Is Bourbon pricing getting out of control?

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[@bradleysommer3154]

For me, it’s not so much the crazy highly allocated stuff that is frustrating (although it does make things difficult). It’s the bottles that used to be $20-$35 that are $55-$70

[@doubleg2475]

I feel the same even with the allocated. I’m a huge Jack fan and before the bourbon boom, I was able to get their special releases every year at retail, which with a few exceptions, were well below $100. Now everyone loves Jack and the special releases are allocated and a bottle that should be $75-$90 are now $300-$500 at many stores.

[@apeekintime]

Everything is more expensive now. Have you bought a combo at Taco Bell lately? What used to be $5 is now $8. It's inflation. Hits everything.

[@Slugone1]

Yep! Upstate NY - $70 for Buffalo Trace!

[@farmersgrip]

Deisel prices doubled, corn price is up, farmland rent went up, wages went up every step along the way ... expect more price hikes

[@Rayman30]

Heaven Hill BIB tripled in price.

[@macfrazier8160]

After watching your video, I took 4 of my “trophies” to the Thanksgiving party, opened them and let the cousins sample things they can’t easily find in N.C. -Eagle Rare, Weller Special Reserve, Buffalo Trace and Blanton’s. The look on their faces was priceless. Thanks for reminding all of us about the real purpose of buying bourbon!

[@Mcrichalot12]

Respect!

[@TheMNbassHunter]

I was out hunting a couple days last week for some special bottles. I found Angel's Envy 2023 Limited bourbon ($210), Joseph Magnus Cigar Blend ($200), Willett 8-year wheated ($250), Little Book Chapter 7 ($160), Elijah Craig 18yr ($170), Knob Creek 18yr ($180) and Michter's Toasted Rye ($180) while I was out. I passed on them all. When it came time to pull the trigger, I just couldn't. I'm just not a $200 bottle of bourbon kind of person. I'm comfortable spending up to, maybe slightly over, a $100 for a good bottle, but I just can't get myself to spend more than that. I'm very fortunate to have the financial means to do so if I wanted, but I can't internally justify the price for what I'm getting. I don't really care about the rareness or exclusivity because I'm not collecting and not reselling. I'm buying it to drink and I don't believe that much extra money is appreciably improving my drinking experience.

[@jeffreyking279]

Well said. You will retain "the means" with that attitude.

[@TheMNbassHunter]

@jeffreyking279 Yeah... pretty easy to blow a lot of cash pretty quick buying $200 bottles. People might also think it's silly when I say I'm out looking for "special" bottles, but not willing to spend the money. I like finding unique stuff that isn't going to break the bank. Like I found a Blanton's for $80 sitting on the shelf. While Blanton's isn't crazy special, it isn't something you normally see just sitting there and, around here, any time it is available somehow, it's typically $100. I also found a cask strength Doc Swinson's Alter Ego bourbon for $80 that I'm excited to try. I might find a Four Roses or Old Forester store pick from time-to-time. I once found a Calumet 15yr on sale for $110. So those things are fun to me, rather than paying crazy prices for crazy allocated bottles.

[@red5standingby419]

Out of that list the JM Cigar Blend is worth it in my opinion. And $200 is MSRP on that. The rest while probably at or near MSRP are definitely not worth those prices.

[@TheMNbassHunter]

@red5standingby419 JM Cigar is the one I really took a hard look at it. It was honestly quite difficult to pass up given the hype around it. One of the main reasons (other than the $200) that I did pass it up was that it was Batch #234 and there isn't even any information about it yet on the JM website.

[@robertjr1254]

Ec 18 is bad from reviews

[@stymiesnerdly771]

Yes, prices have gotten insane, but if folks keep paying those prices, nothing will change. Masters Keep, Generations, the Brown Forman, $10k for 25 yr Eagle Rare, etc. Absolutely crazy

[@davidcolgan3268]

Very good discussion. First of all, I don’t chase unicorns, and being retired, I balk at paying $75 for any bottle. I blame part of the rising prices on social media as people wanting to display their trophies! But, as you have commented, and other KZbinr’s, is the taste worth the price. I’ll stick with my WT101 Rye, my OF100, and a few others. My palate is not that discerning.

[@balbomb]

There are plenty of things that separate this channel from the youtube bourbon pack, and this video is truly a great example. When you guys taste a special bottle, you can really see the appreciation for the experience. I also am thankful for your fight for the average bourbon drinker. So many of these channels seem like they take for granted getting the rare bottles, or spending $120 on an unproven brand is par for the course. Happy Thanksgiving guys!

[@dchunter100]

I have a few nice allocated bottles but honestly I’m happy drinking the $30 stuff like OF100 and WT 101. I’d say 60-70 is where i top out and that’s a once or twice a year purchase.

[@mikebreidenbach246]

Maybe my palate is just not that good, but I can't taste enough difference between a $35 bottle and a $100 bottle to justify the cost. Yeah, if I'm sampling 2 bottles at the same time I can detect some small differences, but heck I can enjoy the $35 bottle on its own without thinking I'm missing something significant. It's more about enjoying the moment, particularly with friends! Always a great channel to watch--feels like i'm sitting at the bartop with ya now talking sports, bourbon, or in Trent's case discussing something like chewing on a piece of charcoal or sticking his tongue to a frozen flagpole....happy T'giving.

