Great guidance. I’ve developed most of the techniques you describe and although it doesn’t always pay off with better access to allocated bottles, it does make the process of whiskey hunting more fun and valuable for everyone involved. Relationships don’t have to be materially transactional to be worthwhile. If I make somebodies day a little better with a rare sample, or a few moments of empathic, supportive or just good-humored interaction, I feel better and I hope they feel better too. In the end, the things we “get” from other people don’t matter much compared to the good feelings or positive experiences we help create. This is true at work, at home, at the liquor store or anywhere.
I have never subscribed to or commented on a youtube channel in my life. Until now (though I have watched a few of your vids already before today). Appreciate your experience! Honestly, my biggest take-home (and reason for watching) this video wasn't even for the bourbz...it's so I can better show my appreciation and humanity to the retailers who put up with all of us taters. I always feel mildly ashamed to be hunting, haha.
The main problem I come across is that at several stores, the owner is hardly ever there, and he is the one making the call on who gets the allocated stuff...so it's hard to build a relationship sometimes.
Great, straight forward words that many need to hear. It's not easy to grab a nice bottle; however, taking baby steps almost always pays off. Owners are truly thankful for all of their patrons, so don't be afraid to be the face that lifts spirits every time you step through the door. Thanks for the content, and please keep it coming.
This is some of the best advice that could possibly be offered. Dare I say, "Priceless!" I work for liquor sales in Charlotte, North Carolina (yes, one of the few control states) so some of your advice does not apply to us but, honestly, I wish this video could play as a continuous loop in all of our stores. I have enjoyed some of your other videos but after watching this one, I am now your NUMBER 1 fan.
That is high praise! Thank you! Part of my mission is to bridge the divide between whiskey nerds and people who work at liquor stores. I am working on a podcast from the retailer's perspective of why they hate dealing with some whiskey enthusiasts, and how we can behave better as a community and likely get more of what we want.
@@BourbonRealTalk That will be a well appreciated (and, I am sure, well received) info. I will thank you, in advance, and I assure you that I will be watching. Keep the good the stuff coming!
I’m in nc also, someone should make a video like this for the control states as well. 😉 great content in this channel. Also I like that unlike some other channels, you aren’t just showing off a wall full of basically unobtainable bottles
This is the best information concerning allocated whiskeys that I've ever heard. Thank you for sharing your tips. I've learned some of them from liquor store owners! I appreciate their honesty after I buy something even if they say they don't have a certain whiskey. When I was purchasing another whiskey the guy took out an allocated brand and offered it to me. I definitely bought it!!! I was fortunate that day.
Great insight here! Couldn’t agree more about being friendly and respectful to your liquor stores. I sympathize for the liquor managers, as they get HOUNDED by flippers and bourbon hunters. I’ve witnessed managers getting bullied, and it’s outright shameful. People need to re-evaluate their lives if they’re going to bully someone just for a bottle of bourbon. The majority of people only see dollar signs when they see allocated bottles now, instead of actually enjoying and sharing with friends... Thanks for the great video here! I can personally say that these tips will definitely help you enjoy some great bottles. Just be a good person. Not that hard to do (but apparently it is for some d-bags)
I really enjoyed your suggestions. One thing I have done is to engage each employee by their name. Most wear a name tag. Remember their names and say hello to them when you enter the store. Also, like you, I pick up a bottle and ask the employee about it. I have found a couple ABC (state controlled) stores where the employees are friendly, knowledgeable and will take the time to answer questions and make suggestions.
Great content, great advice -- empathy, kindness, respect, attitude, willingness to take the time to build a relationship with the retailer by becoming a repeat customer. Thanks for the insight as to how you've done things and have seen them done. Love the channel and the information you put out. Cheers!
Wow. SO glad I found this channel! You are one knowledgeable straight shooter. Really love the content...so much more than review/review/review. Thank you.
Something you didn’t mention that I’ve seen work well (work at a relationship store on the bottom of the totem pole) - take the recommendations! A lot of times the spirits managers are enthusiasts themselves, so asking them what their favorite (shelfer) bottle is and giving it a try if you hadn’t or talking about it is a win win for everyone involved. Especially if that bottle is something they’re trying to move more of (to be able to get a higher end release, for instance).
Outstanding insight and advice - couldn't agree more with all of your points. I've had some of my best luck at acquiring allocated bourbons when I've least expected it, and it's usually involved striking up a routine conversation with a manager/decision-maker at nicer whiskey bars or retailers. Most of them appreciate knowing that their allocated stock is going to someone who appreciates the bourbon and who will enjoy it for some time to come.
Great tips! Maybe not so much for the quiet introverts among us, lol. But it's true, striking up communication with people is often the best way to find what you're looking for, or better yet, find something you didn't even know you were looking for.
Very good advice. I keep all my purchase to primarily one store and Im always kept in mind when the allocated items come in. I also bring in food for the staff when picking up my bottles.
Excellent Excellent review. I affirm everything stated. Things I've done and things I've missed. I recently stopped chasing allocated and have been exploring those "off the cuff" labels however every now and then there are a few things still get pursued.
Yeah that does work. One of the stores I go to will hold hard to get things for me. Last time I was in there he said he's been waiting to see me because he had a bottle of blanton's for me. That's pretty cool. I have never sold any bottles that are hard to get. It's not about that for me.
Great advice! Truth be told the barrels that get put in the single barrel program are generally better than the shelf batch, so you would not be lying.
That’s a lot of good advice. However that seems like a lot of trouble and work. I’ve always gone by the theory of luck of the draw and it’s worked well for me.
You are correct that is it a lot of work. If you are doing it just for the bottles the time might be better spent making money with that time and buying the bottles you want on the secondary, but if you look at it as building relationships and connection it seems less taxing.
Talked to a seller yesterday and they mentioned they would normally reserve these bottles for their regulars that spend thousands per year and they mentioned they had other equally delicious options available for me.
@@BourbonRealTalk oh yeah! By the way, they had 3 bottles of blantons there which were store picks. I need to go back for one, it was at $99 which is cheap for blantons specially here in the bay area.
@@BourbonRealTalk Totally agree. When engaging shop owners/managers, I emphasize that I buy to drink. But before getting into those discussions, I try to get to know them and them know me. I may not even get to what they may have. It depends on the exchange.
As a store owner i guarantee you would find more allocated bourbon if you bought all your liquor at a mid to top notch liquor store instead of the big box(costco, TW,meijers, krogers) most stores match there liquor prices anyways.
Dude that was fantastic. I wish I could speak like that. The thing about the relationship thing that pisses me off is it often fuels the secondary market turds who use allocated bottles to drink for free. Like you, I drink or gift everything I buy
I was upset at a retailer that was basically asking triple the amount for a bottle of Blanton’s. He got a case of 6 and was wanting to sell them for $149/bottle and a 1 bottle limit per person. That is what all the liquor stores are doing in my area is hearing the others are doing it and gouging the customers.
That sucks! I wish stores could realize the money they could make through customer relationships is far more then they make gouging on those few bottles.
In MD retailers can set their own prices. When you see these items 75% of the time, they are at secondary prices. I have yet to see a store that has a high roller system. Also have yet to see van winkle, pappy or brac at retail... And totally agree, if you are not on a first name basis with your retailer you are not 'in' with them
Great info Randy; when you mentioned that when the store offers you a bottle get it! But what would you do if the bottle is priced OVER 3 times MRSP? Local store was offering OWA107 for $150? Thanks...
I would not be spending time building a relationship at a store the dose not follow MSRP. I would have asked enough questions to know that I was barking up the wrong tree and invested my money in time into another store.
@@BourbonRealTalk That’s exactly what I decided a couple of months ago; this particular store was always great to do business with (got a Pappy 20 a few years back at MSRP, Lot B & my favorite GTS a couple of years ago) and I gave them ALL my business for regular purchases, but new management moved in & the price to keep getting a bottle of BTAC is to pay ridiculous prices on other items that are sought after...no thank you.
