Comments on: What is a good value anymore? http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/2008/09/19/what-is-a-good-value-anymore/ Wed, 08 Sep 2010 08:47:24 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 By: My Favorite Budget Bourbons (and Ryes) | Ethan Prater http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/2008/09/19/what-is-a-good-value-anymore/#comment-13634 My Favorite Budget Bourbons (and Ryes) | Ethan Prater Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:16:28 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/2008/09/19/what-is-a-good-value-anymore/#comment-13634 [...] started a couple of good conversations about whiskey prices and high-value whiskies on his blog here and [...] [...] started a couple of good conversations about whiskey prices and high-value whiskies on his blog here and [...]

]]> By: John Hansell http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/2008/09/19/what-is-a-good-value-anymore/#comment-1547 John Hansell Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:38:13 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/2008/09/19/what-is-a-good-value-anymore/#comment-1547 $11.89 a bottle? That's a steal! $11.89 a bottle? That’s a steal!

]]> By: sam k http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/2008/09/19/what-is-a-good-value-anymore/#comment-1534 sam k Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:44:16 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/2008/09/19/what-is-a-good-value-anymore/#comment-1534 Well, getting back to my rye roots, the PLCB has officially made Wild Turkey straight rye a regular item, after a couple of years as a hit-and-miss Chairman's Selection: $19.99 a bottle! Rittenhouse BIB rye is also available as a special liquor order by the case at $11.89 a bottle...$142.68 for 12!!! I'm ordering a case tomorrow!!! Well, getting back to my rye roots, the PLCB has officially made Wild Turkey straight rye a regular item, after a couple of years as a hit-and-miss Chairman’s Selection: $19.99 a bottle! Rittenhouse BIB rye is also available as a special liquor order by the case at $11.89 a bottle…$142.68 for 12!!! I’m ordering a case tomorrow!!!

]]> By: John Hansell http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/2008/09/19/what-is-a-good-value-anymore/#comment-1517 John Hansell Tue, 23 Sep 2008 18:43:27 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/2008/09/19/what-is-a-good-value-anymore/#comment-1517 Tim, I might have an answer for you regarding the Balvenie 10. It's being dropped from the Balvenie portfolio. Some retailers might just want to put it on clearance to get rid of their last remaining bottles. But if those retailers were smart, they would hold on to those bottles and in about five years or so they would become collector's items and probably be worth double what they are charging now because this whisky has a following. Tim, I might have an answer for you regarding the Balvenie 10. It’s being dropped from the Balvenie portfolio. Some retailers might just want to put it on clearance to get rid of their last remaining bottles. But if those retailers were smart, they would hold on to those bottles and in about five years or so they would become collector’s items and probably be worth double what they are charging now because this whisky has a following.

]]> By: Tim McCann http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/2008/09/19/what-is-a-good-value-anymore/#comment-1516 Tim McCann Tue, 23 Sep 2008 18:36:54 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/2008/09/19/what-is-a-good-value-anymore/#comment-1516 Like many of the comments here, in Rhode Island I have seen the 'low end' prices go up dramatically, but some of the mid-level malts staying put, thus making them more of a value. There are still a few deals to be found however. Balvenie 10 & 12 can be had for $29 and $33 respectively at Haxton's Liquors, as well as Elijag Craig 12 for $17. Town Wine & Spirits has Eagle Rare 10 yo for $20 and Highland Park 12 for $37. Joyal's liquors sells Glen Scotia 17 for $66 and I cannot even find that anywhere else anymore; and curiously, they sell the Balvenie 17 yo Sherry Wood for $65 when the other locations sell it for $80 and $90 respectively. And like previous comments Talisker 18 can be had for $65. I am mystified how in a market as small as RI how there can be such a big difference in prices from place to place. I saw your comments John on possible reasons for some pricing discrepenacies, but ow can one place sell a 'low end' bottle for $29 when most everyone else (a scant few miles away in any direction) sells the same bottle for anywhere from $37 -$45? (referring again to the Balvenie 10). How many different distributors of Balvenie would work in such a small area? Just curious. Like many of the comments here, in Rhode Island I have seen the ‘low end’ prices go up dramatically, but some of the mid-level malts staying put, thus making them more of a value. There are still a few deals to be found however.

Balvenie 10 & 12 can be had for $29 and $33 respectively at Haxton’s Liquors, as well as Elijag Craig 12 for $17. Town Wine & Spirits has Eagle Rare 10 yo for $20 and Highland Park 12 for $37. Joyal’s liquors sells Glen Scotia 17 for $66 and I cannot even find that anywhere else anymore; and curiously, they sell the Balvenie 17 yo Sherry Wood for $65 when the other locations sell it for $80 and $90 respectively. And like previous comments Talisker 18 can be had for $65.