[@BoozeandNewswithTimandDut]

Prices in the whiskey world has nothing to do with taste. It's about rarity.

[@johnnycampbell3422]

I'm kinda with you. Been on a bourbon journey for 5 years. Tried a lot of stuff up to Pappy15. Spent a bunch of money and time. Now I have a bunch of partial bottles taking up space and mostly buy/drink wt101 by the handle. I learned a lot and can identify a lot of stuff. Good for conversations.

[@pauls4522]

For me once you pass the 30$ price point prices increase faster than taste. I even put rough tiers in my brain.

[@skippypeanutbutter9136]

there are definitely good bottles that aren't wallet killers, the problem is they get recognition and the price sky rockets or they go allocated. It also depends highly on your taste/preference. I've had plenty of $60-$150 bottles and there were several that I didn't like, that I would pass over. On the flip side I've found there is generally more unique things to appreciate in bottles in that range vs the more "generic", and again that depends on your preference and maybe how much you've developed your pallet.

[@johnnycampbell3422]

@@skippypeanutbutter9136 true enough

[@IndyGuy65]

Over time I started to focus my bourbon buying on higher proof (100+ proof) available in my area and I generally stay under $100. I believe bourbon was made to be consumed so the only bottles not opened are back ups and will get opened soon. Not judging anyone else, you do you and I'll do me. Great video Kurt and Trenton.

[@umami0247]

My personal cap is 150 and I have only spent that one time. Most of my picks fall in the 25-95 range. These bottles that are way over two hundred is just ridiculous. Great video. Hope you and yours have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Enjoy!!

[@Meowmeow0506]

That's where mine is too. I live in a liquor control state and I won a lottery on a Blantons Gold and even had trouble spending the 125 for that bottle. But I am glad that I own the bottle.

[@RobertMichaelStewart]

I have spent $150 on a bottle once.... LOVED IT!.... I spent $100 on a bottle I'm going to crack for Thanksgiving. I personally can't see any bottles being worth over $200 no matter how good it is.... Would I like to try a few? .... Of course I would, but I can't afford to and I'm not going to whine about it.

[@michaelfrock2473]

Did the same. It was for Russell 13 year and I feel worth every penny.

[@RonCimoch]

About $200 is my limit. I got an 18 yr. Knob Creek for $190 and the best part of it was opening it and sharing it with two buddies. Happy Thanksgiving guys!

[@joewolf9933]

This video is EXACTLY why I (and so many others) love SLB Drinks. You guys get it, you speak from the heart, and you're honest. Keep on doing what you do and you will continue to grow and prosper. Happy Thanksgiving!

[@bobbyruiz6383]

I’m a delivery driver for a major distributor in California. I see what the stores pay for the product and what they sell it for. It’s extremely frustrating. If anything, the pandemic showed how much greed there is out there. People are willing pay more for vehicles, alcohol, just about anything when supplies are limited because they can. By the way it’s just not bourbon, but tequila as well. It’s gotten crazy. Great video guys.

[@willmach]

Unfortunately, they would'nt charge the pricing they do if people didnt pay it. Your dollar speaks volumes depending on how you use it.

[@ricardoh87]

That was the best explanation of inflation ive ever read. Thank you!

[@MrStreetninja007]

Blame secondary for all of this

[@jameslane9267]

I’m of the belief they would still ask for the prices they do even if the everyday consumers weren’t buying it. One store owner I talked to specifically told me “I don’t look to sell allocated stuff to the everyday kind of guy. Those bottles are there for people who have a lot of money and won’t bat an eye at spending $1,000 for Pappy and BTAC.” Then he told me guys like us should be happy with owning Wild Turkey 101. He was charging $90 for Rare Breed. LOL

[@MrStreetninja007]

@@jameslane9267 I would literally laugh in his face and tell him his business is comical and that hes contributing to the problem

[@red5standingby419]

@@jameslane9267 Aside from the few big spenders buying the big ticket items who the heck is spending $90 on rare breed? You can literally find it everywhere around $50.

[@Griffyyyy]

Spot on about the FOMO aspect of it, especially being in groups on social media and seeing everyone run out and snag all the bottles when I can't get away from my desk at work to even have a chance to grab them. I've found myself being much more selective with the bottles I seek out, I may get fewer bottles but I truly do want the ones that I go after. Cheers!

[@SThompson704]

Salute to you guys! You guys are a true class act for only getting one bottle when you could get more. I feel the same way if I see a great bottle let someone else experience the purchase as well

[@gabrieltrujillo6133]

There are so many great whiskeys available for under $50 and $60 that I had to knock some sense into myself and reset my standard for spending. I was so consumed with the FOMO and hype that I ignored some of the cheaper options like Wild Turkey 101, Evan Williams BIB, Fighting Cock, and even Mellow Corn! There's also known and consistent favorites like Knob Creek 9, 1792 Small Batch, and Russell's 10 that are hard to beat. Lots of good craft and regional distilleries that have good options also. About the only thing over $75 I'll go for now is ECBP and that was soured by the latest restrictions around the C batch. Ben Holladay Rickhouse is another worth grabbing at $75 here in my market.