I wonder what would happen if retailers had a policy of forcing buyers to pop the top in front of them for allocated stuff?... ha, should have finished your vid!
Question: I do a lot of shopping at my local Total Wine but that’s a huge chain. I buy most of my go-to spirits there: Grolsch; Sapporo; or even some of my favorite tequila, El Padrino extra Añejo. And many of the employees there know me and are familiar with me and my purchase habits: I bought a 30-year-old mezcal for $750, and I spoke with one of the managers there for like 20 minutes as we chatted about that bottle and its story. I ended up taking it and the manager there and I got along very well. Should I look for a locally-owned specialty liquor store and start developing relationships there? I’m not sure if Total Wine is even allowed to decide who gets what allocated bottles via relationships. Great video, nonetheless. Subbed man.
Total wine decides their allocated bottles based on their customer loyalty program. Basically, if you are not Grand Reserve status then you are not going to get anything special from them. If you purchase volume is high enough to get a grand reserve status then you should be OK. I will warn you that they send out one email per year that maters. This is significant because they literally email me every day, but there is one that if you do not catch it and fill it out you will get nothing. I know because I spend $20,000 at total wine this year and I didn't get anything, because I missed the email. If you do not buy enough to get grand reserve status every year, and you want to increase your odds of allocated bottles, then I would start looking for a store that gets allocated bottles and that the decision of who gets to buy those bottles is left up to the employees/manager of that retail location. Do the same thing you have been doing at total wine and you should have luck.
@@BourbonRealTalk Oh ok. I see. I am actually a Grand Reserve member there but yeah, it’s crazy how much you need to spend to get to the tier! Btw, that’s how I got that Blanton’s I commented about in another one of your vids. Was hoping for a Pappy but I’ll take a Blanton’s for $65. I’m glad they have a military benefit program that allows you to earn double points on every eligible purchase; otherwise, I wouldn’t have even gotten the email. Thanks for the quick response, brotha.
@@BourbonRealTalk makes no since that Wellers Special Reserve is not every where. Reminds me of Harley Davidsons in the 90s. Allocation does not help Buffalo Trace as far as I can tell.
@@mr.mr.3301 Special reserve gets made into Weller Antique, Weller 12 year, William Larue Weller, Old Rip VanWinkle, VanWinkle Lot B, Pappy VanWinkle 15, Pappy VanWinkle 20, and Pappy VanWinkle 23. Special reserve is a non age stated product, but is rumored to be 4-6 years. If they fulfilled all the orders for Special Reserve there would be no stock aging for the 8 other labels they make with that whiskey that make them a LOT more money. That is why Pappy demand affects he availability of the downline like Special Reserve.
What is funny is that is how these bottles get drank. I run a Facebook based whiskey club called Someone Say Whiskey. I never drink my allocated bottles unless there is a club member that comes over. We drink highly allocated bottles about 1/8th of an ounce at a time. Before I am done 150-200 people have tried a hard to find bottle.
@@BourbonRealTalk That’s very cool. I usually drink my allocated bottles with a friend or two that appreciates whiskey. Too often the entire bottle is gone in one night 😳. Great video by the way, I’ll subscribe. I’ve tried many of the same tactics to get bottles. I’m able to get some allocated bottles this way but usually still at a markup .
I dont agree with you leaning so hard on opening the bottle. Some of us are just collectors, your constant babbling on making sure you open it, take pictures and send it to them. Bro your a nice guy but good lord are you obnoxious about opening bottles!
@@BourbonRealTalk I want to apologise. I was being a snob and only thinking about myself. Its not the way i want to be and have actually found your suggestions to be 100% legit. It really is about opening bottles and sharing the experience over collecting. I again want to apologise for my assery and hope to learn more from you and others along my journey. 🥃
My question is: should I pay premium for allocated bottles or pay for stuff I don’t want so I can get allocated bottles at MSRP? Most of the time, I can find something I’ll drink. How about everyone else?
You should not buy things you don't want. If you can direct the purchases of the bottles you do want that are easily available to one store, and in doing so form a relationship, then you should. If the relationship is too time consuming and expensive, and you have the money, I do not begrudge someone's right to buy what they want at an inflated price.
I find this to be a tough topic. Forming a relationship is synonymous with angling for privilege. It's all very subjective and comes down to who is being the most congenial or who has the most approachable personality, which in itself becomes very toxic. I would prefer store owners just do a lottery; it is the most respectful way to treat a customer.
Sounds like a heart issue. Only the individual knows if when they behave in a friendly way if they see their target as a sucker to manipulate, or if they are enjoying the process of getting to know someone with a genuine heart in such a way that they would not be disappointed if the person never gave them anything in return. If when you go into a store and show kindness and enthusiasm you are looking at the person a mark and not a human, I support your decision to focus on lotteries. Just know my videos are not made for people who think like that.
@@BourbonRealTalkBut you do agree that there is not enough allocated bottles for each store owner to sell a bottle to every customer who is sincere and kind to him, correct?
@@joshuabunkers1494 No, I do not. I believe that MSRP stores likely get enough allocated bottles that they can give something special to everyone who puts in the effort to be a "good customer" often enough that there is reciprocation in the relationship. The number of people who are going to implement this strategy represents a small portion of the whiskey buying community, but even if everyone started doing it someone might end up with a Knob Creek 15 when they would have been offered 5 bottles that year, but it doesn't mean the store didn't think of them and honor the relationship by only offering them one special bottle that year.
@@BourbonRealTalk We may be in different tiers. I get a personal text from a small business owner (he owns one liquor store) and I get a text from a regional manager (overseas 8 liquor stores) when certain allocated whiskies come in and they ask me if I want any of the bottles held for me at MSRP. I am not saying this is wrong, but I am saying I am more privileged then others and I feel a little guilty about it.
The thing that has helped me is interacting with their store picks in your hand and then come in and talk about the store pick and find another store pick
I suggest checking with your local liquor stores and asking if they have any upcoming releases or if they can special order the bottles for you. You can also keep an eye on online retailers and auction sites, but be aware of counterfeit products. Good luck in your search! Is there anything else I can help you with?
It is a common practice. I don't think it justifies the price gouging, but for those stores that still offer their allocated items at MSRP I hope spreading this information helps customers have a little compassion on the store.
You seem like a great dude, and I like your channel, and I think you mean well. But….there is nothing I find more distasteful than this. Just my opinion. The entire concept here is basically leveraging “techniques” of flattery, specifically in order to snag allocated products. You’re essentially using other humans as tools to get under the table special treatment. I’m sure you find this reasonable for a variety of potentially well articulated reasons, but I find it very icky. I will say this - it’s at least a good reminder to just be nice to people at liquor stores and to not be afraid to strike up conversations, instead of just being a tater seeking jerk, but I don’t want to do so with the express end goal of obtaining something special under the table. You may respond by saying that you are just encouraging people to do exactly this, but you refer to this specifically as “techniques” to - the video title says it all, “buy allocated whiskey”. You probably view this as simple give-and-take, but I see it as just straight up playing people. The give-and-take aspect of it IS your money. They give me product, I give them money. It is, and should be, that simple. I’d rather have products ON THE SHELF for triple the price than have them be in a back room somewhere, and only be able to get them by a wink-wink-nudge-nudge. To me, the best option is first come, first serve, limit 1 on allocated items, with customer tracking so they aren’t just coming back multiple times to get multiple bottles. If you extrapolate the content of this video to any other grocery type item that occasionally becomes hard to get (think about toilet paper during COVID), the whole idea becomes so much more obviously gross and icky. Absolute chaos. Stuff should be on the shelf, or not at all. Lastly, if this is what it takes to get a bottle of Stagg at retail, it might as well just cost $2,000, if the requirement is that you spend all this money on other bottles at this specific store on a regular basis, just so you can get the Stagg. You’d be better off just finding a way to make an extra thousand bucks and buy a bottle for markup. If I want to have Stagg, I can just head over to my local whiskey bar and spend $40 for a glass.
