Whiskey Review Library Archives – Whiskey for the Ages

Blantons on Secondary

Posted on 06-March-202407-March-2024 by whiskeyfortheages

Blantons on Secondary

Just a few months into the new year, and I think it’s time for this post, so here goes …

“Chill People. It’s just bourbon.
Maybe it’s time to rethink priorities.”

I’ve had a great deal of reservation as I contemplated releasing this post … However, as the spark for this article came to me more than a year ago, I’ve held out long enough. More and more social media posts are popping up, asking about fair whiskey pricing. And then the catalyst … I recently saw something which caused me to dust off my unfinished posts and found this nugget. I’m sure you have seen behaviors in your Liquor Store similar to mine.

But first, for a little context, let’s check in with Merriam …

hype | \ hīp \ | (Noun)

_{extravagant or intensive publicity or promotion; deception; put-on; publicity, especially promotional publicity of an extravagant or contrived kind; a clever marketing strategy in which a product is advertised as the thing everyone must have, to the point where people begin to feel they need to consume it.}

_{Hype used in a sentence: “I do not understand the hype which drives the prices of Blantons on secondary.”}

_{Similar words to hype: advertising, ballyhoo, boost, buildup, exposure, fanfare, marketing, plug, plugging, promotion, propaganda, publicity, puff, puffery, push, razzmatazz}

ASKING FOR BLANTON’S AT THE LIQUOR STORE

This is for the people who come in asking for Blanton’s … Just so you know … Liquor Store Staff hate you. (Well maybe hate is a little strong, but certainly “strongly dislike” fits.)

My friends tell me they can pick out someone who is going to ask, even before the question gets popped. They walk right up to the counter and say something like …

“Do you have that bottle with the horse?”
“Are you getting any of that Horse Whiskey?”
or directly …
“Do you have any Blanton’s?”

Sometimes they assume, “I’m told you have Blanton’s.”

Others, when sensing adversity, quickly defer to something else just as challenging to get, “How about ‘Wellers’? Do you have any ‘Wellers’?”

When told “No”, many (read most) just turn and leave without looking for or buying anything else. Others get upset and create a scene when they’re told no (we’ve all seen one or two of these, haven’t we?) Some even get belligerent, complaining to everyone else in the store, “I’ll bet they’ve got some in the back they’re holding for their friends.”

Really? Does active accusation EVER work?

Even if any was being held back for whatever reason, does anyone think bullying will change the transactional outcome?

Come on people, be nice.

This is where we, as whiskey ambassadors, need to up our game. We need to be ready to support our local liquor store staff. After all, and as I noted, they are our friends.

STATE VS RETAILER CONTROL

I feel for those of you across much of the country who can only find and buy “rare”, limited availability, and allocated products like Blantons on secondary or at inflated prices.

Seventeen states, including Idaho, and jurisdictions in Alaska, Maryland, Minnesota and South Dakota have adopted forms of a State Control model. For the most part, these entities sell spirits (when available) at MSRP … Which is the amount the DISTILLER values the product.

After the recent round of price increases, Buffalo Trace sets MSRP for Blanton’s Single Barrel at around $64.95. Personally, I think Blanton’s is a perfectly fine and serviceable bourbon … at $60-70 a bottle. (It was a much better value when it was priced under $60, but unfortunately those days are long gone.) It’s also a nice bottle to have around for the occasional guest who’s never had it before and is curious.

I know what some of you are thinking … BLASPHEMY! ARE YOU REALLY GOING TO GO THERE? WHAT ARE YOU PLAYING AT?

AVERAGE MSRP, FAIR PRICE, SHELF PRICE

BoozApp, a downloadable tool, which “exists to level the playing field”, offers the following guidelines for pricing Blanton’s (although I don’t think the App has caught up with MSRP change quite yet). Current pricing, as of March 2024, can be seen the following image …

Now, far be it from me to tell anyone what they should pay for something. Your money is not my money. Still, prudence is advised before buying ANYTHING* at inflated prices. For example, one may pay higher than retail for new a new air conditioner in the heat of summer, tires, or a water heater replacement because of an immediate need, but I dare-say, even then, some shopping will likely occur.

*While I try to NOT pay more than retail, it’s important to note, everyone has their own value system.

BUT WHAT ABOUT SECONDARY PRICING?

I contend it is in part, the behaviors described above drive Blantons on secondary. And the situation isn’t exclusive to this bourbon. Any high demand, low availability whiskey can and does star in the title roll.

