Bourbon Hunting in Austin, TX! Is it the Land of Weller?

[@samfunfun646]

I am so resentful that I can't find shit in Lexington a couple hours from the distilleries but across the country they have crazy selections

[@ItsBourbonNight]

It doesn’t make any sense!

[@erik0073]

Too much buy side competition.

[@geland1]

Always worth asking if there’s” anything behind the counter?” or “is there anything you’ve gotten in recently?” I’ve gotten mixed reactions, but sometimes, you’d be surprised what the store manager or owner will bring out…a few weeks ago I went into a store I’d never been to, asked, and the owner brought out a Larceny barrel proof and an Eagle Rare. During my visit, they got 2 calls on the phone asking for Blanton’s and the store owner just rolled their eyes. It helps to stop in person and just be friendly

[@austininatx]

I'm in Austin and have never seen a 107. Saw 1 eagle rare for $70 at Debs. Pretty regularly see EH Small Batch for $40 at Twin Liquors. Loved the video! Oak Cabinet rules

[@austininatx]

Best gets ever were a Weller 12 from Twins for $50, and a Henry McKenna 10 for... $31, on Twin's dollar sale last month

[@oldsoul8330]

You two are so cute. Love the fact you’re both always smiling. Great videos.

[@ItsBourbonNight]

Thanks!

[@MishaTal1]

I'm in North TX, and stores aren't even shelving that whisky anymore. It goes in the back with the 12yr, and others now.

[@sorinsrn5442]

We need more hunting bourbons videos!! Its worth asking the store owner if he has something behind the counter or if he got some new bottles in!! Kudos!!!

[@markpiersimoni1773]

I was hunting up in KY last week, as I live in TN. I noticed that the Weller 12 was out in NE KY, but everywhere I saw it they were asking $299 or bundling it with other secondary priced bottles. Bummer!

[@Papajerry101]

Sara, we have "Bourbon rooms" in the back of most stores here Wyoming.

[@58lukum]

Haven’t been bourbon hunting in a long time. I miss it. I have a good feeling about 2023. I just have that feeling. Good luck on your hunt everyone!

[@AaronJacka]

I don't think it's awkward to ask questions anymore. Sometimes the store picks, etc are on a separate shelf. Sometimes they will do special tastings for you. We recently went to Michigan and had a great time discussing bourbon at the stores.

[@EricGonzalesMUSIC]

Loved seeing you guys hunt around in my city! I've probably been to every liquor store in Austin and have been to every store y'all went to here. Oak liquor cabinet and Austin Shaker are two of my favorites, and between the two they are responsible for about 70-80 of my bottles lol.

[@andythomas4642]

As a former Austinite I've picked up at least 6 bottles of Weller 12 at one of the stores they visited. Glad to hear no bottles were harmed in the making of this video : )

[@gusdoesthis9273]

Once, sometimes twice a year we get a large drop of Wellers Special reserve and Buffalo Trace, you hit the end of this falls drop, they will dry up in another month and we'll have to wait another 6 months to see when the next shipment shows up. Lots of times after they dry up some places will have a few behind the counter

[@MISTAJZA]

This video couldn’t have been released at a better time for me, I’m going to Austin myself soon. Thanks for helping me manage my expectations, but I wouldn’t be opposed to coming home with a 1.75L WSR.

[@rjt135]

I love these hunting videos, especially in different towns. Great resource for people planning a trip.

[@DubThaDetailer]

As a fellow Texan, everything Ben said is on the money. Tons of SR, and that's about it. As well as the BT and baby Saz being plentiful as well, even here in west Texas. Great video, as always.

[@applecrow8]

Yeah, I have a full handle of Weller SR and have passed multiple times getting another. Anything other than SR is unicorn status. I've never seen 107 or higher at retail on the shelf.