I was going to find the timestamp for you, but there is a segment of this video where I explain that you should be doing this in a way that is genuine. I appreciate your concern, but if you know my content you know I am the last person in the world that could be accused of teaching people to use others in whiskey.
@@BourbonRealTalk fair. I don’t take issue with you, again, I like your channel…..but this whole idea of “getting to know your store owners” in order to get special access is not a new idea, and not unique to you, but has been pushed around a lot, extremely casually, and I find it highly concerning. Based on this whole concept, (it has already been stated) you can have a scenario where a customer walks into a liquor store and asks if they have Blanton’s, and the store owner says NO. And then 5 minutes later someone walks in who is buddy-buddy with the owner, who then “allows” his friend to buy a bottle of Blanton’s from a case he has in the back. I find this to be a absolutely horrible atrocious practice, EVEN IF the first guy was just buying to flip it. I despise flippers, but flippers wouldn’t flip if people weren’t PAYING these stupid prices, because there’d be nothing to flip. I am all for being nice to the people you interact with, and striking up a conversation, and offering to have them over at your house. Great. Have at it, but if, in the back of your mind or subconscious, you are ultimately doing it for YOU, to get that back room deal - then you are using people.
The city I live in within the last 5 years, got it’s first liquor store. To show my support I would visit a couple times a month. Asked for recommendations, always would make comments about the recommendations, on return visits. I went down one day around Thanksgiving, and I saw people coming, and the store manager would call them by name, and say I got something for you. He would go to the back and come out carrying one of several allocated bourbons. I asked if I could purchase a bottle. I was told, you have to get on the list. And you don’t spend enough money to get on the list. He said these people that’s getting these allocated bottles. Have spent thousands on bourbon, where you have spent hundreds. I left there, and went to the liquor store in a nearby small town. Walked into a shelve full of Buffalo Trace for $28 a bottle. I asked the manager if it was allocated. He laughed and said it was allocated to how much I could afford. I grabbed four bottles of Buffalo Trace. I got to the register to pay. The manager reached down and pulled up a bottle of George T. Stagg, and ask how many I wanted. I smiled and said two. Moral to this story. Check out the small town liquor store. You might be surprised what you find
Sad part is that most of these retailers are also jacking up the price. Saw my first bottle of old fitz 17 at a store of 287 in Mansfield. 1100$. Even sadder is people like myself have a difficult time spending that kind of cash without even knowing how that would taste for me.
Don't be selfish and treat people decently. What a concept. I work at a liquor purveyor and let me you, we do indeed get constant calls and drop ins by folks who only have one thing on their minds. Allocated bourbon. A kind person shines like a light in the fog.
What would be wrong with just randomly putting a bottle or more just randomly on the shelf and not telling anyone anything and whoever finds it finds it. I would think a store like that would get more people in more often to look around to find something. What are the downsides to doing that?
It causes people to come into your store who do not support the overall objectives of the business. If they always left with a bottle, whether they found something rare or not, then stores would do this. Go read the comments on my video about not leaving a liquor store without buying something and you will learn real quick why stores do not do this.
I recently found Blanton's in the wild. it was in a liquor store that was inside a convenience store that was in more of a rural area. It was actually nice place. The owner had just got that in and put it out. Next road trip I might stop by more out of the way liquor stores.
I live in Prosper, TX just north of Dallas. I come down to Houston to go to The Prideful Goat launches at Gulf Coast Distilling a lot. You should join the free member group facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity/ . I announce where I am going in that group. Maybe we could meet up for a drink?
Glad you like them! If you are interested in a deeper dive I would like to personally invite you to our free member community. facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity
So many great Bourbons still under $60. Reminds me of rare wine. If I happen to come across a rare bottle, ill grab it. However not going over $100 for any liquid.
It would be nice if this was the sole truth of the matter. Most retailers in my area don’t sell at retail. They mark it way up because they see the money the secondary market is making so their cashing in on that.
Excellent advice. I got Blanton’s and EH Taylor, recently, by leveraging my past purchases. As a result, and other stores who do not want to sell allocated bottles in this way, I have concentrated all of my purchases to one store who gets a lot of BTAC bourbons. What you said is accurate, you need to build relationships and show it is a two-way street.
Genuinely seeking to understand others and find mutually beneficial ways to interact is good advice for all connections in life! So glad it is fruitful for you! Thank you for watching.
At the end of 2021 I actually got a bottle of BTAC Pappy 15 from the same store. I have stopped buying from other, local, places and just buy from this one store. Your channel stresses it is a two-way street and that is KEY! I buy whiskey on a regular basis and I talk to the people who work there. I also help other customers who ask and encourage them to particular brands on the shelf.
@@michaelwoody2111 It is fun and rewarding! I would like to personally invite you to our free member community. facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity
Thank you very much. Great usable advice, being polite and interacting with store workers has been the best way for me to increase my modest collection of hard to finds.
You're very welcome! Not only does it work, but it feels nice to connect with people who have their guard up because they are used to being abused. Cheers!
100 percent accurate. I am new to bourbon but I have a very close friend that is super personable. He lights up a room and he's kind and patient and talks to everyone and he's not a flipper. He enjoys the bourbon that he buys. He has a lady at his local store that just calls him when allocated bottles are coming and sets aside what he wants and it's because for years he has been the person to her that you are recommending we all be. She actually looks forward to him visiting the store. He is just that kind of person. She was moved from one state store to another state store farther from him and she still rings him up when allocated bottle hit her store. It's pretty impressive.
Alabama, where I live, has a monthly allocation sale where it's first come first serve, but only two bottles per costumer and they have to be different products. Then the most sought after bottles are in a state wide sweepstakes they do in December. My and my wife were first and second in line this month and went home with 2 Old Forester Birthday Bourbons, Henry McKenna 10yr B.I.B., High N' Wicked 12yr and 6 Blanton's mini's.
@@johnmark7361 It's only in certain stores, but it is a lot of them throughout the state. I think the stores with highest volume get more allocation bottles. Something else I like about the way the state does it is it's all MSRP. No markup. I think it's a fair system (if you don't mind waiting in line).
In the cyber security realm, this is called Social Engineering. Just being nice to people in general is always good and is a nice surprise when they return the favor.
This is some interesting ideas to try. Idk how much of it will apply since the liquor stores in my state are controlled by the state so prices are set across the state.
I do not live in a control state, so not sure how it would play out. Since the advice is basically to me nice and make some friends there is no reason not to try. Cheers!
Generally, a very good video...about establishing good relationships with the people with the power to sell you the bottles you want. Be friendly, be empathetic, and don't give them reason to regret the sale (e.g. you flip it for a higher price that they could have charged). However, your suggestion that you establish a good relationship with a store through regular purchases is really nothing more than SLIGHTLY modified "best customer" rewards program that you somewhat rejected at the very beginning. BTW, for the vast majority, you don't have to spend "tens of thousands of dollars." For Total Wine & More it is about $2,500 a year. A rewards program is far and away the most fair system for buyers and sellers! Each side to the transaction gets a reward. Your suggestion that an important factor to who gets to buy it is "the person who's going to enjoy it the most." (5:37) is rather odd. Assuming that enjoyment could in some way be quantified (a fool's errand), that is not now nor ever been how goods are resources are distributed. Does the flipper who gets the bottle by raffle or camping out in front of a store rate highly on your "enjoyment" scale? BTW, camping out is the WORST way. That favors the young, those without regular jobs, and the highly incentivized (i.e. flippers), and the good customers get nothing. You won't see a lot of senior citizen bourbon lovers pulling all-nighters! BTW, I'm not trying to be overly-harsh here. Just taking issues with your reasoning. I actually enjoy your videos.