As I’ve written in other posts, I monitor Whiskey News and RSS feeds, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter posts along with feeds from LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Reddit to stay abreast of industry developments. Outside of the seventeen states and liquor control jurisdictions, retailers price their spirits at “whatever the market will dictate”.

It makes my hair hurt when I see posts such as, “I just found my first Blanton’s in the wild … Only $150 (200, 300, … YIKES!)” Those posts often include a flexing lap picture with the resting bottle near the car’s steering wheel emblem.

LET THE BUYER BEWARE

Capitalism is a wonderful thing, however I urge people to consider carefully before buying Blantons on secondary … or any rare whiskey unicorn for that matter, at more than retail. People who buy from individuals, unlicensed sources, unscrupulous retailers and other profiteers at inflated prices may not get what they believe they are paying for. Blanton’s is simply NOT a $100 bottle of bourbon (let alone a $150 or $200 bottle), nor will it compare to bottle priced as such.

And then there’s the chance for MSRP manipulation. Make no mistake … it’s coming, and market control may already be upon us. Distillers know their high demand products are being sold outside the confines of suggested retail. Already we’re seeing products jumping in price, and new releases seem to have unusually high MSRPs right from the get-go. Secondary is driving shelf price up for everyone.

BUT WHY BLANTON’S?

Of course there is history and a certain mystique at play. According to the Blanton’s website,

_{Elmer T. Lee introduced the world to Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon a year before he retired. In doing so, he revolutionized the industry by creating the “super premium” category of bourbon with the world’s first single barrel bourbon.}

There it is … Puffery! Now I’m sure the first bottlings were awesome. But, at the time Blanton’s was not intended for the American palate. In fact, in 1984, bourbon was a bust in the US. The public wasn’t ready or willing to pay the asking price of $24 for this, or any bourbon. Japan was the target market as the people there had a thirst for the stuff.

But with careful publicity, some fanfare and promotion, (and a little passage of time), people began to take note of the oddly-shaped bottle with the horse on the stopper. There were unique hand written markings on the label plugging dump dates, barrel numbers, warehouse and storage rick locations. Even the stoppers featured different poses of the horse and rider. The bottles had become collectable.

Creative marketing caused the hype which naturally drives the price of Blantons on secondary! Still, the bourbon inside must be good, right? As I wrote earlier, Blanton’s is a good bourbon. But great, well that is up to you and your palate to decide.

ALTERNATIVES

For my tastes, there are other whiskies at the $60 price point (or even lower) which are just as good or better … Eagle Rare, Four Roses Single Barrel, Four Roses Small Batch, George Remus Straight Bourbon, Knob Creek 12 Year Old, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength, Old Ezra 07 Year Barrel Strength, Old Forester 1910, Old Forester 1920, and Sazerac Straight Rye to name a quite a few.

Notice I didn’t say they tasted like Blanton’s. They don’t. But by now, I would hope our readers have learned each whiskey has its own taste. And of course, what I like may differ from what others like. Those in the list above are just some of the more affordable whiskies I’ve come to enjoy. And yes, a few may be hard to find, but even then, bottle pricing shouldn’t be too crazy once located.

But when someone pays $150, $200 or even more for Blanton’s, then tries to compare it with something purchased from those price tiers, it generally won’t stand up. And then we get to read all those “I don’t get the hype” posts on social media.

BUT THEN AGAIN, I COULD BE WRONG!

There ARE ways to get what you want without resorting to indentured servitude. Make friends with good retailers. Keep your eyes open. Bottles of Blanton’s and many other unicorns are out there – at MSRP, Shelf or even Fair Price.

Better yet, join a local whiskey club or group. You’ve probably got someone else’s unicorn in your own bunker right now. Share two ounce conquest samples with your new-found friends. Soon enough you will get to try your unicorn, and it won’t have had to cost you an extra week’s worth of groceries.

Here’s the Bottom Line: Buy and drink what you want at whatever price you are comfortable paying. As I wrote earlier, nobody … not me, or anybody else … should be telling you what to do (or not do) with your money. Even so, when you feel or sense something isn’t right, take a step back, and consider carefully before putting your hard earned cash down on any whiskey at secondary pricing.

