I recently had a sample of that Wathen’s Single Barrel @15:40. I believe the sample I had was a store pick, but I really enjoyed it. There was nothing specific or unique about it, but it was a very easy drinking, quintessential bourbon.
@@stymiesnerdly771 good to know! I’ll see if I can find a bar pour to try it. That was the first time I’ve seen the brand so might not have wide distribution
Nice! I love the cask strength paragon, hidden gem wheater. I’ve been to Michigan for pours in the park, but next time I need to explore more of the state. Seems like a beautiful state. 🥃
Conviction from Southern Grace Distillery in Mt Pleasant Nc is a must visit. They are in an old Prison. My favorite Bourbon by far and I have many. All are 4 yr or older and they just released their first 7yr. Free tasting on all of the versions at the Whiskey Prison.
Great information! I’ll have to visit the next time I’m in Mount Pleasant. Sounds like a unique atmosphere, and a cool place to visit. Being 7 years old now is very promising. And you had me at free samples, haha. Cheers 🥃
@@BourbonRetrieverjust watched your Michters 10 review. You will love Conviction for sure. Takes that dark musty leather & tobacco to the next level. I do like Michters and is my closest find to compare . SGD is 10 years old this year so they will have a 10 release not to far in the future also….Cheers!🥃
@ M10 Bourbon is top 10 for me for the past two years, so if it’s anything close, that is a 🔒 winner. Especially if now close to 10 years too! My FOMO is growing larger by the hour
Nice video. Interesting to see how NC ABC stores compare to ours in Virginia. The SC store sounds fun. That Fortaleza añejo price is pretty good in the secondary market range, but having to buy $1,000 of wine....yeah, nope. In DC, the Fortaleza añejo is usually closer to $200 (which is absolutely nuts).
Did some bourbon hunting in Charlotte as well. Same result , didn’t find anything worth pulling the trigger on. Big fan of double oaks, will have to try the Ragged Branch if I see it!
I think it’s funny that people will pass up the Elijah Craig single barrel picks because of their age statements. Some of the best barrel proof EC that I own are the store picks and yes some have lower age statements than the ABC batches but many are just as good and even better. I have a 10 year old EC store pick that myself and others think is just as good or better than the C923 that so many people went nuts over.
Wow, thats awesome to hear! If I could have tried the pick, that could have been a game changer. Its hard to take the gamble without trying. Most picks I have had have been subpar to the batches, but that could be a variance issue. I look forward to finding a great pick like yours in the future. Fingers crossed
I opened the bottle and was not a fan. It was very musty and grain forward. Wish I had grabbed a local NC bottle instead. It could have been just this pick though as I have not had other bottles from Ragged Branch.
@ Thank you for the response. Double Oaked wheated piqued my curiosity, and I even had this bottle in my hand at the register. But something told me to hold off and I’m thankful I chose to. BCNC did a fantastic pick of a Broad Branch (distillery in Winston Salem) and I have heard good things of their Redline pick. But I’d recommend Conviction (southern grace distilleries) and Broad Branch if you’re looking for NC whiskey specifically.
You definitely missed out by passing up on the Olde Raleigh batch 8 (Strawberry Misfit). It's one of their most sought after batches besides the Olde Stogie cigar blend.
Oh no. Probably never see that batch again sadly. I was trying to do some quick research in the store and couldn’t find any reviews on that batch. But I always tell myself, there will be always be more bourbon 🥃
Virgin Bourbon is a good value bourbon. I use it for prebatched cocktails I keep in freezer. Used to be 7 year, but lost age statement few years ago like so many others. Only available in like 3 states or something
Only three states, wow. Hopefully it brings its age statement back. I've noticed many other brands finally bringing theirs back which is a good sign for the future of bourbon. Hopefully it means we will get better aged product in the future. Cheers
Never heard of high west finishing with those rum barrels before. I’ll have to keep an eye out for a bar pour to try it. Thanks for letting me know, Cheers 🥃
NC has ABC boards in counties and municipalities. They decide what the rules are for distribution of the products. I’ve been traveling around eastern NC for work and the inventory varies depending on county. I’ve been in stores that have BT regularly and others that never get any BT products. Same for 1792, most all have Small Batch but until recently, only certain stores have the variety of their lineup. A store I frequent just got all of the Emerald Empire Special Releases. They have EE regularly and the BiB ones too. In the Lexington NC area I was told the restaurants get first choice of all allocated spirits, then if any are left it goes on the shelf. The employee told me there are never any leftovers.
They are still doing random drop, but are no longer sending out notices. The employees can’t say when the drops will be or what’s in the back. But if there is something on the shelf, they should be able to point it out.
Would have loved to see you actually pull the trigger on something local, & not be so apprehensive. Maybe start doing some research ahead of time of distilleries around the area you are visiting.
I got some southern star earlier in the trip, and that was fantastic! With the rest of the local products only being 4 years old and less, it was hard without tasting them. But yet, if I had known more, it would have made the decisions easier
Similar to VA ABC, I imagine you just need to learn the system. They get allocated bottles and sell at MSRP which is nice. But you just need to learn how they are allocated. I think many times people get angry at abc states thinking allocated products should sit on the shelf all the time, when in other states they only sit when they are priced at secondary.