When I said who would enjoy it the most customers who form relationships at the store level are known by the staff. They know who their best Four Roses customer is, who their best Wild Turkey customer is, etc. They may then decide that when the 4R LE comes in to hold it back for the one guy who goes bananas for 4R, but for that to happen you have to be known as that person.
thisi s a silly statement, acting lik e the stores dont have the time to go get an bottle from outback or wherever because those 2 minute destroy their profit margin shows youve NEVER run a business.
If it's such a hassle then the stores shouldn't have them and deal with it. The stores turning down the allocated bottles might be the best solution for more stores. This is why more and more people prefer online buying. Not having to buy extra products that I don't want or need just to be "special" in their minds to become a good customer and have the privilege to buy one of these.
Not sure what the answer is besides waiting until time creates more supply. I just know it is hard to get mad at anyone in the three tier system when you understand the obstacles they face when there is a supply shortage.
@@BourbonRealTalk I'm not mad at the stores and I get what you're saying. Doesn't mean that what I suggested wouldn't work. As I said, huge hassle for store? Don't take them then you can complain about it. In the meantime I'll stick with online buying as no hassle and I know what I'm getting when, without any games. You're probably right in that just waiting until supply catches up best answer.
No. You just join a whiskey club like Someone Say Whiskey and push past your comfort zone and go to someone's house. I will say that I have social anxiety so I understand how you feel. That said expecting the world to change the way it works so that you can get what you need instead of understanding that your needs may prevent you from engaging in the normal social why that produces opportunity is a recipe for disappointment. This world will NOT flex for those of us who have social issues. We either have to face our fears or be OK with missing out, but we should never be mad at the world for being the way it is. Cheers!
@@solarmus923 I have not talked about this often, but I have social anxiety. I have a panic attack if I am at a concert or in an environment that has too much noise. I make decisions about where I feel comfortable and there are places I just don't go. I do not try to make it the fault of the concert. I do not make statements on videos of concerts that concerts should have fewer people and lower the volume so that people like me can feel comfortable at them. I just understand that the world works in a way that makes me uncomfortable and I forgo that. Don't try to blame the world. Learn to live in it.
Here in Ontario, Canada it’s all done through the LCBO, a publicly owned and operated entity. So not a lot of bottles but if you’re online regularly (like me every few hours refreshing) you can snag some decent bottles at retail. Picked up 2 bottles of WL Special at $40 a pop just this week. Great content man, I’ve been learning a lot and I appreciate your direct and honest approach to the bourbon world.
Thank you so much! Sounds like a winning strategy. There are some states in the US that are "control states" where the stores are operated by the government and they function similar to what you have described. Hope you find some more good bottles soon!
So basically, don't be a dick. It's a shame we have to tell people that. Australia is no different. Great content, thanks for sharing mate. New subscriber.
Great advice. I have a local shop that recently changed ownership. I immediately established a relationship with the new owner and he has hooked me up with a few unicorns. These bottles (Bookers, Blanton’s, Stagg Jr, etc) are not on the shelf; you have to ask and he holds them for regulars. I’m at the point now that I don’t ask, he tells me when he has something special. He told me people come in and ask for these special bottles and if he says “no” they leave without buying anything. I’m not a huge drinker but if I need anything (beer, liquor, something for a party) I go there. I’ll even stop by just for a couple lottery tickets if I havnt been there in a while. Again, great advice.
What I done was get to know the people and they save things for me I go there every Friday and spend about 4 to 5 a month and I shoot the shit and they tell me hey we got this and I grease the wheels sometimes for some things and I’m like Family Specs good folks
Thanks for this video and the others you've made. New whiskey drinker here and I've learned a lot in the few videos I've watched. How does somebody find out what allocated bottles are out there or going to be available?
I had not thought about that. If you never see it on the shelf and you didn't know what it was before it got popular, how would you know it existed? I think most people end up joining a Facebook group for whiskey drinkers and get exposed to the harder to find items by seeing pictures and going to events. You also can learn a lot by going to a bar with a large whiskey selection and studying the whiskey menu. Hope this helps. If you want to join a Facebook group I suggest Someone Say Whiskey...I help admin it.
@@BourbonRealTalk thank you. Great ideas! I was just reading an article about the "travel retail whiskey" industry and how you can find some different bottles at duty-free shops that you can't find anyplace else. That sounds really interesting to me. Thanks for the reply.
Great guidance. I’ve developed most of the techniques you describe and although it doesn’t always pay off with better access to allocated bottles, it does make the process of whiskey hunting more fun and valuable for everyone involved. Relationships don’t have to be materially transactional to be worthwhile. If I make somebodies day a little better with a rare sample, or a few moments of empathic, supportive or just good-humored interaction, I feel better and I hope they feel better too. In the end, the things we “get” from other people don’t matter much compared to the good feelings or positive experiences we help create. This is true at work, at home, at the liquor store or anywhere.
Good point. Not just about the whiskey but also about the friendships we build!
I have never subscribed to or commented on a youtube channel in my life. Until now (though I have watched a few of your vids already before today). Appreciate your experience! Honestly, my biggest take-home (and reason for watching) this video wasn't even for the bourbz...it's so I can better show my appreciation and humanity to the retailers who put up with all of us taters. I always feel mildly ashamed to be hunting, haha.
Wow! That makes me feel awesome! Thank you!
The main problem I come across is that at several stores, the owner is hardly ever there, and he is the one making the call on who gets the allocated stuff...so it's hard to build a relationship sometimes.
That is tough.Keep putting in the work and hopefully it will work out.
Great, straight forward words that many need to hear. It's not easy to grab a nice bottle; however, taking baby steps almost always pays off. Owners are truly thankful for all of their patrons, so don't be afraid to be the face that lifts spirits every time you step through the door. Thanks for the content, and please keep it coming.
Words to live by! Not just when looking for rare whiskey.
I totally agree with this guy , I worked in a liquor store and pretty much his tips are right.
Cheers🤟🏻
Thank you for validating the information!
This is some of the best advice that could possibly be offered. Dare I say, "Priceless!" I work for liquor sales in Charlotte, North Carolina (yes, one of the few control states) so some of your advice does not apply to us but, honestly, I wish this video could play as a continuous loop in all of our stores. I have enjoyed some of your other videos but after watching this one, I am now your NUMBER 1 fan.
That is high praise! Thank you! Part of my mission is to bridge the divide between whiskey nerds and people who work at liquor stores. I am working on a podcast from the retailer's perspective of why they hate dealing with some whiskey enthusiasts, and how we can behave better as a community and likely get more of what we want.
@@BourbonRealTalk That will be a well appreciated (and, I am sure, well received) info. I will thank you, in advance, and I assure you that I will be watching. Keep the good the stuff coming!
I’m in nc also, someone should make a video like this for the control states as well. 😉 great content in this channel. Also I like that unlike some other channels, you aren’t just showing off a wall full of basically unobtainable bottles
This is the best information concerning allocated whiskeys that I've ever heard. Thank you for sharing your tips. I've learned some of them from liquor store owners! I appreciate their honesty after I buy something even if they say they don't have a certain whiskey. When I was purchasing another whiskey the guy took out an allocated brand and offered it to me. I definitely bought it!!! I was fortunate that day.
Glad it helped and thank you for supporting the channel.
Great insight here! Couldn’t agree more about being friendly and respectful to your liquor stores. I sympathize for the liquor managers, as they get HOUNDED by flippers and bourbon hunters. I’ve witnessed managers getting bullied, and it’s outright shameful. People need to re-evaluate their lives if they’re going to bully someone just for a bottle of bourbon. The majority of people only see dollar signs when they see allocated bottles now, instead of actually enjoying and sharing with friends...
Thanks for the great video here! I can personally say that these tips will definitely help you enjoy some great bottles. Just be a good person. Not that hard to do (but apparently it is for some d-bags)
My thoughts exactly!
I really enjoyed your suggestions. One thing I have done is to engage each employee by their name. Most wear a name tag. Remember their names and say hello to them when you enter the store. Also, like you, I pick up a bottle and ask the employee about it. I have found a couple ABC (state controlled) stores where the employees are friendly, knowledgeable and will take the time to answer questions and make suggestions.