Okay, I’ll step down from my soap box now.

~~~~~~~~~~

Cheers!

Blantons on Secondary
written by Brian Dawson, 2024, March 04
Editor, WhiskeyfortheAges.com

Whiskey Social Media Posts

Posted on 14-April-202314-April-2023 by whiskeyfortheages

Whiskey Social Media Posts

As a whiskey writer and reviewer, I follow quite a few whiskey social media sites so I can monitor the pulse of this amazing industry. Over the years, I’ve come to notice News and RSS feeds, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, along with LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Reddit, all have some common recurring comments and topics.

Some of the entries are “Best” lists posted to solicit approval (or encourage disagreement). I’m sure others are meant to inspire conversation, while many posts are measured provocations made to get under the skin of the group’s readers. In this post, I will try to shed light on what I have observed, offering my thoughts on common entries. Let’s jump right in.

TOP 5 (10, 15, etc.) LISTS

Press releases with bourbons or whiskeys in a list format usually follow some kind of theme. We’ve all seen the lists: ‘Best Whiskey to Have in Your Collection’, ‘Top Whiskeys of 2023’, or ‘The Only Five Whiskeys You Need in Your Home Bar’.

Years ago, when I first began my journey, the bourbons listed in the articles I read, became “must have” targets. When I think back, many of them showed up in multiple articles. After using the guides to make my purchases, a number of those bottled were just “okay” at best.

As the years have come and gone, I’ve come to believe many whiskey producers whose products make lists like these must have GREAT publicists. I often wonder if some writers have even tried the offerings they are wring about!

Interestingly, there are quite a few I seldom hear mentioned in whiskey social media circles anymore. I believe it is because of this observation, so many of us turn to social media. Crowd sourcing is a popular way to quickly get answers to our questions. Still, those answers are just opinion.

“IS THIS STUFF ANY GOOD?”

Bourbon is the staple in many of our whiskey bunkers. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know which one to choose, especially for those new to the world of whiskey. While there are many “Best Whiskey …” articles written by any variety of people, all inquiries about specific pours boil down to one common denominator: “Thoughts?”

The query often includes a bottle picture followed by a question:

   This stuff any good?
   What’s everyone’s take on this?
   Is this a good one, yah or nah?
   What do y’all think about this one?
   What’s your opinion?

Sadly, many people respond in a mocking manner due to the anonymity of social platforms. But consider this … While Hannah and Elora are my daughters (and fellow editors on this site and our WftA Podcast), they don’t necessarily like the same bourbons I do. Likewise, whisky social media readers do not have the same nose or palate of the person who posted the inquiry.

At best, any suggestions offered are subjective as they are made from a personal bias. Some people enjoy a particular bourbon while others may not. To determine if a bourbon might be good, it is usually best to compare notes with friends and fellow whiskey enthusiasts.

When considering a particular offering, read several reviews, including ones of differing opinion. Early on, I discovered I liked bourbons one particular reviewer did not. My palate was simply different than theirs. With this in mind, compare Hannah’s Reviews to mine. It’s perfectly fine to be more aligned with her than me. More importantly, determine your own likes and dislikes, and don’t worry about what others might think.

“THOUGHTS?”, “AND GO!”

When someone posts a bourbon opinion on whiskey social media then ends with, “And Go!”, they are soliciting feedback and input from the group on the matter they have expressed. As above, it’s a way of starting a discussion on the subject. “And Go!” is no different than ending with, “Thoughts?” Both are ways of seeking opinion, in effort to get differing perspectives and/or constructive criticism to validate their own opinion with other platform followers.

“IS THIS BOURBON ANY GOOD FOR A COLLECTION?”

This is a more pointed way of asking, “Thoughts?” The person making this query may get a few useful replies, but more often than not, they’ve just opened themselves to ridicule from the masses. Other questions along this line include:

   How did my wife do with this purchase?
   Anyone have good feedback on this?
   I know some are going to mock but …?

Initial mocking may begin as simple as, “Open it and let us know,” but often it becomes pointed, “What are you? A tator, collector or a drinker?”

Again, one’s bourbon choices should be a matter of personal preference. If the whiskey in question truly is for a collection, even then the selection depends on the collector’s preferences and what they themselves like. Most collectors prefer older, rarer bottles while others may prefer a wide range of different styles and brands.

Sadly the so-called ‘collector’ may not be a collector at all. They may be a flipper, one who buys and holds product in effort to resell it later for a profit. The morality of this won’t be debated here, but let me be on record as one who doesn’t collect, flip, seek or buy bourbons at secondary prices.

“WHICH BUDGET POURS ARE BETTER?”