I am mystified how in a market as small as RI how there can be such a big difference in prices from place to place. I saw your comments John on possible reasons for some pricing discrepenacies, but ow can one place sell a ‘low end’ bottle for $29 when most everyone else (a scant few miles away in any direction) sells the same bottle for anywhere from $37 -$45? (referring again to the Balvenie 10). How many different distributors of Balvenie would work in such a small area? Just curious.

]]> By: John Hansell http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/2008/09/19/what-is-a-good-value-anymore/#comment-1511 John Hansell Tue, 23 Sep 2008 10:45:29 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/2008/09/19/what-is-a-good-value-anymore/#comment-1511 Ryan, I can't say for certain why some brands are better bargains in certain locations, but I have a few ideas. It's possible that certain wholesalers or retailers bought in bulk and got a better price. Or perhaps the brand owner wants to penetrate a market and will offer a discount to the retailer to see that this happens. Or maybe there's a lot of competition for certain brands in certain markets. All these could be reasons why. (And I'm sure there are other reasons too!) Ryan, I can’t say for certain why some brands are better bargains in certain locations, but I have a few ideas.

It’s possible that certain wholesalers or retailers bought in bulk and got a better price. Or perhaps the brand owner wants to penetrate a market and will offer a discount to the retailer to see that this happens. Or maybe there’s a lot of competition for certain brands in certain markets. All these could be reasons why. (And I’m sure there are other reasons too!)

]]> By: ryan http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/2008/09/19/what-is-a-good-value-anymore/#comment-1509 ryan Tue, 23 Sep 2008 06:02:54 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/2008/09/19/what-is-a-good-value-anymore/#comment-1509 Living in LA there are some stores with great selection nearby, but I have noticed that Binny's and other Chicago stores consistently have some distilleries at lower price than in LA, and LA stores consistently sell other distilleries for less. I follow Binny's because they advertise so regularly in Malt Advocate, but I haven't followed prices in too many other stores regularly. Has anyone else noticed local stores selling certain distilleries at a consistent discount from local or listed prices? Living in LA there are some stores with great selection nearby, but I have noticed that Binny’s and other Chicago stores consistently have some distilleries at lower price than in LA, and LA stores consistently sell other distilleries for less.

I follow Binny’s because they advertise so regularly in Malt Advocate, but I haven’t followed prices in too many other stores regularly. Has anyone else noticed local stores selling certain distilleries at a consistent discount from local or listed prices?

]]> By: B.J. Reed http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/2008/09/19/what-is-a-good-value-anymore/#comment-1492 B.J. Reed Mon, 22 Sep 2008 19:10:10 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/2008/09/19/what-is-a-good-value-anymore/#comment-1492 Twin Cities is the place! - You can still get pretty good deals at the Discount places (e.g. Cosco and Sams) but selection is limited - Dalmore Cigar Malt is still under $30 but these prices will not last long - The Dundee Dell here in Omaha still has good prices on some of the discontinued whiskies such as Bowmore Darkest and Dawn - Binnys in Chicago has good prices on distillery bottlings that they have had bottled such as Mortlach and Linkwood - Of course the manager for both the Dundee Dell and Binnys are tasting there way across Scotland as we speak so you may want to wait till they get back on this side of the pond :) Twin Cities is the place! – You can still get pretty good deals at the Discount places (e.g. Cosco and Sams) but selection is limited – Dalmore Cigar Malt is still under $30 but these prices will not last long – The Dundee Dell here in Omaha still has good prices on some of the discontinued whiskies such as Bowmore Darkest and Dawn – Binnys in Chicago has good prices on distillery bottlings that they have had bottled such as Mortlach and Linkwood – Of course the manager for both the Dundee Dell and Binnys are tasting there way across Scotland as we speak so you may want to wait till they get back on this side of the pond :)

]]> By: Steve W http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/2008/09/19/what-is-a-good-value-anymore/#comment-1488 Steve W Mon, 22 Sep 2008 18:05:22 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/2008/09/19/what-is-a-good-value-anymore/#comment-1488 John, My all time favorite bargain is still George Dickel #12 for roughly $20 a bottle. Dickel Barrel Select is great, but at half the price #12 provides my best bang for the buck. For people who've only experienced JD Tennessee whiskey I heartily recommend comparing the alternative. I completely agree with multiple mentions of the Rittenhouse BiB at roughly $20 as well. The Russell's Reserve Rye and Sazerac 6yo look like bargains until you try the Rittenhouse. At Toco Giant in Atlanta a favorite, Highland Park 12yo, is still available for $35 on special. The 18yo is the cream of the crop, but any HP for $35 is hard to beat. I also consider $45 for Redbreast to be a bargain. One of my favorite whiskeys ever, and the best Irish I've ever tasted, for a price equivalent to a top shelf bourbon, is also hard to beat. Finally, I believe Kittling Ridge's 40 Creek (not typical) Canadian at roughly $20 provides a unique taste at the best price for any Canadian. John Hall puts out an excellent whisky worth more than asked, which is the definition of a bargain. Steve John,