That is awesome! Thank you for adding to the community!
Great content, great advice -- empathy, kindness, respect, attitude, willingness to take the time to build a relationship with the retailer by becoming a repeat customer. Thanks for the insight as to how you've done things and have seen them done. Love the channel and the information you put out. Cheers!
Thank you so much! I appreciate the support!
Wow. SO glad I found this channel! You are one knowledgeable straight shooter. Really love the content...so much more than review/review/review. Thank you.
Thank you!
Something you didn’t mention that I’ve seen work well (work at a relationship store on the bottom of the totem pole) - take the recommendations! A lot of times the spirits managers are enthusiasts themselves, so asking them what their favorite (shelfer) bottle is and giving it a try if you hadn’t or talking about it is a win win for everyone involved. Especially if that bottle is something they’re trying to move more of (to be able to get a higher end release, for instance).
This is a great recommendation!
Outstanding insight and advice - couldn't agree more with all of your points. I've had some of my best luck at acquiring allocated bourbons when I've least expected it, and it's usually involved striking up a routine conversation with a manager/decision-maker at nicer whiskey bars or retailers. Most of them appreciate knowing that their allocated stock is going to someone who appreciates the bourbon and who will enjoy it for some time to come.
Well said!
Great tips! Maybe not so much for the quiet introverts among us, lol. But it's true, striking up communication with people is often the best way to find what you're looking for, or better yet, find something you didn't even know you were looking for.
Fair enough! Not sure what to do if you want the rare stuff and you are not comfortable talking with strangers.
Village liquor ( garden oaks) in houston, they have Blanton’s Single barrel 750ml for $60, im on my way right now
That is awesome
Very good advice. I keep all my purchase to primarily one store and Im always kept in mind when the allocated items come in. I also bring in food for the staff when picking up my bottles.
Food is a good idea!
Just watched a 20min video of you giving away every single one of my tactics!! I’m screwed now Randall! 😂
Great video though man
Ha! Good news is most people won't do it.
Excellent Excellent review. I affirm everything stated. Things I've done and things I've missed. I recently stopped chasing allocated and have been exploring those "off the cuff" labels however every now and then there are a few things still get pursued.
I don't fly across the country anymore, but if an opportunity presents itself I take it. Happy to drink my dailies.
@@BourbonRealTalk indeed. Currently looking for that Jack Daniels Special Reserves that supposedly replaced the Heritage.
Yeah that does work. One of the stores I go to will hold hard to get things for me. Last time I was in there he said he's been waiting to see me because he had a bottle of blanton's for me. That's pretty cool. I have never sold any bottles that are hard to get. It's not about that for me.
Good stuff
Something i find is complimenting their store picks. Even if they are mediocre it lets them know your respect their tastes
Great advice! Truth be told the barrels that get put in the single barrel program are generally better than the shelf batch, so you would not be lying.
@@BourbonRealTalk definitely not all are mindblowing but it would do neither party good to skimp on a barrel pick
Pure Gold. Many useful tips I haven't heard elsewhere
Glad it was helpful!
That’s a lot of good advice. However that seems like a lot of trouble and work. I’ve always gone by the theory of luck of the draw and it’s worked well for me.
You are correct that is it a lot of work. If you are doing it just for the bottles the time might be better spent making money with that time and buying the bottles you want on the secondary, but if you look at it as building relationships and connection it seems less taxing.
Talked to a seller yesterday and they mentioned they would normally reserve these bottles for their regulars that spend thousands per year and they mentioned they had other equally delicious options available for me.
Truth is there are a lot of available whiskeys out there that taste so close to as good that I wonder if it is worth all the fuss.
@@BourbonRealTalk oh yeah! By the way, they had 3 bottles of blantons there which were store picks. I need to go back for one, it was at $99 which is cheap for blantons specially here in the bay area.
Great advice. Bringing samples to share is a great idea. Thanks!!
Showing generosity and that you open the bottles will definitely help.
@@BourbonRealTalk Totally agree. When engaging shop owners/managers, I emphasize that I buy to drink. But before getting into those discussions, I try to get to know them and them know me. I may not even get to what they may have. It depends on the exchange.
As a store owner i guarantee you would find more allocated bourbon if you bought all your liquor at a mid to top notch liquor store instead of the big box(costco, TW,meijers, krogers) most stores match there liquor prices anyways.
Validation!
Great advice! Thanks, Randall!
You're very welcome!
Dude that was fantastic. I wish I could speak like that. The thing about the relationship thing that pisses me off is it often fuels the secondary market turds who use allocated bottles to drink for free. Like you, I drink or gift everything I buy
Thank you! I do not feel like I am a good speaker...it is just that no one told me I couldn't make videos so I did.
This is excellent advice, thanks a ton!
Glad it was helpful!
You should link your website in the description for easier access. Just a suggestion.
I will start doing that.
Great video and great advice!
Glad it helped!
I was upset at a retailer that was basically asking triple the amount for a bottle of Blanton’s. He got a case of 6 and was wanting to sell them for $149/bottle and a 1 bottle limit per person. That is what all the liquor stores are doing in my area is hearing the others are doing it and gouging the customers.
That sucks! I wish stores could realize the money they could make through customer relationships is far more then they make gouging on those few bottles.
@@BourbonRealTalk I agree! It made me look at ALL his pricing unfortunately to see if he marked up other things. He has a big selection of things too.
Thanks for the advice.
Any time!
great vid!!! thanks for the tips.
Happy to help!
Great info!! Appreciate you sharing the knowledge!
My pleasure!
In MD retailers can set their own prices. When you see these items 75% of the time, they are at secondary prices. I have yet to see a store that has a high roller system.
Also have yet to see van winkle, pappy or brac at retail...
And totally agree, if you are not on a first name basis with your retailer you are not 'in' with them
Seeing that across the country
Great stuff, thanks Randy
Glad you enjoyed it
Excellent tips and inside wisdom. Very useful information. Thanks ! New Sub !
Thanks for the sub!
These are some great tips, thanks!
You're so welcome!
That was awesome! I love the outro!
Every time I preach I end with a similar message.
Glad you enjoyed it
I was once a Jr High youth pastor.
Interesting ~. Kindness is good!
My wife made a shirt for a friend of mine that says Kindness Is Gangster
Great info Randy; when you mentioned that when the store offers you a bottle get it! But what would you do if the bottle is priced OVER 3 times MRSP? Local store was offering OWA107 for $150? Thanks...
I would not be spending time building a relationship at a store the dose not follow MSRP. I would have asked enough questions to know that I was barking up the wrong tree and invested my money in time into another store.
@@BourbonRealTalk That’s exactly what I decided a couple of months ago; this particular store was always great to do business with (got a Pappy 20 a few years back at MSRP, Lot B & my favorite GTS a couple of years ago) and I gave them ALL my business for regular purchases, but new management moved in & the price to keep getting a bottle of BTAC is to pay ridiculous prices on other items that are sought after...no thank you.
I wonder what would happen if retailers had a policy of forcing buyers to pop the top in front of them for allocated stuff?... ha, should have finished your vid!
I always offer
Question: I do a lot of shopping at my local Total Wine but that’s a huge chain. I buy most of my go-to spirits there: Grolsch; Sapporo; or even some of my favorite tequila, El Padrino extra Añejo. And many of the employees there know me and are familiar with me and my purchase habits: I bought a 30-year-old mezcal for $750, and I spoke with one of the managers there for like 20 minutes as we chatted about that bottle and its story. I ended up taking it and the manager there and I got along very well.
Should I look for a locally-owned specialty liquor store and start developing relationships there? I’m not sure if Total Wine is even allowed to decide who gets what allocated bottles via relationships.
Great video, nonetheless. Subbed man.