[@TheeRustyCage]

Fighting Cock good? One I see but always wondered.

[@rpredl]

$60 is my top end for any bottles. I get that you guys will go much higher because you have a whiskey channel and like to expose your watchers to all that’s available. I do appreciate your efforts.

[@edhastie6074]

I spent $60 for woodford reserve afternoon tea. Not a fan. A little disappointed actually.

[@SVTFan65]

Kurt, I like what you said about the point of good bourbon is to share with family and friends. I remember hearing a story about a father and son sitting down and cracking open one of those special occasion bottles. After the first pour the son went to put the cork back in and the father asked, "what are you doing"? The son answered, "saving the rest for another occasion". The father said, "Son, we don't have many chances like this to sit and enjoy each other's company, and I don't know how many more of these I will have. There's no reason to save the rest of that bottle for another time".

[@keithsmith4944]

It’s a combination of things. Inflation, distribution shenanigans, massive popularity increase( just look how many whiskey tubers started in last year plus), consumers caving in to prices, greed. Glad you brought this topic to your channel.

[@sanchezjr13]

I’m in Illinois and have been looking for an Eagle Rare 10 year for months. It’s almost impossible to find, and when I did see it, it was marked up to $170. I was in Dallas for Thanksgiving and purchased one for $70. I couldn’t be any happier.

[@jmwhambone6223]

I’ve tried many different bourbons based on watching your videos. The thing I appreciate most is Kurt and Trenton saying drink what you like. You’re absolutely right. Everybody’s palate is different.

[@jasonczfan8658]

I think people willing to spend on the overpriced stuff is the problem. One of my local shops has cases of E. H Taylor small batch just sitting there because he’s being ridiculous with the price. It’s nice to see them just sitting there.

[@red5standingby419]

Always remember to complement the shop on their museum in those situations. Be like hey, nice museum you have here. Very well done display. Have a nice day! lol

[@jasonczfan8658]

@@red5standingby419 lol! That describes this place really well. Thankfully he does have some solid stuff at MSRP (scored all the Redwood Empire cask strength line from him).

[@adamr9215]

You should tell them that when they are done with that display, you will dispose of it for $5,000. The first step of working their price down is making them think you consider it worthless. Or, the traditional “You want that much for it? The store down the street has it for this much, plus it’s on sale to move it because it’s been sitting too long.” Either way, just always comment on how you can get it for less and the other store is always moving it.

[@renplastina4808]

Patience - don't chase everything in a pretty package - it gets very expensive...this advice isn't limited to bourbon 😆

[@DanielDrociuk]

I think since bourbon is for many of us a luxury item purchase, it should be in the discussion that it’s important to ensure that the “bourbon priority” doesn’t supersede ensuring that other, more important priorities are addressed first. I’ve seen this lack of priority contaminate relationships, etc. which isn’t a good thing.

[@thomasetesta5641]

agree with some of the comments here, if folks don't pay prices will come down. I am a recent casual Bourbon drinker, every bottle I purchase is under $50, my favorite close to $50 is Rare Breed. Other purchases are in the $30-40 range

[@jsenigaglia]

I just got back from an 8 day trip to Tokyo, and its amazing how cheap everything over there is. Did some hunting, and found bottles of WT12 for $50, 4R Super Premium for $50, and EW12 for $30. WT Masters Keep were $140. It was so refreshing.

[@bmiller7710]

This topic is one reason I love you guys! I am not willing to pay over $100 for a bottle without a blessing from the 2 of you. I purchased a Calumet 16 for $150 on my birthday and that’s the limit for me and the most expensive bottle I have. Now that bottle is worth it however I’m not randomly buying anything over $70. So thank you for being down to earth normal guys and please stay don’t change a thing.

[@adamr9215]

The Calumet doesn’t suck? I got a bottle of their green label and it is undoubtedly the worst thing I’ve ever drank. Every friend I’ve got that has tried it agrees that it’s awful. I’ve refused to touch the brand since.

[@RJ-jl3bz]

Yes, prices are out of hand. It seems like yesterday when Pappy Van Winkle 23 year old was on the shelf for $75 and I thought that was too much, but I bought it anyway on occasion. Around here, if you see Buffalo Trace, it’s marked up to $50 a bottle.

[@davidparker7156]

Too many good bourbons that are not allocated and taste great so why over pay for allocated!! I agree with you both great job.

[@Jason-vi2pj]

Agreed with everything that was said today. I believe I have mayb 1-2 backup bottles in total. Never seen the point in hoarding bottles when others can enjoy them aswell. Flippers are scum in my eyes, I called one out at a local liquor store. Now that store no longer sells that person anything allocated.