[@blackpony7]

Interesting, I live near Dallas and rarely see any of these harder to find bottles in my area. Buffalo trace, Weller SR every once in awhile you might see it, but Weller 107 you will never see on the shelf unless it's $150 or more. Awesome finds on the bottles, that still Austin cask is excellent!!

[@kirbyculp3449]

I have seen the WFP, CYPB, and SB. The price was $799. So I bought the last two bottles of BF ET BiB for $23 each. In Austin

[@Just1Guy1000]

Any luck finding any Eagle Rare? I can't find it in the Arlington area.

[@woodysapper7]

Go to Lewisville off 121... thank me later

[@jasonaycock4690]

Ugh...killing me all that you found that we don't see here in Lex. But it is what it is. Makes hunting when you're out of town a little fun.

[@ejbsee6081]

Thanks for the insight into Austin. I hope to visit one day, I doubt I will buy bourbon, but great to see other stores than where I shop. I do mean great. The Heaven Hill BiB would have been a must buy if I was bringing something back, other than in my belly. Looks like you enjoyed shopping

[@rhManBearPig]

I just found a Knob Creek 18 Year 30th Anniversary a few days ago .

[@cartermayfield]

Oak Liquor Cabinet is a good stop. You should have also hit Deb’s which has some great store picks. Still Austin started their single barrel program about 3 weeks ago. Deb’s had a Nancy Fraley Still Austin pick. Y’all probably would have missed it, but who knows? If y’all want a Still Austin single barrel bottle or a sample, let me know!

[@88COLIN88]

Wow, crazy how much Weller you found. That is very rare up here in NH.

[@livewireblanco]

West Texas, tons of Weller SR, baby Saz, never seen Weller 107.

[@ArnoldDrinks]

Should have got the Doc Swinson Spec's Store Pick Rye. You wanna talk about an incredible pepper-bomb of a rye...there you go!!!

[@holzerg01]

Ironically, one of the Total Wine and More stores in Lexington had Buffalo Trace on the shelf the day this was released.

[@ImCastorTroy45]

I always thought Ohio was the state for everything weller. Awesome video.

[@chasecollier6155]

Welcome to my fun town town of dripping springs! Fun to see y’all in stores I frequent

[@rough_spirits]

You two went to the best rum stores in Austin and bought bourbon. I'm dying over here

[@WhiskeyCrusaders]

Haha

[@Clarkjr33]

Heaven Hill BiB is a smash buy for what it is. Wish it came to PA.

[@TheDonnaCrosby]

Just found a new store way south Austin they had pappy 10, birthday bourbon, Joseph Magnus cigar blend and Thomas hardy all on the top shelf.

[@bluez4u2]

Next time visit that Austin Shaker main store. They have more selection than the smaller store you all went to. Gunter's liquor in north Austin has a decent selection of bourbon\whiskey.

[@StevenScone]

I've watched alot of yalls videos and I like how yall are bouncing off each other alot. Yall seem pretty much equal and I'm all for it.

[@ItsBourbonNight]

Thanks!!

[@dingdingding4033]

Idaho still has bottles in the back ;)

[@michaelmorse493]

You need to check out Spec's in downtown Houston! I believe it's on Smith.

[@scottheath5899]

love, love, love this. From NC (ABC control) hunting is a necessity but have been to TX. several gals of Wheller as a result. Ill take all the hunt(ing videos you can do.

[@WhiskeyCrusaders]

Glad you guys found some good stuff. I never made it to any stores while we were down there. Oh well next glad. Was great seeing you both and hanging out again. Cheers

[@ItsBourbonNight]

Great to see you and the gang as always!

[@WhiskeyCrusaders]

@@ItsBourbonNight funny story. Guy in green shirt is Ben Stahl.

[@aldenwilkins]

Welled SR maybe, I hardly ever see anything else. Hope y’all enjoyed your trip.