This inquiry is often posted by novice drinkers, but not always. When I was taking the first steps on my bourbon journey, price was a major concern. I didn’t want to spend money on something I might not like. Heck, it might have turned out I wouldn’t like anything!

When it comes to budget pours, it is difficult to make a blanket statement. Rather than getting the opinions of others, I approached the task on my own. As a complete novice, I felt the opinions of others would be at best, a guide. I first checked my local store for 375 mL bottles of bourbons I planned to try, then on to Reddit and the internet for reviews of inexpensive bourbons. It was harder than one might think.

Inexpensive whiskey is rarely reviewed!

When I could find a review, I used it to help open my mind as to what I might expect to smell and taste.

When I think it might be a novice taster who has posted the “Budget” question, I’ll reply with the suggestion noted above. If I think the question was asked by someone with more experience, my answer is always Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond, a fine budget priced bourbon, usually $16-$20 and a regular bottle in my bunker. Recently, Old Forester 100 has become another budget “go to” and a bourbon we reviewed in a Podcast.

“WHAT IS THE BEST BOURBON?”

Frankly, I dislike this question and never reply when I see it posted. I have also seen it used as argument click-bait. Too many people are quick to reply aggressively and threads often take a nasty turn before they die. The question simply impossible to answer. The “best” bourbon is a matter of personal taste.

Some popular and highly-regarded bourbons include those which many or most of us will never get the chance to try. But as noted above, what constitutes the “best” will depend on individual preferences for flavor, finish, and other factors. Ultimately, it is up to each person to try different bourbons and decide for themselves which ones they consider to be the best.

“XXXX IS THE BEST BOURBON. CHANGE MY MIND.”

I find reading “Change My Mind” whiskey social media posts quite humorous even though I NEVER engage in the dialog. While it is widely accepted there are many factors which influence one’s enjoyment of a bourbon, discussions of mash bill, aging, proof, type (ryed or wheated) and individual flavor preferences are rarely included in the dialog. Often, respondents go on tirades leaving members of the group frustrated.

Frankly, I think it is a futile thing to try to change the opinion of anyone who posts, “Change my mind.”

“WHAT ELSE CAN I TRY?”

This question may be prefaced by, “I like XXXX” but not always. Here, the person making the post is looking for advice from the group based on what others might think of the bourbon or whiskey they’ve mentioned. When looking to try something new, consider exploring styles of bourbon with similar mash bills. If one prefers wheated bourbons, find and try other wheaters. For ryed bourbons, find others with similar traits. If bourbons with high rye are preferred, maybe rye whiskies are next in order. The same goes for finished whiskies.

Near the end of each of our reviews, in the MY RATING section, we post links which send readers to other whiskies with the same rating and made by the same company.

Another tact may be to stay within branded offerings. I like most whiskies produced by Brown-Forman (Old Forester) and Heaven Hill (Larceny, Elijah Craig), and I find products out of Buffalo Trace, for the most part, to be stellar. Yet, I find bourbons from Barton (1792) to be hit or miss for me. Our reviews also include links to other whiskies offered by the brand. By way of example, the following might help …

“I LIKE LARCENY. WHAT ELSE SHOULD I TRY?”

Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a wheated bourbon, wheat being the second grain in the mash bill after corn and before barley. If preferences lean towards smooth, soft flavors, try other wheated bourbons. Here are a few recommendations:

Maker’s Mark: This is one of the most well-known wheated bourbons and has a smooth, balanced flavor profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice.
Weller Antique: While allocated and challenging to find, it is worth the effort to find. This is a higher-proof wheated bourbon with a bolder flavor and more pronounced notes of spice and oak.
Old Fitzgerald: This is another highly allocated bourbon which comes out in the spring and fall. Its smooth, sweet flavor profile shares its mash bill with Larceny and has notes of vanilla and fruit.
Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch Bourbon: This wheated bourbon is made in Kirby, WY, and has a smooth, rich flavor profile with notes of cake batter, caramel, vanilla, and spice.

SOCIAL MEDIA TROLLS

Social media trolls are people who deliberately post inflammatory, offensive, or off-topic comments on whiskey social media platforms with the intent of provoking others into an emotional response or to disrupt normal on-topic discussion.

Their behavior can often cause harm to the online community. The goal of a troll is to get a rise out of people, rather than to contribute to the online community in a positive way. Trolls often act anonymously or pseudonymously, and their interactions can range from simply annoying to actively harmful.

When I see trollish activity, I typically scroll past their posts and if they become an annoyance, block their future posts from view.