[@booneb648]

Sitting here watching this episode, first of all , you guys are so fun to watch!! I totally agree with all that was said . I was born and raised in Bardstown, and live in louisville, even with the secondary market outrageous, the real problem here is the liquor stores are selling the good stuff for secondary prices "definitely should be a regulation on that" I wanna recommend a bottle to you guys, but if I do the price is gonna sky rocket lol cheers and happy Thanksgiving!!

[@TheMoonDays]

Happy Thanksgiving y’all. I live in a controlled state, so I don’t have to worry about crazy prices but it’s next to impossible to find anything allocated. I was treated like shit for asking for a bottle of Weller special reserve at a store and it ruined it for me (and that only retailed at $27 haha). Most bottles are saved for friends/family or local restaurants. It’s a game I don’t even want to play anymore, it ruins the bourbon experience for me. I’m thankful for all the good bottles that aren’t hard to find though. I’m also thankful for you guys and your great channel. Cheers to you!

[@jcec]

Great discussion guys! I got back into whiskey during the pandemic boom and was stressing out trying to get all the bottles everyone else said I should have. Your closing message really resonates with me. As I've matured as a whiskey enthusiast I find myself pulling out my wallet a lot less these days and just trying to enjoy what I have with the people I love. Cheers!

[@robertharper2158]

I can't stand Flippers........I am with you on that!

[@bryanbond7804]

Thank you for this video as it was needed. Basically, when buying anything 15 plus year old bottle, people need to understand that not only are you paying for the bourbon in the bottle, you are also paying for the bourbon lost to evaporation (or Angel's share in the business). A barrel sitting for 20 years will lose almost (if not) 50% or more in bourbon. Distilleries cannot take that lind of loss and remain in business.

[@truther4life]

Facts!! For me it's the $30-40 bottles jacked to 80-90!!

[@housecaptures]

I check my local liquor stores frequently. I used to get Russel's 10 for $36-$37 in my area. I walked in last week and it was sitting on the shelf for $45...crazy.

[@FocknBeavers]

Oh I remember last year it was always on sale at Kroger for 26.99. I said to myself I should buy a few cases nahh it will always be there. Now 39.99 whoops should have bought cases.

[@farmersgrip]

Fuel doubled, farm rent up, grain price up, wages for every step along the way went up, ... 10 extra bucks is a small price hike

[@jasonbennett499]

​@@farmersgrip13 bucks on a 27 dollar bottle is 33%. That's price gouging.

[@mustangautox5376]

From PA here, controlled state and broken website. Went to Chicago last weekend and finally got it a Binny’s. I was floored, their store pick section was the same size as our whole bourbon/rye for most stores here. Was able to snag a new JD Heritage Rye release and got $10 off just for signing up for a rewards program. Opening that in a couple weeks for my birthday. Cheers!

[@chrisklein9144]

Thank you for speaking up about the flippers. It amazes me that people continue to encourage this by buying the bottles

[@eyeball34undead54]

I love watching you guys for the information you provide for the craft we all enjoy, but more importantly because I trust your opinions and integrity. In the end, everyone's palette is unique, but you guys never steer us wrong, and never try to push us to a specific distiller or brand. For that, I thank you. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, and keep up the exceptional content.

[@RyeGuy97]

Great video and topic. I rarely spend more than $75 for a bottle of whiskey. This is just a personal limit for me, and I have no judgment for people who want to spend more on fancy bottles. I recently found a Russell's 13 for the first time for MSRP ($155), and I left it on the store shelf. I know it is probably great whiskey, but there is plenty of great whiskey for much less money. Cheers!

[@RyeGuy97]

I also recently passed on a Knob Creek 12 for $70. It is a bottle I have wanted for a long time, but for 2x the price of KC9 I know it is not 2x better.

[@martinprice6302]

Kurt, I truly respect your and Trenton’s opinions …..and especially appreciate your values. That’s why I keep coming back to watch your content. Keep up the great work!

[@louismeszoros4574]

Guys, I live in Ct, in my area, Fairfield county, the pricing for bourbon’s varies by town suburban vs urban area’s, so if you live in a affluent area, those prices are always $20 more than what I could fine in urban area’s, so shop around for your best price

[@cbin93]

As someone still newer to bourbon I'm right there with you on this. I'd love to try so many of these bottles but in the DFW area its ridiculous. Weller 12 landed hard in DFW this week and I couldn't even snag one. People were following the delivery trucks around all week and grabbing them at stores as soon as they landed. 78 gone in less than an hour at the main store in the area. And they're posted all over online for hundreds now. I saw guys posting online with 4,5, 6 bottles. It ruins the bourbon experience with people like this.

[@dt6126]

Benchmark is an amazing bourbon, and for around $15 a bottle you can't beat it.

[@applecrow8]

Benchmark Full Proof is 10$ more and one of the top high proofers out there right now.

[@dt6126]

@@applecrow8 Sounds good, gotta find some.🥃🥃

[@red5standingby419]

The standard benchmark offering kind of sucks. The other offerings such as full proof or top floor etc are decent. Unfortunately the other one's beyond the standard aren't distributed in a lot of places. Like around me all you can get is the regular one. There are plenty of other choices in that price range that are much better.