[@bveebs]

It was great meeting y’all at Bastards Ball this year. I had been to a few of these stores before, but some I haven’t. Now I’ve got some more places to add to my list of good liquor stores near me :)

[@ItsBourbonNight]

Great meeting you, too!

[@kylestump4902]

I love the Delilah's shirt!

[@johneroyale]

Y'all going to check out Garrison Bros. In Hye, TX? See if you can jump in on the volunteer bottling. Usually booked up well in advance. But if anything, you can take a tour.

[@duffman9908]

Just got home from a trip to Kentucky. Such a beautiful state and I got some bottles to bring back home. Heaven Hill 7yr BiB was worth it alone.

[@N.M.T.K]

I work for Bevmo & Go Puff. In California, 805, area. Here we do get Limited whiskeys. You would be surprised what we have and it's sits here for Retail for some time. It's always good to ask what's in the back. Start great conversations with guests. 📦🤝🏽🍷 I like the Vlog videos idea. Keep that up.

[@ItsBourbonNight]

Thanks for the info!

[@kirbyculp3449]

Buy the Balcones Texas Single Malt, delicious. IMO, get every variation of Balcones available just because you can.

[@gregdankert]

This would make a nice series -go hunting in a different city every so often

[@Nimreitz]

Raj and Oak Liquor Cabinet is amazing, without a doubt. Glad they shouted them out. He has Four Gate for days, Discovery Series. I showed up there one day hoping to get some Store Pick Eagle Rare that he posted on Instagram the night before. There was a line. He had sold out the night before. Raj went in the back and sold allocated bottles to the guys in line so everyone left happy. It was one of the coolest things I've seen a store owner do.

[@pauldurry2717]

One of the stores I shop here in Lawton OK, has an assortment of stuff behind the counter. MM FAE-01, FAE-02, EC Toasted, Widow Jane, John J Bowman.

[@ScottShearer15]

My Total Wine in Nashville was super rude when I asked about Buffalo Trace. I was told they "don't get any allocated bottles."

[@the_whiskeyshaman]

It was awesome getting to chat with y’all for a min at the ball glad you made it safe. In Texas we are getting more eagle rare and weller but like Ben said it’s at the smaller stores and you have to build a relationship with crew. Great job keep it up.

[@ItsBourbonNight]

Great getting to chat with you, too!

[@aldenwilkins]

Raju at Oak Liquor is the man.

[@mikec8674]

That Weller in Upstate NY is 125.00

[@raychappel3610]

Great list of stores that I'll have to check out next time I'm in Austin! I've mostly been to the Total Wines and Specs and always thought they had a good selection. I always mean to check out the smaller stores, but never had time. Specs has an amazing selection of single barrel scotch picks, if that is your thing. Also, I may have grabbed the last Larceny BP from V+V after the Ball :)

[@mssmusic15]

I would’ve grabbed that 1792 BIB from Total Wine! I’ve seen many blinds the prove it’s the best in the lineup. I actually found a single barrel pick at my local abc store yesterday and was pretty happy about that.

[@Longenecker1776]

Balcones Single Malt was here in NW Ohio for the last yr. Now, it’s impossible to find. Maybe 6 months to a year I was told, because Diageo bought them out.

[@camhester357]

I Wish Virginia had selections like y’all have

[@paladonis]

I didn't know Sazaraq was so hard to get. It's almost never touched out here in PHX, AZ. I need to pull the trigger on trying that sometime soon. Not really a price thing, just been hooked on the Old Overholdt as of late for wonderful old fashioneds during the summertime. I saw that ZZ top one when I was at Total Wine after work this afternoon as well. Cool label on it at least. Thanks for some of the driving shots too. Neat to see some of the city here and there too!

[@nhlfan6622]

Howdy! Great video and on point, next time in Austin you might want to check out a Twin Liquors as they are on my rotation and score my daily drinker Eagle Rare on a regular basis. They also have great sales on Bourbon a few times a year otherwise their prices can be slighter higher than Specs (w/cash).