Total wine decides their allocated bottles based on their customer loyalty program. Basically, if you are not Grand Reserve status then you are not going to get anything special from them. If you purchase volume is high enough to get a grand reserve status then you should be OK. I will warn you that they send out one email per year that maters. This is significant because they literally email me every day, but there is one that if you do not catch it and fill it out you will get nothing. I know because I spend $20,000 at total wine this year and I didn't get anything, because I missed the email.
If you do not buy enough to get grand reserve status every year, and you want to increase your odds of allocated bottles, then I would start looking for a store that gets allocated bottles and that the decision of who gets to buy those bottles is left up to the employees/manager of that retail location. Do the same thing you have been doing at total wine and you should have luck.
@@BourbonRealTalk
Oh ok. I see. I am actually a Grand Reserve member there but yeah, it’s crazy how much you need to spend to get to the tier! Btw, that’s how I got that Blanton’s I commented about in another one of your vids. Was hoping for a Pappy but I’ll take a Blanton’s for $65. I’m glad they have a military benefit program that allows you to earn double points on every eligible purchase; otherwise, I wouldn’t have even gotten the email.
Thanks for the quick response, brotha.
I just want some EHT small batch, that's all. I had one pour and I'm hooked, but I'll probably never get it.
Keep looking and you will find one.
Thank you super great info cheers
Any time! Thank you for the support!
great advise buddy
Glad to help
...or be the local UPS man! ✌
Ha!
Great content!
Thank you for the support!
I can understand why pappy is hard to get. But anything hinder 10 years should be available. Bourbon had been in the up over 10 years.
Hopefully with the increases in capacity that will be the case soon.
@@BourbonRealTalk makes no since that Wellers Special Reserve is not every where. Reminds me of Harley Davidsons in the 90s. Allocation does not help Buffalo Trace as far as I can tell.
@@mr.mr.3301 Special reserve gets made into Weller Antique, Weller 12 year, William Larue Weller, Old Rip VanWinkle, VanWinkle Lot B, Pappy VanWinkle 15, Pappy VanWinkle 20, and Pappy VanWinkle 23. Special reserve is a non age stated product, but is rumored to be 4-6 years. If they fulfilled all the orders for Special Reserve there would be no stock aging for the 8 other labels they make with that whiskey that make them a LOT more money. That is why Pappy demand affects he availability of the downline like Special Reserve.
i don't really even buy whisky all that crazy but i have trouble not talking to the manager at my favorite store for an hour honestly
Whiskey brings people together!
Spend a lot of money at one store consistently and become best friends with the employees and owner.
That plan should work.
50-100 people with one bottle? Everyone gets a teaspoon lol
What is funny is that is how these bottles get drank. I run a Facebook based whiskey club called Someone Say Whiskey. I never drink my allocated bottles unless there is a club member that comes over. We drink highly allocated bottles about 1/8th of an ounce at a time. Before I am done 150-200 people have tried a hard to find bottle.
@@BourbonRealTalk
That’s very cool. I usually drink my allocated bottles with a friend or two that appreciates whiskey. Too often the entire bottle is gone in one night 😳. Great video by the way, I’ll subscribe. I’ve tried many of the same tactics to get bottles. I’m able to get some allocated bottles this way but usually still at a markup .
we have to join a lottery with our store to win the opportunity to win a spot to buy the bottle, I keep losing
Don't give up...you will win eventually.
You probably never had a chance bro. A lottery just to win a chance of winning a bottle sounds fishy.
@@ryanwinkelman1781 My uncle won the local lottery 2 years ago, and my wife won last year. I have not won yet.
I'm sorry, but "camping" a retail store isn't for me. No doubt you may have "an experience," but time is money.
It was miserable, but the camaraderie was amazing
I dont agree with you leaning so hard on opening the bottle. Some of us are just collectors, your constant babbling on making sure you open it, take pictures and send it to them. Bro your a nice guy but good lord are you obnoxious about opening bottles!
Fair enough!
@@BourbonRealTalk I want to apologise. I was being a snob and only thinking about myself. Its not the way i want to be and have actually found your suggestions to be 100% legit. It really is about opening bottles and sharing the experience over collecting. I again want to apologise for my assery and hope to learn more from you and others along my journey.
🥃
@@salllmanjohn20 Respect!
My question is: should I pay premium for allocated bottles or pay for stuff I don’t want so I can get allocated bottles at MSRP?
Most of the time, I can find something I’ll drink. How about everyone else?
You should not buy things you don't want. If you can direct the purchases of the bottles you do want that are easily available to one store, and in doing so form a relationship, then you should. If the relationship is too time consuming and expensive, and you have the money, I do not begrudge someone's right to buy what they want at an inflated price.
great comprehensive info
Thank you for watching!
I find this to be a tough topic. Forming a relationship is synonymous with angling for privilege. It's all very subjective and comes down to who is being the most congenial or who has the most approachable personality, which in itself becomes very toxic. I would prefer store owners just do a lottery; it is the most respectful way to treat a customer.
Sounds like a heart issue. Only the individual knows if when they behave in a friendly way if they see their target as a sucker to manipulate, or if they are enjoying the process of getting to know someone with a genuine heart in such a way that they would not be disappointed if the person never gave them anything in return. If when you go into a store and show kindness and enthusiasm you are looking at the person a mark and not a human, I support your decision to focus on lotteries. Just know my videos are not made for people who think like that.
@@BourbonRealTalkBut you do agree that there is not enough allocated bottles for each store owner to sell a bottle to every customer who is sincere and kind to him, correct?
@@joshuabunkers1494 No, I do not. I believe that MSRP stores likely get enough allocated bottles that they can give something special to everyone who puts in the effort to be a "good customer" often enough that there is reciprocation in the relationship. The number of people who are going to implement this strategy represents a small portion of the whiskey buying community, but even if everyone started doing it someone might end up with a Knob Creek 15 when they would have been offered 5 bottles that year, but it doesn't mean the store didn't think of them and honor the relationship by only offering them one special bottle that year.
@@BourbonRealTalk We may be in different tiers. I get a personal text from a small business owner (he owns one liquor store) and I get a text from a regional manager (overseas 8 liquor stores) when certain allocated whiskies come in and they ask me if I want any of the bottles held for me at MSRP.
I am not saying this is wrong, but I am saying I am more privileged then others and I feel a little guilty about it.
The thing that has helped me is interacting with their store picks in your hand and then come in and talk about the store pick and find another store pick
Store picks are great and they show the store you support them.
One of the best and most valuable whisky related content I’ve seen. Thank you Randy!! 💯
Thank you for your kind words! I'm glad you found the content valuable. Do you have any other topics you'd like me to cover in future videos?
Anything you can tell me a way to get some of these bottles would be greatly appreciated.
I suggest checking with your local liquor stores and asking if they have any upcoming releases or if they can special order the bottles for you. You can also keep an eye on online retailers and auction sites, but be aware of counterfeit products. Good luck in your search! Is there anything else I can help you with?
You’re exactly right. Liquor store I shop at must buy cases of nasty Wheatley vodka so they can obtain allocated bourbons.
It is a common practice. I don't think it justifies the price gouging, but for those stores that still offer their allocated items at MSRP I hope spreading this information helps customers have a little compassion on the store.
You seem like a great dude, and I like your channel, and I think you mean well.
But….there is nothing I find more distasteful than this. Just my opinion. The entire concept here is basically leveraging “techniques” of flattery, specifically in order to snag allocated products. You’re essentially using other humans as tools to get under the table special treatment. I’m sure you find this reasonable for a variety of potentially well articulated reasons, but I find it very icky. I will say this - it’s at least a good reminder to just be nice to people at liquor stores and to not be afraid to strike up conversations, instead of just being a tater seeking jerk, but I don’t want to do so with the express end goal of obtaining something special under the table. You may respond by saying that you are just encouraging people to do exactly this, but you refer to this specifically as “techniques” to - the video title says it all, “buy allocated whiskey”. You probably view this as simple give-and-take, but I see it as just straight up playing people. The give-and-take aspect of it IS your money. They give me product, I give them money. It is, and should be, that simple.