[@LeatherDaddy97]

Benchmark fullproof is one of the best bottles buffalo trace makes

[@sisyphus9252]

You are correct, it is the best I have found for the price point. I prefer it over the higher proof and price of Makers Mark.

[@ZachDooling118]

It’s insane at some of the prices on some bottles… in my area 150 dollars for a blantons and 165 dollars for a Weller 12. I will pay a little over MSRP just because that’s about the only way to get decent bottles but mostly I just wait because eventually you’ll find one for the right price.

[@Eric__B]

I just avoid anything with insane mark up, people always say “Blantons is $200 in my area”. And it’s not... that’s just a store is ripping you off. Don’t pay that. Let it sit. Here in FL walmart sells BT for $23.99, ER for $29, and Blantons for $56. Bt is easiest of those to find, but I can find ER every couple months. Liquor prices fluctuate retailer to retailer but msrp for BT is not $70 in any state, that’s just mark up from retailer. If you want to pay up a little bit for convenience then fine.

[@sharthun2009]

When you say I feel sorry for folks that can't find allocated bottles at or near MSRP you are speaking loud and clear to us folks that live in Kentucky of all places.

[@josephwdickens]

Thanks for the great insight guys. Kurt, I was like you with the whole FOMO thing. Bought a few bottles that were way over priced. My mantra these days is to hunt, because you never know what you are gonna find. Thank again for the great content, keep it going.

[@H_B3_Spirits2023]

I do like that you address this, because it is a serious issue. As someone who has bottles in his basement that total $2,500+, the stores and individuals that raise the prices so they can make money is horrible. Everyone that comes over knows I will share everything, but there may not be much left if the prices continue to rise. But, I also have the availability in my area to run across some allocated bottles; not all the time, but sometimes. And the stores I get them from don’t gouge either and sell them at a reasonable price.

[@user-ro4yd9ve1t]

I bought a Lot B for $200. I didn’t open it until I had a special moment in life. Was going to save it for my wedding but my Mom passed away this year and it was a pleasure opening it in her memory with family!!

[@unclesnake3766]

I'm in Canada, just across the border from Detroit and pricing is wild. We are used to one place selling liquor and one place selling beer and the price is the price (don't get me wrong there are issues with that too). It's that kind of control over here that keeps me sane and enjoying this kind of hobby I think. I went into a store downtown Detroit before a Lions game last week and Weller Special reserve was 90 bucks and Weller 107 was 120! Just got those for 45 and 75 respectively CANADIAN! But i guess that's part of the hunt and if you can set rules for yourself i think it becomes even more fun when you do find what you're after! Great topic guys keep it up!

[@c.thomasszanto1497]

Great video! FOMO is a big part at the beginning of the journey. $120 for and EH Taylor Small Batch. $200 for a Stagg. $240 for a RR 13. NO regrets, just lessons learned.

[@mikecherry3028]

I never thought I would be able to try Pappy. Ran into someone who had some Pappy 12. He gave me maybe 3 oz worth for free. I in turn shared that amount with 7 other people who would never of had the chance to try it. I still have a tiny bit left for 2-3 others to try. I totally agree it is way more fun to share with others than hoarding. Yes I would have liked to sit back and enjoy the 3 oz myself but I love the fact that others had the opportunity to try.

[@chasegoddard8235]

You can get some good Whistlepig picks under $100. The 6 year is normally $49.99 and pretty good, 10 year around $80 or $90, store picks a little more, but a 6 year store pick for $50-$60 are usually pretty solid.

[@dansmallwood2409]

Couldn't agree more. Had my neighbors come home from Isreal and we celebrated with Blantons I bought at MSRP. Grabbed 2023 Birthday Bourbon this year for MSRP and I'll open it on my birthday later this year. Paid a tad more than I should have for Antique 107 ($150), but that'll be opened Thanksgiving with friends and family. Spend what you can, don't go crazy, and open it and enjoy with friends and family.

[@anthonyvella2787]

107 here n Alabama is 50 bucks ive got 2 in the past 2 years.... so 150 is way over for 107....

[@dansmallwood2409]

@anthonyvella2787 I'm very aware. It's never on the shelf here. I bought it to have on hand for a special occasion / celebration.

[@Ron46143]

You know that scene in Christmas Vacation where Clark is calling his Boss every profane name he can think of for giving him the Jelly Of The Month Club as a Christmas bouns? That's how I feel about Flippers.

[@RobRuckus65]

Resellers and scalpers are some of the lowest forms of humans on the planet. They ruin everything they touch. Look at what they did to the ps5 and gpu market a few years ago and what they do still in trading cards and other collectible items. The companies don't care because they are still making sales sadly its to people trying to profit off of it instead of the people that actually enjoy their products.

[@weeman2470]

I think the most frustrating part for me is the fact that if I'm trying to grab a bottle of Eagle Rare as a replacement, store owners half interrogate you as if you're going to flip them. I could go down the street and grab a 750ml for $150 and the 1.5L for $350, but why would I pay a store the same as a flipper? It's gotten out of hand here in Northern Indiana for sure.