[@augdawg66]

Cool vid. Just an FYI, sazerac rye isn’t allocated anymore. It’ll have better availability moving forward

[@Kernation]

Seagrass is great stuff. Always have a bottle on hand in my collection

[@jpcampbell]

That HH BiB at total wine … never seen that on a shelf on Houston. Also rarely been to a liquor store in Texas that doesn’t have baby saz.

[@PrescriptionBourbon]

Totally agree. for $39 I would have been reaching for that HH BiB at TW. Never see that here, certainly not at that price. Enjoyed the video, thanks guys!

[@spencertarpening3892]

Down in Houston Weller SR is very common. NASA Liquor and Reserve Wine and Spirits have a lot of good single barrels plus an exceptional Rum selection at NASA

[@jamessocal8946]

Total Wine here almost never puts allocated stuff on the shelves. You just ask at checkout every time and sometimes you get lucky. Midsized liquor stores usually have lots of interesting stuff behind the counter or locked up and I enjoy checking out the prices. Sometimes you can get a fairly decent price on something that’s been on their shelves for a while. I’ve picked up a Magnus Cigar Blend and two Parker’s Heritage releases for $175 to $200.

[@royboy2124]

Sorry if I missed it but have you guys ever reviewed the Balcones Texas Pot Still Bourbon? It's delicious. Great episode, cheers!

[@rough_spirits]

I love Ben he is a wealth of liquor knowledge.

[@thesoozeTJ]

Just grabbed that Glen travel case. Arrived quickly and I love it!

[@ItsBourbonNight]

Awesome! Very god to hear that.

[@reevinriggin3570]

$400?....It's for us! AND WE'RE WORTH IT! Right? right? Nice show. Really liked it and looking forward to any more footage from the Bastards Ball. Keep on keepin on!

[@brianinscotland]

Should've swung by Still Austin! They would've had a few bottles left of the cask strength single barrel picked by Nancy Fraley.

[@doublea487]

Great episode. My daughter is staying in Austin for the month and I sent her Bourbon Hunting to some of your locations you recommended. Excited she was able to get me a few Pursuit United since they don't sale them in Florida.

[@erickoscs5998]

Comparably speaking, that seemed pretty land of the Weller SR like to me! Never seen one on a shelf in Florida.

[@talljohn5350]

Not from Texas but did stop at some of those stores when I was in Austin. Never seen so much weller sr for retail. But I did grab a store pick 1792 bib and a Remus 3 at oak liquor cabinet. Had no idea what still Austin was at the time. Saw the cask strength at another store and was intrigued but passed and I’m kick myself for it

[@Lincolnzz]

Best spot was that JD single barrel barrel proof. That stuff is amazing. I’ve seen it a few times around NC but have to hunt for it if I want it.

[@-RONNIE]

Thanks 🥃

[@jmiller8745]

I can get Weller Antique 107 regularly. It would be at cost plus shipping. Interested? I'm in Ohio....

[@scotchsunday]

A lot of the Tre Hombres collaboration was done via Zoom during the pandemic starting while Dusty Hill was still alive but there was quite a bit of collaboration; the didn't just slap a name on it.

[@andrewfidel2220]

Just won a slot in the Ohio liquor commission lottery slot to buy some Weller 12 at $40! So excited to pick it up.

[@DeanM915]

Just found your channel. Love your vibe and content! Still trying to get the nerve up to ask for the "New Items" or "Anything behind the counter." Great video.

[@YoPaulieMusic]

Its amazing how regional this is. I live an hour south in San Antonio and can say that Weller and BT are hit or miss. And no, corks will not pop in 90+ degrees... :)

[@primaltone]

I love many Buffalo Trace products, but they need to show their home state some love. However. in these shots I never saw an EH Taylor or lowly but delicious bottle of Eagle Rare.