My all time favorite bargain is still George Dickel #12 for roughly $20 a bottle. Dickel Barrel Select is great, but at half the price #12 provides my best bang for the buck. For people who’ve only experienced JD Tennessee whiskey I heartily recommend comparing the alternative.

I completely agree with multiple mentions of the Rittenhouse BiB at roughly $20 as well. The Russell’s Reserve Rye and Sazerac 6yo look like bargains until you try the Rittenhouse.

At Toco Giant in Atlanta a favorite, Highland Park 12yo, is still available for $35 on special. The 18yo is the cream of the crop, but any HP for $35 is hard to beat.

I also consider $45 for Redbreast to be a bargain. One of my favorite whiskeys ever, and the best Irish I’ve ever tasted, for a price equivalent to a top shelf bourbon, is also hard to beat.

Finally, I believe Kittling Ridge’s 40 Creek (not typical) Canadian at roughly $20 provides a unique taste at the best price for any Canadian. John Hall puts out an excellent whisky worth more than asked, which is the definition of a bargain.

Steve

]]> By: John Hansell http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/2008/09/19/what-is-a-good-value-anymore/#comment-1487 John Hansell Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:33:46 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/2008/09/19/what-is-a-good-value-anymore/#comment-1487 Rich, excellent suggestion. I am one of those people you mentioned above. With the current prices, I am buying very little whisky anymore. I was lucky. I turned on to whisky in a big way around 1990 and made substantial purchases in the early to mid 1990s and continued buying (albiet less so) up until a few years ago. As a result, I am sitting on some stocks of whisky which I am slowly, but steadily drinking. (I also have a humidor for my cigars and a cellar for my wines.) Your suggestion of how to store whisky is a good one. I will start a thread on that topic before the end of the day. Rich, excellent suggestion.

I am one of those people you mentioned above. With the current prices, I am buying very little whisky anymore. I was lucky. I turned on to whisky in a big way around 1990 and made substantial purchases in the early to mid 1990s and continued buying (albiet less so) up until a few years ago.

As a result, I am sitting on some stocks of whisky which I am slowly, but steadily drinking. (I also have a humidor for my cigars and a cellar for my wines.)

Your suggestion of how to store whisky is a good one. I will start a thread on that topic before the end of the day.

]]> By: Rich http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/2008/09/19/what-is-a-good-value-anymore/#comment-1486 Rich Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:25:20 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/2008/09/19/what-is-a-good-value-anymore/#comment-1486 it sounds like a number of people have either stocked up on their favorite single malts, or are in the process of stocking up when they find a good deal. while i have a humidor for my cigars, my private reserve of single malts (worth a good chunk of $$$) just sits in a cabinet in my basement. given the circumstances, perhaps a good topic for one of John's future blogs is: how should one store bottles of whisky for longer periods of time, if one is so inclined? i've heard people talk about using parafilm, etc.; is there anything we need to consider when setting aside stock for the future? it sounds like a number of people have either stocked up on their favorite single malts, or are in the process of stocking up when they find a good deal. while i have a humidor for my cigars, my private reserve of single malts (worth a good chunk of $$$) just sits in a cabinet in my basement. given the circumstances, perhaps a good topic for one of John’s future blogs is: how should one store bottles of whisky for longer periods of time, if one is so inclined? i’ve heard people talk about using parafilm, etc.; is there anything we need to consider when setting aside stock for the future?