Yes you can! Why is he assuming you can’t hunt because it’s a control state? I went to 4 stores today and everyone had different products. 🍻Happy hunting!
Thank you for stopping by and shopping with us! We appreciate your business and support! 🥃
Had an absolute blast. Love all the games you have for customers to potentially get bottles. Wish more stores provided those opportunity. Cheers 🥃
Your hunting videos are super informative. Great job!
Thanks for the support! Constantly trying to improve and make more engaging
I recently had a sample of that Wathen’s Single Barrel @15:40. I believe the sample I had was a store pick, but I really enjoyed it. There was nothing specific or unique about it, but it was a very easy drinking, quintessential bourbon.
@@stymiesnerdly771 good to know! I’ll see if I can find a bar pour to try it. That was the first time I’ve seen the brand so might not have wide distribution
I have the Southern Star hig 23:23 h Rye bourbon and the cask strength Paragon, VERY GOOD 👍 ❤ 😋 CHEERS from Michigan 🥃💯
Nice! I love the cask strength paragon, hidden gem wheater. I’ve been to Michigan for pours in the park, but next time I need to explore more of the state. Seems like a beautiful state. 🥃
Conviction from Southern Grace Distillery in Mt Pleasant Nc is a must visit. They are in an old Prison. My favorite Bourbon by far and I have many. All are 4 yr or older and they just released their first 7yr. Free tasting on all of the versions at the Whiskey Prison.
Great information! I’ll have to visit the next time I’m in Mount Pleasant. Sounds like a unique atmosphere, and a cool place to visit. Being 7 years old now is very promising. And you had me at free samples, haha. Cheers 🥃
@@BourbonRetrieverjust watched your Michters 10 review. You will love Conviction for sure. Takes that dark musty leather & tobacco to the next level. I do like Michters and is my closest find to compare . SGD is 10 years old this year so they will have a 10 release not to far in the future also….Cheers!🥃
@ M10 Bourbon is top 10 for me for the past two years, so if it’s anything close, that is a 🔒 winner. Especially if now close to 10 years too! My FOMO is growing larger by the hour
Night tour around Halloween makes for a spooky tour around all those "haunted" jail cells
@@BourbonRetriever if you make it on a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, I got you brother! You'll taste it ALL.
Both of those SC stores look like great shops!
Agreed. Well worth the drive from Charlotte if you live locally. Cheers
Nice video. Interesting to see how NC ABC stores compare to ours in Virginia. The SC store sounds fun. That Fortaleza añejo price is pretty good in the secondary market range, but having to buy $1,000 of wine....yeah, nope. In DC, the Fortaleza añejo is usually closer to $200 (which is absolutely nuts).
Thanks, it was cool to see the difference between the two ABC stores. Wish I could have seen how they handle allocation, and compare that to VA
Great Video. What is the location of the ABC store that you visited? I would like to go there. Thanks for the store tours.
I'm not 100% positive as I did not write it down, but I believe it is this store. 2915 Wilkinson Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28208
Did some bourbon hunting in Charlotte as well. Same result , didn’t find anything worth pulling the trigger on. Big fan of double oaks, will have to try the Ragged Branch if I see it!
I wasn’t a fan after opening that specific pick. Wish I grabbed another bottle, but you live and learn. Cheers!
You missed out on a local treasure with Conviction Double Oaked. I’m on my 3 bottle now
Kicking myself. I’ll have to keep an eye out for that bottle next time I’m in the area. Must be good to be on the third! Cheers
I got the Frugal store pick! You’re right it’s sooo good!
@ more FOMO. How much are plane tickets? Haha
What’s some of the best distillery’s to visit around Charlotte ?
Southern Distilling Company is a must. The only one I know of in that area worth hitting. Cheers🥃
@ thanks , I’ll check it out. What’s some their best expressions ?
@ cask strength wheated single barrels. They some times have specially selected single barrels too
I think it’s funny that people will pass up the Elijah Craig single barrel picks because of their age statements. Some of the best barrel proof EC that I own are the store picks and yes some have lower age statements than the ABC batches but many are just as good and even better. I have a 10 year old EC store pick that myself and others think is just as good or better than the C923 that so many people went nuts over.
Wow, thats awesome to hear! If I could have tried the pick, that could have been a game changer. Its hard to take the gamble without trying. Most picks I have had have been subpar to the batches, but that could be a variance issue. I look forward to finding a great pick like yours in the future. Fingers crossed
I saw a Redwood Empire, Pipe Dream. Its pretty good but their cask strength offerings are better for me. Great prices too. BTW I live in NC
Redwood empire have some nice value bottles. Cheers, Hope i represented NC well in the ABC store.
Have you tried the ragged branch? Curious what you think of it
I opened the bottle and was not a fan. It was very musty and grain forward. Wish I had grabbed a local NC bottle instead. It could have been just this pick though as I have not had other bottles from Ragged Branch.