I’d rather have products ON THE SHELF for triple the price than have them be in a back room somewhere, and only be able to get them by a wink-wink-nudge-nudge.
To me, the best option is first come, first serve, limit 1 on allocated items, with customer tracking so they aren’t just coming back multiple times to get multiple bottles.
If you extrapolate the content of this video to any other grocery type item that occasionally becomes hard to get (think about toilet paper during COVID), the whole idea becomes so much more obviously gross and icky. Absolute chaos. Stuff should be on the shelf, or not at all.
Lastly, if this is what it takes to get a bottle of Stagg at retail, it might as well just cost $2,000, if the requirement is that you spend all this money on other bottles at this specific store on a regular basis, just so you can get the Stagg. You’d be better off just finding a way to make an extra thousand bucks and buy a bottle for markup.
If I want to have Stagg, I can just head over to my local whiskey bar and spend $40 for a glass.
I was going to find the timestamp for you, but there is a segment of this video where I explain that you should be doing this in a way that is genuine. I appreciate your concern, but if you know my content you know I am the last person in the world that could be accused of teaching people to use others in whiskey.
@@BourbonRealTalk fair. I don’t take issue with you, again, I like your channel…..but this whole idea of “getting to know your store owners” in order to get special access is not a new idea, and not unique to you, but has been pushed around a lot, extremely casually, and I find it highly concerning. Based on this whole concept, (it has already been stated) you can have a scenario where a customer walks into a liquor store and asks if they have Blanton’s, and the store owner says NO. And then 5 minutes later someone walks in who is buddy-buddy with the owner, who then “allows” his friend to buy a bottle of Blanton’s from a case he has in the back. I find this to be a absolutely horrible atrocious practice, EVEN IF the first guy was just buying to flip it. I despise flippers, but flippers wouldn’t flip if people weren’t PAYING these stupid prices, because there’d be nothing to flip. I am all for being nice to the people you interact with, and striking up a conversation, and offering to have them over at your house. Great. Have at it, but if, in the back of your mind or subconscious, you are ultimately doing it for YOU, to get that back room deal - then you are using people.
@@BourbonRealTalk I also appreciate you responding to comments. I know I am confrontational, but it’s a great thing to have a dialogue.
@@BourbonRealTalk I wouldn’t be subbed to you if I thought you were nefarious and evil. 😂
@@DaveH8905 I will continue to personally respond to all comments as long as I can.
The city I live in within the last 5 years, got it’s first liquor store. To show my support I would visit a couple times a month. Asked for recommendations, always would make comments about the recommendations, on return visits. I went down one day around Thanksgiving, and I saw people coming, and the store manager would call them by name, and say I got something for you. He would go to the back and come out carrying one of several allocated bourbons. I asked if I could purchase a bottle. I was told, you have to get on the list. And you don’t spend enough money to get on the list. He said these people that’s getting these allocated bottles. Have spent thousands on bourbon, where you have spent hundreds. I left there, and went to the liquor store in a nearby small town. Walked into a shelve full of Buffalo Trace for $28 a bottle. I asked the manager if it was allocated. He laughed and said it was allocated to how much I could afford. I grabbed four bottles of Buffalo Trace. I got to the register to pay. The manager reached down and pulled up a bottle of George T. Stagg, and ask how many I wanted. I smiled and said two. Moral to this story. Check out the small town liquor store. You might be surprised what you find
Finding the right store to buy from is crucial.
Great truthful content!
Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching.
big bottle drop in Ohio got weller full proof and ecb single barrel 128 proof. just had to get there an hour before opening. well worth it🤗
Nice finds! I am going to an allocated drop on Saturday.
@@BourbonRealTalk good luck and merry xmas to you and yours. love your channel
What's a Margarita?
My favorite cocktail 😂
Very helpful info
Glad to hear that
Awesome information, thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching!
Sad part is that most of these retailers are also jacking up the price. Saw my first bottle of old fitz 17 at a store of 287 in Mansfield. 1100$. Even sadder is people like myself have a difficult time spending that kind of cash without even knowing how that would taste for me.
I agree. Price gouge stores do mess things up.
A price gouging store near me sold a Weller Special Reserve for $300 and I'm in disbelief about it
@@Spideryote That is a travesty. They sit on the shelves in TX.
Just found y'all. Great to hear some good advice that might help me in the north Texas area!
Welcome!
Don't be selfish and treat people decently. What a concept. I work at a liquor purveyor and let me you, we do indeed get constant calls and drop ins by folks who only have one thing on their minds. Allocated bourbon. A kind person shines like a light in the fog.
That is the word I have been trying to spread. Cheers!
You’ve said what needed to be said 💯
Thanks!
Wow excellent.
Thank you! Cheers!
Best way to know when the allocated bottles arrive is to get to know the delivery driver
What would be wrong with just randomly putting a bottle or more just randomly on the shelf and not telling anyone anything and whoever finds it finds it. I would think a store like that would get more people in more often to look around to find something. What are the downsides to doing that?
It causes people to come into your store who do not support the overall objectives of the business. If they always left with a bottle, whether they found something rare or not, then stores would do this. Go read the comments on my video about not leaving a liquor store without buying something and you will learn real quick why stores do not do this.
Great ideas Randy! Thanks for the help! Will share what I find. ER is hard to find here but EHT is super rare. So trying to grab that. thanks again!
Best of luck!
I recently found Blanton's in the wild. it was in a liquor store that was inside a convenience store that was in more of a rural area. It was actually nice place. The owner had just got that in and put it out. Next road trip I might stop by more out of the way liquor stores.
Nice! I would encourage you to grad something else, and strike up a conversation, then you will be a welcome site next time you come in. Cheers!
Do you mind if I ask where in TX. I’m in La Marque/Galveston county
I live in Prosper, TX just north of Dallas. I come down to Houston to go to The Prideful Goat launches at Gulf Coast Distilling a lot. You should join the free member group facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity/ . I announce where I am going in that group. Maybe we could meet up for a drink?
Good videos
Glad you like them! If you are interested in a deeper dive I would like to personally invite you to our free member community.
facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity
So many great Bourbons still under $60. Reminds me of rare wine. If I happen to come across a rare bottle, ill grab it. However not going over $100 for any liquid.
You certainly don't need to if you are looking for flavor! Cheers!
It would be nice if this was the sole truth of the matter. Most retailers in my area don’t sell at retail. They mark it way up because they see the money the secondary market is making so their cashing in on that.
This may help:
ruclips.net/video/7cd0gbXT7VI/видео.html
Watched this and gave it a rip. I now have a Stagg Jr in hand thanks to BRT! Cheers!
Nice!! Have you opened it yet?
@@BourbonRealTalk Not yet, prob my bday in January
Excellent advice. I got Blanton’s and EH Taylor, recently, by leveraging my past purchases. As a result, and other stores who do not want to sell allocated bottles in this way, I have concentrated all of my purchases to one store who gets a lot of BTAC bourbons. What you said is accurate, you need to build relationships and show it is a two-way street.
Genuinely seeking to understand others and find mutually beneficial ways to interact is good advice for all connections in life! So glad it is fruitful for you! Thank you for watching.
At the end of 2021 I actually got a bottle of BTAC Pappy 15 from the same store. I have stopped buying from other, local, places and just buy from this one store.
Your channel stresses it is a two-way street and that is KEY! I buy whiskey on a regular basis and I talk to the people who work there. I also help other customers who ask and encourage them to particular brands on the shelf.
@@michaelwoody2111 It is fun and rewarding! I would like to personally invite you to our free member community. facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity
Thank you very much. Great usable advice, being polite and interacting with store workers has been the best way for me to increase my modest collection of hard to finds.
You're very welcome! Not only does it work, but it feels nice to connect with people who have their guard up because they are used to being abused. Cheers!