[@jamiestromberg8671]

I love all of your reviews....great channel, great family, great burbon! I myself are in the 100 dollar and below with 90% of my bottles being in the 40 - 50 dollar and below price range. My pallate is not accute enough for the high dollar burbon and with V.OB., old grand dad bib & 114, evan wiliams 1783, beam extra black, 4 roses up to select....there are so many great priced choices at an economical price I have a hard time opening my wallet for the high dollar stuff. My expensive bottels are barrell at 85 bucks or less on sale. I'm a fellow tradesman and a bit of a tightass....

[@truckingwithzach9708]

I’ve flipped a few. I’ve also used me being at a distillery to pickup allocates stuff for people at msrp. In relation to how much is too much, I’ve basically decided if it’s over $70 a bottle it better be amazing. I’m a lot like Kurt in that I really enjoy basically anything Jimmy and Eddie Russell send out the door. And I’m a huge fan of Weller 107. Id go 100 a bottle on 107. I live right smack in the middle of wild Turkey and buffalo trace distilleries and rarely see anything allocated on the shelve but I’m not big on hunting for it because there are a ton of easily accessible bottles that are just as good if not better

[@LP23D6]

Very well said. We have all over paid for bottles because we just had to have them. I try my best to shop around and say no to the ones that are unreasonably priced. As far as unopened bottles, out of 400 I might have a dozen or more that aren't opened and 99% of those are extras of good bottles that I was able to buy before my first bottle ran out. (like Larceny B523). I should check but I would estimate that 30% of my collection is barrel picks. I like those because the local ones I can taste before I buy or you You Tuber's have chosen ones that align with my palate. This was a great video and subject. Keep up the good work folks.

[@MrWalmart1234]

Know what you're talking about, in NY Buffalo Trace is allocated. Local liquor stores sell Weller 12 for $200. Would love to get another bottle of Eagle Rare but they're going for at least $80 here. You guys are so awesome letting people know prices in your area letting us make informed decisions on our purchases. Not only that your reviews help tremendously rather than pay double for a Eagle Rare I can get a Makers Mark Cask Strength for half that. So thank you

[@kirklandeche937]

It all comes down to the age-old question, "Who likes the bourbon the most, the buyer or the seller?" I understand that winning the lottery could influence that decision but until then, I might consider a purchase within 15% or less of MSRP. Great show as always. Cheers!

[@williamwelch9431]

Thank you for posting this. I always appreciate the integrity you bring. For me, I drink and I collect I do not flip or resell, that is very frustrating. I have purchased a couple of boss hog editions for around $600 each. Will I ever crack the seal, I don’t know, if I get diagnosed with cancer, maybe. Lol but for an every day zipper bottle, I love Weller special reserve, but not for the exorbitant prices. For me, it depends on the bottle and my purpose for getting that bottle. I too will say I am blessed that I can splurge from time to time, at the same time I will not pay $400 for an $80 bottle (I.e. Rockhill Farms, Elmer T, etc…)

[@Hunterbressan]

22:08 completely agree with this sentiment, great message for the holidays. Don’t flip, enjoy and share.

[@jameslenaburg4378]

I've pretty much resigned myself to never getting a Weller special bottle (12, Antique 107, etc), Elmer T Lee, EH Tayler SiB, Stagg Jr, etc. I finally got a ECBP C923 this month at MSRP, and have been able to get some Eagle Rare and standard Blantons, but I'll never pay secondary, and my limit is pretty much under $100. Highest price I've ever payed was close to $100 for a Knobel Spirits bottle, but some of that was shipping, and donation to his cause.

[@mitchellmouton2948]

The local grocery store here just put out a bunch of BT bottles (Blantons EHT, Weller, Widow Jane) that they normally don’t have on the shelf - all at MSRP. Got a Stagg (23b)for $59, and Weller 12 for $59. Month ago got a ECBP C923 for $79…both times I went the day the bottles were put out!

[@jameslenaburg4378]

@@mitchellmouton2948 where's here? No liquor in grocery stores here in Texas 😒

[@christopherm.2413]

Its unfortunate the way pricing is going, but i think the distilleries and distributors are using the secondary market as a way to gauge what people are willing to pay especially for an allocated release. Inflation has also played a part in the current pricing of everyday shelfers as well. Happy Thanksgiving ya'll! 🥃

[@SteveBenfit]

Great reviews and I agree with all of your points!! I went to an golf tournament and a group of us stayed the night. I brought several bottles , wellers 107, Blantons, Harper, Willett, whisle pig, EH Taylor and several others and some of the guys never had the chance to try them and some of the guys told me I was crazy on bring all of the good stuff. My response was just what you said they are to drink and share with friends. That's what this is about!! Thanks for what you both bring to the bar!! Keep it up. Happy Thanksgiving and be safe ❤

[@PnlBtr]

100% i open and share. Some of my best memories with friends and family are around a bottle sharing a drink and conversation.

