.  Friends have a FB group that posts whenever an ABC store has (or had) certain desirable bottles.

nh sells direct. on this link click view all stock, every store in the state is listed with how many bottles they have. sales rotate every 30 days with one month a year selling at full price

https://www.liquorandwineoutlets.com/product-detail/1269-Jeffersons-Very-Small-Batch-Kentucky-Straight-Bourbon-Whiskey-88-Proof

saluki2007

alaskanassasin said:

lousubcap said:

Develop a relationship with a retail source and you will be rewarded at random times.  I have purchased all the above Sazerac products at MSRP within the last six months and some more frequently than others.  
But I have also paid a whole lot more for some as well.  I live around 60 miles (at most) from all the big brand distilleries and the closer to the epicenter the harder to find.
Big $$ to be made exporting to the further reaches of the USA and especially Japan and SE Asia.  
I recall some 20 years ago finding Pappy Van Winkle (PVW) 12 yo on the shelf year round, 15 yo around 8-10 months of the year, 20 yo around 4-6 months and yes, even the 23 yo for a good month or more.  To me, the juice for those is now not worth the squeeze.  FWIW-

Yep, our guy used to hide the good stuff under the cash register in a cabinet.  

   I’ve been into Belle Meade lately, It seems like every time I get into a bourbon I never see it again. Casual shopper fwiw if it’s not in my Kroger liquor store I’m not getting it.

It's a bit of a step up in price, but if you haven't tried their sherry cask finish give it a shot.

alaskanassasin

saluki2007 said:

alaskanassasin said:

lousubcap said:

Develop a relationship with a retail source and you will be rewarded at random times.  I have purchased all the above Sazerac products at MSRP within the last six months and some more frequently than others.  
But I have also paid a whole lot more for some as well.  I live around 60 miles (at most) from all the big brand distilleries and the closer to the epicenter the harder to find.
Big $$ to be made exporting to the further reaches of the USA and especially Japan and SE Asia.  
I recall some 20 years ago finding Pappy Van Winkle (PVW) 12 yo on the shelf year round, 15 yo around 8-10 months of the year, 20 yo around 4-6 months and yes, even the 23 yo for a good month or more.  To me, the juice for those is now not worth the squeeze.  FWIW-

Yep, our guy used to hide the good stuff under the cash register in a cabinet.  

   I’ve been into Belle Meade lately, It seems like every time I get into a bourbon I never see it again. Casual shopper fwiw if it’s not in my Kroger liquor store I’m not getting it.

It's a bit of a step up in price, but if you haven't tried their sherry cask finish give it a shot.

Sounds good thanks.