@ Thank you for the response. Double Oaked wheated piqued my curiosity, and I even had this bottle in my hand at the register. But something told me to hold off and I’m thankful I chose to.
BCNC did a fantastic pick of a Broad Branch (distillery in Winston Salem) and I have heard good things of their Redline pick. But I’d recommend Conviction (southern grace distilleries) and Broad Branch if you’re looking for NC whiskey specifically.
@ thanks! I’ll keep an eye out for those brands next time I’m in North Carolina
You definitely missed out by passing up on the Olde Raleigh batch 8 (Strawberry Misfit). It's one of their most sought after batches besides the Olde Stogie cigar blend.
Oh no. Probably never see that batch again sadly. I was trying to do some quick research in the store and couldn’t find any reviews on that batch. But I always tell myself, there will be always be more bourbon 🥃
the Chattanooga Whiskey Cask is a grab especially for the price. Have a bottle of it, really enjoying it.
Great to know! Have to grab it next time. Cheers 🥃
I have enjoyed the Conviction 1929 Double Oak, 102 proof has been great.
Sounds like I missed an opportunity. Kicking myself. Good to know. I’ll keep an eye out in the future. Thanks!!
The Double Oaked and Founders reserve from Southern Grace are must haves, they are very good.
Sounds like I made a big mistake. Put on my must get list when I go back. Thanks for the info! Cheers🥃
Virgin Bourbon is a good value bourbon. I use it for prebatched cocktails I keep in freezer. Used to be 7 year, but lost age statement few years ago like so many others. Only available in like 3 states or something
Only three states, wow. Hopefully it brings its age statement back. I've noticed many other brands finally bringing theirs back which is a good sign for the future of bourbon. Hopefully it means we will get better aged product in the future. Cheers
The High West Cask Collection Barbados Rum Finish is an incredible bottle
Never heard of high west finishing with those rum barrels before. I’ll have to keep an eye out for a bar pour to try it. Thanks for letting me know, Cheers 🥃
Definitely should have tried the Old Soul...
I’ll add it to my list! Specific bottle? Or all of them?
@BourbonRetriever i was able to get a Cask Strength store pick (Lake Norman, NC).
@ nice, I’ll look for another store pick
I really enjoy Chattanooga BIB. They come out twice a year. Spring and Fall.
Thanks for letting me know! I can't get them in VA/MD, so I'll need to get them on my travels. Sounds like its worth grabbing next time. Cheers
Lots of people stay away from Southern spirits because of their business practices
What business practices? I’m not local, so not as knowledgeable on all the going ons
Conviction is a must grab
Thanks for the tip! I’ll look out for it going forward. Happy Holidays🎄🎁
NC IS THE WORST STATE TO HUNT IN... GET LUCKY WITH THE LOTTO THATS ABOUT IT!
ABC states can be difficult to find allocated bourbon on the shelf. Sorry to hear that’s the case in NC
NC has ABC boards in counties and municipalities. They decide what the rules are for distribution of the products. I’ve been traveling around eastern NC for work and the inventory varies depending on county. I’ve been in stores that have BT regularly and others that never get any BT products. Same for 1792, most all have Small Batch but until recently, only certain stores have the variety of their lineup. A store I frequent just got all of the Emerald Empire Special Releases. They have EE regularly and the BiB ones too. In the Lexington NC area I was told the restaurants get first choice of all allocated spirits, then if any are left it goes on the shelf. The employee told me there are never any leftovers.
@ Interesting that’s it’s done at the county level. Thanks for the info!
Do you know what system VA ABC is using for the bottle drops? It’s changed adn my local store is super secretive.
They are still doing random drop, but are no longer sending out notices. The employees can’t say when the drops will be or what’s in the back. But if there is something on the shelf, they should be able to point it out.
Eh instead of basil Hayden just buy old grandad 113 same thing basically.
Old grandad is a better pour than basil hayden, but might be too hot for beginner drinkers.
Would have loved to see you actually pull the trigger on something local, & not be so apprehensive. Maybe start doing some research ahead of time of distilleries around the area you are visiting.
I got some southern star earlier in the trip, and that was fantastic! With the rest of the local products only being 4 years old and less, it was hard without tasting them. But yet, if I had known more, it would have made the decisions easier
Any local brands you recommend?
The wathens is a good bourbon.
Good to know. Might have to see if I can find a bar pour to give it a try. Cheers!
You can definitely hunt bourbon in North Carolina.
Similar to VA ABC, I imagine you just need to learn the system. They get allocated bottles and sell at MSRP which is nice. But you just need to learn how they are allocated. I think many times people get angry at abc states thinking allocated products should sit on the shelf all the time, when in other states they only sit when they are priced at secondary.
@@brettsurrett4596 that’s what I’m saying. Have found some unicorns this year in NC close to Charlotte without any lotteries or camping
Glad to hear you can get decent bottles without to much camping or hunting. Cheers 🥃
Yes you can! Why is he assuming you can’t hunt because it’s a control state? I went to 4 stores today and everyone had different products. 🍻Happy hunting!
@ Awesome. As not living locally, it can be hard to tell in a snapshot. But good to hear!