[@theherbanlegend-1852]

Can't afford to join y'all's channel right now, but y'all have my full support, and love how genuine y'all are! Much love and respect from Baltimore, MD. Keep up the great content 👍

[@4billoyd]

I remember watching Kurt and Trent do the March Madness challenge and one of the bourbons was one that had been in a review they had done about 3 months earlier. Kurt had an entirely different flavor and nose profile during the MM review as he had from the previous review. That solidified with me what I had always suspected: each individuals taste and smell for bourbon can change dramatically just from what they ate that day, what other environmental issues they encountered that day, etc. None of us are that “special” when it comes to being a bourbon connoisseur.

[@garygrimes1774]

I am a new subscriber and have enjoyed your videos. This one was really interesting, talking about price. After listening to you list some of the prices you pay, I went to total wines in Arizona today to purchase some of your recommendations. Total Wines is probably the cheapest place to buy with the best selection. Wild Turk Rare Breed, $49.99. Makers Cask Strength, $57.99. Still Austin Cask Strength, $44.99. Evan W, BIB 1.75, $35.99. I need to make a trip to Kentucky, my annual savings should cover my gas. Keep on boys.

[@jonwallenfelsz8873]

Great video!!! For me (from WI), not only the price, but up here in the north, we rarely see a Buffalo Trace & have never seen an Eagle Rare or any Weller product!! So thank you for sharing other ideas for good bourbons that would be comparable.

[@gregsmith5132]

1) Important to note with TSAs limit of 5 liters of spirits per passenger you can pack 7 x 700ml bottles but only 6 x750 ml. 2) Basic supply and demand - the store needs to charge the price people are willing to pay or a secondary black market will emerge. If the demand for Weller is at $80 you will see some on the shelf. 3) If the bottles are priced correctly you will not have to bunker it in your basement because you can always get one at your liquor store.

[@MrCritterJohn]

$60-70 is my upper limit of which I have plenty of bottles. I have to say though that I find myself reaching for the good ole $30 Early Times BiB more often than not. It’s fantastic to me.

[@markfischer6057]

Really appreciated this conversation. I just spent 200.00 on a Jack 12 1st release and felt like I got a great deal on it. Paid 125.00 for a Jack 10 so I ended up getting 2. Always looking for unicorn for cheap.

[@paulhendershot111]

Great subject and one that could be talked about for hours on end. For myself, I live in the $25-$75 price range for the most part and am quite content with the bourbons available in that range. I find an allocated bottle every now and then but they are at MSRP at the State Liquor Agencies in Ohio. If someone wants to spend their money on an expensive bottle, that is their business, but I have never spent $100 or more for a bottle and don't plan to in the future.

[@markcatron8996]

State controlled stores in my state. The stores only allow one bottle per day of any allocated Bourbons, which means, if there are bottles of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof and bottles of Yellowstone, etc. you have to choose which to take home. The only good side is no price gouging, we get all bottles for msrp.

[@billrichardson7099]

This summer, I took a trip to Bardstown Distillery and stopped at a couple of liquor stores looking for bottles that are not available in my area. I was floored at the prices they wanted. Willett Wheated $700 & Weller ranged $1200-$2400

[@mikepetrella4009]

Great video boys! Could not agree with you more Kurt….spot on! Happy Thanksgiving to the entire SLB family! Cheers!

[@DerekJustice]

It is 150 bottles of the 150 decanter, vip tour of Old Forester, and food / drinks with members of the brown family. You get to sample this bottle as well. I managed to snag one, I'll be headed down on the 5th to pick it up. I'll make sure to let you know how it goes!

[@jimhylton4058]

For my wife and I we've started our collection and have set a base price at $50. With a cap at the 70 to 80 dollar price point. And we enjoy finding those gems that are available at or below $50. Keep up the great content

[@honker1307]

Love this episode and the breakdown, i also respect Kurt's passion about flipping. It gets worse as demand for these sky rockets and the people that buy it for that. For me i try and keep it under 150.00 but will go up if it something i have been looking for for 6 months or longer. Have a Happy, Safe and Blessed Thanksgiving everyone.

[@curetiamhices289]

Whether it’s the distillery or the retailer setting the prices, if we don’t buy it and the bottles start sitting on shelves then maybe prices will drop. I saw a bourbon hunt video where a store had Early Times BiB for $49.99! Ridiculous! Plus, the secondary market… shameful! I will admit I paid $150.00 for Knob Creek 18 at a local store. I hadn’t planned on it, but it was the cheapest I had ever seen it. Interesting video. Thanks!

[@terrell48]

My local store has/had a bottle of Stagg for $299.00 I walked, another called with an EH Taylor Single Barrel $150 plus tax Im wallked I had bought one a month before for $100 from same store I basically will not pay more than 110% of MSRP on any bottle

[@RatsKingdom]

I do not buy doubles at all, I open all bottles and have yet to finish a bottle since I started collecting in March- Which honestly I wasn't really looking into Bourbon- I came across Kurt's video on making clear ice and watched that and eventually started watching some more of your other videos which intrigued me to learn more on bourbon

[@jamietempleton-o8d]

Thank you gentlemen for talking about we out here in Sacramento are dealing with. Love your show!

[@michaellarkins9293]

You guys are right on the money. I haven't been collecting for very long, but I've noticed prices going up a lot in my area. As far as prices of the hard to find stuff, IMO, if people would stop paying ridiculous prices, stores would stop charging ridiculous prices.