~~~~

Whiskey Social Media is a great way to stay abreast of favorite topics. But like anything else, be mindful of what you read and post. Take in the info with a grain of salt and try not to offend or be offended.

Cheers!

Whiskey Social Media Inquiries
written by Brian Dawson, April 14, 2023
Editor, WhiskeyfortheAges.com

Whiskey for the Ages is Three Years Old!

Posted on 27-November-202227-November-2022 by whiskeyfortheages

Whiskey for the Ages is Three Years Old!

As 2022 draws to a close, we wish to say, “Thank you” to our many loyal followers, readers and subscribers. On this, our three year anniversary, we have archived 310 individual reviews of 164 different whiskies. While we haven’t upload many articles this year, Hannah and I did add reviews written by my youngest daughter. Check out Elora’s assessments and learn what music she listens to while enjoying a glass.

While our noses, taste buds, and preferences conflict from time to time, we do get to enjoy this adventure together as we share each day’s events over a good pour. Some of this year’s favorites include:
▪︎ Boarder Cask Strength Bourbon,
▪︎ Booker’s 2022-01 Ronnie’s Batch,
▪︎ Little Book Chapter 3,
▪︎ Horse Soldier Reserve, and
▪︎ Maker’s 46 Cask Strength.

NATIONAL BOURBON HERITAGE MONTH

Like last year, we accepted the 30 Bourbons in 30 Days challenge this past September. This year, we incorporated a twist. Other than four mainstream whiskies which we assessed, we enjoyed 24 unique bourbons we didn’t add to our review library. Idaho (where we live) is a Control State. The Idaho State Liquor Division (ISLD) provides its residents with ISLD Picks instead of Store Picks.

When these unique bottles become available, we bring them home to our bunker. The offerings are available to patrons of Idaho’s state run liquor stores, and we decided to open and enjoy some of the collection without review. It had been quite some time since I took pleasure in a pour without first preparing a review.

Whiskey for the Ages is Three Years Old!

What did we learn? For the most part, the bulk of the ISLD bourbons were just “good”, with only a few being stellar. Maker’s Mark and Old Forester selections continue to impress, while offerings from Elijah Craig and Knob Creek fell a little short of expectations for us. Still, I am looking forward to next year’s challenge.

ENHANCED WEBSITE NAVIGATION

To improve website navigation and provide quick access to corresponding detail, we’ve added a couple new jump-link features. These links can be accessed from within each review and from any website page.

Near the bottom of each review, a link to other whiskies given the same score* (93/100) can be found.

*NOTE – whiskeys in any given numeric tier do not have the same aroma, flavor or finish; they are NOT the same. They are merely on par with one another. Most of all, be mindful our ratings and scores are subjective as they are awarded by the reviewer.

When there are additional iterations of reviewed pours, readers can jump directly to whiskies from the same stable. For example, when a Booker’s, ECBP, or Maker’s product is reviewed, one can access other products in the review library.

Another navigation aid can be found in the expanded “Whiskey Sorted” sidebar widget located at the top, right or bottom of each page depending on the device being used. The widget provides quick access to Brian’s and Hannah’s ratings and whiskeys by Price or Proof. Here one can jump directly to Whiskey Sorted by Distillery as well.

SOCIAL MEDIA

This year, Hannah and I frequently posted on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Twitter. While some of our thoughts included review access on our own site, there were many with links to whiskey related industry news, as well as updates on what we were doing.

This past June and July we participated in a Summer Advent event with our local whiskey enthusiast group. We put our skills to the test as we attempted to determine blind the type of whiskey submitted, its proof, the name of the sample and when available, its age and the distillery where the dram was made. My efforts were humbling, while Hannah did well, finishing fourth. Our escapades were updated on the various platforms.

And like last December, we’re closing out the year with drams from Whiskey Advent Calendars leading up to Christmas day. This year we’re doing two fun, no-pressure whiskey calendars, one featuring American and the other, an abbreviated World list. Be sure to follow us on Social Media to see where we are, what we’re drinking, and what we are doing next.

SUBSCRIBE TO WHISKEYFORTHEAGES.COM

Lastly, please consider subscribing to our website using the SUBSCRIBE widget in the site sidebar. Enter your name and email address then click the …SUBSCRIBE… button so you’ll never miss new content.

WhiskeyfortheAges.com subscribers are first to be notified (by email) whenever we post … and don’t worry … we hold contact information in the strictest confidence. And, readers can use our Contact Page to email their review and content requests. Click the …Leave.A.Reply… button below each review and article to give input and share your thoughts.

Whiskey for the Ages is Three Years Old and we are evolving. Thanks again to everyone who follows and comments on our posts! And as always, we look forward to sharing our pours and thoughts in the year ahead.

Cheers!
– Brian

WhiskeyfortheAges.com, Editor
Brian Dawson, LinkedIn
Whiskey for the Ages is Three Years Old!