100 percent accurate. I am new to bourbon but I have a very close friend that is super personable. He lights up a room and he's kind and patient and talks to everyone and he's not a flipper. He enjoys the bourbon that he buys. He has a lady at his local store that just calls him when allocated bottles are coming and sets aside what he wants and it's because for years he has been the person to her that you are recommending we all be. She actually looks forward to him visiting the store. He is just that kind of person. She was moved from one state store to another state store farther from him and she still rings him up when allocated bottle hit her store. It's pretty impressive.
That is awesome! Thank you for watching.
Alabama, where I live, has a monthly allocation sale where it's first come first serve, but only two bottles per costumer and they have to be different products. Then the most sought after bottles are in a state wide sweepstakes they do in December. My and my wife were first and second in line this month and went home with 2 Old Forester Birthday Bourbons, Henry McKenna 10yr B.I.B., High N' Wicked 12yr and 6 Blanton's mini's.
That is a nice haul! Cheers!
Very good info. I didn’t know about Alabama allocations. Are those in all ABC’s stores?
@@johnmark7361 It's only in certain stores, but it is a lot of them throughout the state. I think the stores with highest volume get more allocation bottles. Something else I like about the way the state does it is it's all MSRP. No markup. I think it's a fair system (if you don't mind waiting in line).
In the cyber security realm, this is called Social Engineering. Just being nice to people in general is always good and is a nice surprise when they return the favor.
Nice. I didn't know that term meant that. Cheers!
This is some interesting ideas to try. Idk how much of it will apply since the liquor stores in my state are controlled by the state so prices are set across the state.
I do not live in a control state, so not sure how it would play out. Since the advice is basically to me nice and make some friends there is no reason not to try. Cheers!
Generally, a very good video...about establishing good relationships with the people with the power to sell you the bottles you want. Be friendly, be empathetic, and don't give them reason to regret the sale (e.g. you flip it for a higher price that they could have charged). However, your suggestion that you establish a good relationship with a store through regular purchases is really nothing more than SLIGHTLY modified "best customer" rewards program that you somewhat rejected at the very beginning. BTW, for the vast majority, you don't have to spend "tens of thousands of dollars." For Total Wine & More it is about $2,500 a year. A rewards program is far and away the most fair system for buyers and sellers! Each side to the transaction gets a reward. Your suggestion that an important factor to who gets to buy it is "the person who's going to enjoy it the most." (5:37) is rather odd. Assuming that enjoyment could in some way be quantified (a fool's errand), that is not now nor ever been how goods are resources are distributed. Does the flipper who gets the bottle by raffle or camping out in front of a store rate highly on your "enjoyment" scale? BTW, camping out is the WORST way. That favors the young, those without regular jobs, and the highly incentivized (i.e. flippers), and the good customers get nothing. You won't see a lot of senior citizen bourbon lovers pulling all-nighters! BTW, I'm not trying to be overly-harsh here. Just taking issues with your reasoning. I actually enjoy your videos.
When I said who would enjoy it the most customers who form relationships at the store level are known by the staff. They know who their best Four Roses customer is, who their best Wild Turkey customer is, etc. They may then decide that when the 4R LE comes in to hold it back for the one guy who goes bananas for 4R, but for that to happen you have to be known as that person.
thisi s a silly statement, acting lik e the stores dont have the time to go get an bottle from outback or wherever because those 2 minute destroy their profit margin shows youve NEVER run a business.
You don’t write in the language this video was recorded in, so your opinion is invalid.
If it's such a hassle then the stores shouldn't have them and deal with it. The stores turning down the allocated bottles might be the best solution for more stores. This is why more and more people prefer online buying. Not having to buy extra products that I don't want or need just to be "special" in their minds to become a good customer and have the privilege to buy one of these.
Not sure what the answer is besides waiting until time creates more supply. I just know it is hard to get mad at anyone in the three tier system when you understand the obstacles they face when there is a supply shortage.
@@BourbonRealTalk I'm not mad at the stores and I get what you're saying. Doesn't mean that what I suggested wouldn't work. As I said, huge hassle for store? Don't take them then you can complain about it. In the meantime I'll stick with online buying as no hassle and I know what I'm getting when, without any games. You're probably right in that just waiting until supply catches up best answer.
Excellent video as always. You are EASILY the best Whiskey channel on RUclips. Thank you thank you thank you!
Wow, thank you! Cheers!
So, if you're introverted or shy, you never get to have any non-standard stuff. Fun.
No. You just join a whiskey club like Someone Say Whiskey and push past your comfort zone and go to someone's house.
I will say that I have social anxiety so I understand how you feel. That said expecting the world to change the way it works so that you can get what you need instead of understanding that your needs may prevent you from engaging in the normal social why that produces opportunity is a recipe for disappointment. This world will NOT flex for those of us who have social issues. We either have to face our fears or be OK with missing out, but we should never be mad at the world for being the way it is. Cheers!
Drinking Bourbon is supposed to be a relaxing, enjoyable experience...not involve a panic attack.
@@solarmus923 I have not talked about this often, but I have social anxiety. I have a panic attack if I am at a concert or in an environment that has too much noise. I make decisions about where I feel comfortable and there are places I just don't go. I do not try to make it the fault of the concert. I do not make statements on videos of concerts that concerts should have fewer people and lower the volume so that people like me can feel comfortable at them. I just understand that the world works in a way that makes me uncomfortable and I forgo that. Don't try to blame the world. Learn to live in it.
Here in Ontario, Canada it’s all done through the LCBO, a publicly owned and operated entity. So not a lot of bottles but if you’re online regularly (like me every few hours refreshing) you can snag some decent bottles at retail. Picked up 2 bottles of WL Special at $40 a pop just this week. Great content man, I’ve been learning a lot and I appreciate your direct and honest approach to the bourbon world.
Thank you so much! Sounds like a winning strategy. There are some states in the US that are "control states" where the stores are operated by the government and they function similar to what you have described. Hope you find some more good bottles soon!
Don't waste your time or money ! Get ya a bottle of Eijah Craig, Woodford double oak or Old forester and go to the house !
Not a bad plan! Cheers!
So basically, don't be a dick. It's a shame we have to tell people that. Australia is no different. Great content, thanks for sharing mate. New subscriber.
Thank you for the sub...and yes, don't be a dick is step one!
Great advice. I have a local shop that recently changed ownership. I immediately established a relationship with the new owner and he has hooked me up with a few unicorns. These bottles (Bookers, Blanton’s, Stagg Jr, etc) are not on the shelf; you have to ask and he holds them for regulars. I’m at the point now that I don’t ask, he tells me when he has something special. He told me people come in and ask for these special bottles and if he says “no” they leave without buying anything. I’m not a huge drinker but if I need anything (beer, liquor, something for a party) I go there. I’ll even stop by just for a couple lottery tickets if I havnt been there in a while. Again, great advice.
Relationships work! Cheers!
What I done was get to know the people and they save things for me I go there every Friday and spend about 4 to 5 a month and I shoot the shit and they tell me hey we got this and I grease the wheels sometimes for some things and I’m like Family Specs good folks
That works!
Thanks for this video and the others you've made. New whiskey drinker here and I've learned a lot in the few videos I've watched.
How does somebody find out what allocated bottles are out there or going to be available?
I had not thought about that. If you never see it on the shelf and you didn't know what it was before it got popular, how would you know it existed? I think most people end up joining a Facebook group for whiskey drinkers and get exposed to the harder to find items by seeing pictures and going to events. You also can learn a lot by going to a bar with a large whiskey selection and studying the whiskey menu. Hope this helps. If you want to join a Facebook group I suggest Someone Say Whiskey...I help admin it.
@@BourbonRealTalk thank you. Great ideas! I was just reading an article about the "travel retail whiskey" industry and how you can find some different bottles at duty-free shops that you can't find anyplace else. That sounds really interesting to me. Thanks for the reply.