[@debbybrady1246]

Thank you for addressing this subject. Maybe there are more people that can afford the higher priced juice, but for myself, and I'm sure many others, we have a certain budget set aside for our hobby. I will never pay over $100 for a bottle, for a very special bottle. If I have such a large budget (excess money) I will give it to a good cause that can do something good for my community, and not something selfish for myself. I'm not making judgement, this is just me.

[@Jeeper_Creeper03]

Here in my part of Arkansas I’ve never seen a Weller 12 or Full Proof. Weller 107 isn’t even distributed in the state! I’d sure love a 107, had a pour at a bar once and loved it. Shoot I’m extremely lucky to find a regular Eagle Rare or EH small batch, but never at msrp.

[@kevinpoggensee]

I live in Iowa and it's hard to find anything allocated. I just found a eagle rare the other day that cost me 58 dollars. A little higher than I would like but I have not seen 1 in 2 years. The same guy as he is ringing up the sale tells me that he has a blanton gold. I asked him how much, he said that he would sell it to me for 500 dollars. I just laughed and said that he was crazy...I just can't believe how greedy some people are! 😢

[@mattmicale8474]

Great topic, loved hearing the opinions. The most I’ve paid was $160 for a Blanton’s in the box that I stumbled upon in a liquor store in NYC. It’s impossible to get near me and I had been looking for that kind of store find for a while. That’s about as high as I’d go now. I am all about the experiences around sipping; so I am not averse to dropping $60-80-100 on a pour of something super rare that I happen across in a bar so I can have the experience of tasting and enjoying it without the absurd investment into the bottle.

[@Matt_Bykowski]

Prices are crazy. $30 is my happy place, $50 is a max. There are differences at higher price points, but they aren't significant enough for me to justify paying for. Fun show. Cheers.

[@baconator1550]

I would submit it’s the people who are out of control… do not blame the bourbon..

[@JAdame24]

I was at my local shop and ended up catching the girl putting the one bottle of eagle rare out and picked it up. Was really happy about that. I’ve never tried it and finally found a bottle. I’m kind of new to trying different bourbons and call me crazy, but the Larceny wheated bourbon is my favorite so far. I haven’t tried a ton but so far I like the longer lasting notes of that one.

[@bryanbarrett732]

I love these episodes Kurt speak from the heart cause brother your not wrong on any of it as far as over priced purchases my biggest buy was 250 before taxes closer to 275 out the door for parkers heritage double oaked and honestly I'm still shocked I found one around me not fpr 800+ but I still overspent

[@zekragash4294]

Retired two years ago at 66 yo. Tried to find a Blantons or Mc Kenna to celebrate. Couldn't., six stores. I agree. Used to be a 101 drinker, but something happened, does taste right to me anymore. Have settled on Old Forester 100. Ticks a lot of boxes for me, one big box=price.

[@ericknight9502]

I'm with you. These people that buy a bottle with no intention of drinking, and flipping in the frickin parking lot drive me nuts!

[@iceman2796]

Great topic and discussion. I've rarely paid secondary prices for a bottle (I did for my CYPB). The problem is as you already said secondary prices differ between states and areas. I would buy every bottle I see of Antique 107 for $80. I never see it for less than $120 in the Chicagoland area and never for MSRP. Which is strange since you guys are in the Northwest part of Indiana. Pricing is definitely getting out of control. The problem is Bourbon is on fire right now and all the companies are striking while the iron is hot. Bourbon will fade, brands will disappear, and prices will drop. The reason the prices are getting higher from the distilleries is multifaceted. Bourbon being hot is one. The Bardstown Bourbon festival has sold out multiple years in a row. Those festivals have to drop new products to keep some buyers interested. The hotels charge triple during that weekend. The companies know this and price what they think people will spend. When people stop buying (not going to happen in the near future) the prices will drop. The secondary market is another factor. Let's say I'm Wild Turkey. I sell Russell's 13 for MSRP. I see the stores online and brick and mortar selling it for $500. They are getting a huge return. Wild Turkey see this with all their allocated brands. They decide to get a piece of the action and bump up their prices. That's only natural. I paid MSRP for my Wild Turkey Voyage at the Wild Turkey Gift Shop. The price is high but for now I'll pay it. Will I continue I don't know. I paid for MSRP for my Blanton's Gold. I will do that again as the Gold is definitely better than the regular bottle. I'll pay higher prices if the Bourbon is better. I have one pour a day so it will last a while. Should be a big drinker you might want to stay a lower price point. I said this already but the Bourbon market will cool off in a few years. Then we will see what happens with pricing.

[@TheCup0joe]

This year I bought two of the most expensive bottles I've ever purchased. I got a Michter's 10 at $200 and Williet Purple Top estate bourbon for $250. Getting them at close to MSRP so I don't feel like I got 'ripped off' but I can't say I'm going to consistently pay prices like that for bourbon. There are too many great bottles on shelves for $100 or way less. BUT like you said, the FOMO is real sometimes when you have a chance at something you'll likely never get again.