[@Jake_venture]

Gotta try Goody Goody next time you are in Texas

[@kyletaylor13]

Yall have to stop at Loch Fyne Whiskey in Inverary Scotland. Its on the way from glasgow to Islay! I got a mitchters 10 rye and a blantons gold at msrp this christmas. #scottishhunt

[@scooter2d2]

Nice haul! I do like the Weller Reserve green label. My local Kroger gets about 3 cases of it 2 or 3 times a year and if I don't currently have a bottle when they get em, I'll grab one.

[@jP-nw7nm]

I couldn't agree more! Captain Green polo knows!

[@javieracosta3439]

Props to guest director J.J. Abrams. 😆Cheers guys!

[@akizenx]

I used to work at a liquor store for 5 years, locally owned in SC. We used to give out the hard to find B-trace product to locals who shopped Bourbon with us regularly due to limited quantities, I've sold Weller 12, Blantons, Eagle Rare, and Some of the Antique collection to certain customers only - in my opinion this is how every store should do it- reward your local customers and Bourbon enthusiasts instead of randoms coming in looking for it to sell on the internet. & also I've told people many times South Carolina doesn't get the allocation that Texas does, they get 4-5x more B-trace products than we do.

[@PussyBonpensiero]

I noticed no Eagle Rare down there...pity.

[@leebeasley7080]

Very different in both states than here in middle Georgia. We have some stuff like Buffalo trace, eagle rare and Elijah Craig barrel proof everywhere. Welled and any higher end Buffalo trace is next to impossible to find here now.

[@holzerg01]

If you can get the Rabbit Hole Bourbon and Beyond special release I highly recommend!

[@35057]

Hunt videos. So satisfying! 🥃

[@Da1Prophessor]

$400 is a drop in the bucket for a bourbon collection however I need to take a page out of your book and stick to a budget. The trill is the hunt👍🏽🥃

[@dylanfarist5600]

I didn’t know Chattanooga Whiskey was sold way out there.

[@rthilson]

This is why I choose to drive so I can hunt along the way

[@debbybrady1246]

Welcome to Texas.

[@dougdillard9006]

WE LOVE YOU TWO... THE DILLARDS FROM WENATCHEE WA.

[@donoteatglass]

You just missed the Still Austin Rye Release! I work there. If you'd like to try some please reach out!

[@zman7953]

Thanks for the hunt. Enjoy seeing other states prices and availability. Cheers U 2.

[@joeappleton6849]

Good fun review

[@Joseph-fr1rs]

Should have grabbed that Jack barrel proof for sure !

[@JCTexanRyeGuy]

Texas is for sure the land of Weller SR. I have seen a 12 year before though.

[@scotchsunday]

As far as Spec's, the Smith Street store in Houston is the one to go to. Only place I've ever seen Scotch store picks. Really any of their stores outside of Houston don't really have many special bottles.

[@joshderouin12]

Beaumont store is 🔥🔥🔥

[@scotchsunday]

@@joshderouin12 HAHA. Yeah in Beaumont I see you creeping around Longhorn, not Spec's.

[@joshderouin12]

Lmao hell no longhorn is high. Specs has better pricing and selection. I also don’t like the 5k baskets with weller 12, Blantons and some scotch that longhorn bundles together.

[@loganperkins7353]

fellow KZbinr and bourbon hunter. If you put Weller in the thumbnail I feel like it’ll boost the views on this one. Great vid. I’m from MI and the distribution sucks compared to southern states

[@ItsBourbonNight]

Might try that as an experiment. Thanks!

[@89sooner]

Oklahoma has pretty regularly been an easy to find Weller SR and Baby Saz state, and Buffalo Trace has been getting better since maybe the holidays. The bottle that I keep hoping will cross my path in Texas is Ironroot Harbinger from the north part of the state. And I assume you have so regularly visited the cute Still Austin tasting room and feels like a biergarten more than a patio that you needed a break...and St Elmo is next door for a Kolsch break!