]]> By: mark http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/2008/09/19/what-is-a-good-value-anymore/#comment-1485 mark Mon, 22 Sep 2008 16:02:37 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/2008/09/19/what-is-a-good-value-anymore/#comment-1485 Warehouse Liquors in NYC (Astor Place and Broadway), as noted previously, has competitive prices for NYC. New Hampshire Liquor Commission has highly competitive prices for the Northeast. Trips to northern New England are not complete without stopping into a larger store and checking out the value picks. $40 is roughly the entry point for imported whiskey these days at discount retailers. Dalmore 12 leads the value pack at $30 followed by Glenfiddich 15 Solera for $35. I'm surprised no one has mentioned Highland Park 12. Excellent whisky at a relatively modest price. Quality per dollar, American whiskey is a stronger value than imported whiskey. Fine bourbons sells for about half the price of inexpensive single malts. $19-$25 buys Old Weller 7 107 proof, Wild Turkey Russel's Reserve, Elijah Craig 12 or Buffalo Trace. I feel whiskey prices are out of control and have stopped purchasing them. Cask strength whiskies from Islay's south coast may be my preferred beverage but I'm not dropping a hundred on an Ardbeg or a couple hundred bucks on a Port Ellen. Call me a cheapskate or simply not stupid. I'm stocked up to outlast prohibition and will wait for the bubble to burst. Regards, /mp Warehouse Liquors in NYC (Astor Place and Broadway), as noted previously, has competitive prices for NYC. New Hampshire Liquor Commission has highly competitive prices for the Northeast. Trips to northern New England are not complete without stopping into a larger store and checking out the value picks.

$40 is roughly the entry point for imported whiskey these days at discount retailers. Dalmore 12 leads the value pack at $30 followed by Glenfiddich 15 Solera for $35. I’m surprised no one has mentioned Highland Park 12. Excellent whisky at a relatively modest price.

Quality per dollar, American whiskey is a stronger value than imported whiskey. Fine bourbons sells for about half the price of inexpensive single malts. $19-$25 buys Old Weller 7 107 proof, Wild Turkey Russel’s Reserve, Elijah Craig 12 or Buffalo Trace.

I feel whiskey prices are out of control and have stopped purchasing them. Cask strength whiskies from Islay’s south coast may be my preferred beverage but I’m not dropping a hundred on an Ardbeg or a couple hundred bucks on a Port Ellen. Call me a cheapskate or simply not stupid. I’m stocked up to outlast prohibition and will wait for the bubble to burst.

Regards,
/mp

]]> By: John Hansell http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/2008/09/19/what-is-a-good-value-anymore/#comment-1484 John Hansell Mon, 22 Sep 2008 15:37:01 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/2008/09/19/what-is-a-good-value-anymore/#comment-1484 Wow, looks like the Twin Cities is a great place for bargain whisky. I remember traveling there 15 year ago on business and getting some great deals on Independent bottlers like G&M. Wow, looks like the Twin Cities is a great place for bargain whisky. I remember traveling there 15 year ago on business and getting some great deals on Independent bottlers like G&M.

]]> By: Rich http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/2008/09/19/what-is-a-good-value-anymore/#comment-1483 Rich Mon, 22 Sep 2008 15:35:35 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/2008/09/19/what-is-a-good-value-anymore/#comment-1483 i'm also from the Twin Cities, MN, like Brian above. three good locations are: Top Valu Liquor, Chicago Lake Liquors, and Zipp's. some prices from over the weekend: Oban 14 ($42), Lagavulin 16 ($48), Laphroaig Quarter Cask ($48), Talisker 18 ($54), Glenfarclas 21 ($80). i also scour the 'net for deals. i just got a Talisker 20 for $120, a Talisker 25 (3 ea.) for $130, and a Glenmorangie 25 Quarter Century for my birthday last week ($260). it helps to know what bottles are going for generally, so you know when you've found a really good deal. i’m also from the Twin Cities, MN, like Brian above. three good locations are: Top Valu Liquor, Chicago Lake Liquors, and Zipp’s. some prices from over the weekend: Oban 14 ($42), Lagavulin 16 ($48), Laphroaig Quarter Cask ($48), Talisker 18 ($54), Glenfarclas 21 ($80). i also scour the ‘net for deals. i just got a Talisker 20 for $120, a Talisker 25 (3 ea.) for $130, and a Glenmorangie 25 Quarter Century for my birthday last week ($260). it helps to know what bottles are going for generally, so you know when you’ve found a really good deal.

]]> By: John Hansell http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/2008/09/19/what-is-a-good-value-anymore/#comment-1476 John Hansell Sun, 21 Sep 2008 16:16:57 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/2008/09/19/what-is-a-good-value-anymore/#comment-1476 I've gotten some emails sent directly to me and not posted up here. It turns out there's another bargain out there: retaliers who accidentally put the wrong price on a bottle. The people emailing me don't want to post the whisky name and retailer location up here on my blog out of concern for the retailer and the calls that would follow. I’ve gotten some emails sent directly to me and not posted up here. It turns out there’s another bargain out there: retaliers who accidentally put the wrong price on a bottle. The people emailing me don’t want to post the whisky name and retailer location up here on my blog out of concern for the retailer and the calls that would follow.

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