Ordering bourbon online?

[GreggC69]

Had an ad pop-up yesterday for an online bourbon source. (They may have had other spirits but was just looking at the bourbon offerings). They had a couple of things I would like to try discounted a good bit. Was curious if anyone uses an online store and if you find better pricing than local sources and if these stores are legit. Thanks.

[villagetinker]

Several years ago, I used an outfit out of New York to get a wine my wife really likes. Bought a case and it turned out to be about $12 per bottle. Since this was considered a "restaurant wine" it is not available in the Floridia stores. At the time I did check to see if this was legal the state, I previously resided in you could NOT do this. I have no idea if the rules are different for hard liquor.

[GreggC69]

Thanks. I think it is certainly permissible. I am just not sure if the "too good to be true" applies to some of these. One bottle I wanted was discounted by about 25% . Newer company - been around a little over a year from what I could tell.

[ThirdOfFive]

Thanks. I think it is certainly permissible. I am just not sure if the "too good to be true" applies to some of these. One bottle I wanted was discounted by about 25% . Newer company - been around a little over a year from what I could tell.
I suppose online liquor sources could sell at a discount. It all depends on the starting price and just what that "discount" consists of. I've bought liquor at Publix only to discover, a couple of weeks later, that that same bottle of liquor that I bought at Publix was being sold by Wal-Mart liquors for a good deal less. I don't know if it was exactly 25% less but it was certainly in that range.

[retiredguy123]

Have you compared their prices to Total Wine? They usually have the lowest price on everything. Also, I think Total Wine will deliver.

[Kelevision]

Had an ad pop-up yesterday for an online bourbon source. (They may have had other spirits but was just looking at the bourbon offerings). They had a couple of things I would like to try discounted a good bit. Was curious if anyone uses an online store and if you find better pricing than local sources and if these stores are legit. Thanks.

There are a bunch of online liquor stores. I order bottles of things not available locally. Shipping is usually not free unless it’s a first time deal or over a certain amount. I’ve never had any issues.

[GreggC69]

Thanks for the suggestions. Will check Walmart liquors and Total Wine. Just getting into bourbons and have family coming in and wanted to have a couple of "higher end" options to experiment with and for others to drink (they are more seasoned connoisseurs!) I have the Woodford, Buffalo Trace, Jefferson'sOcean, Elijah Craig range but wanted to have a couple of better options on hand that will appeal to those with a more discerning palate. Welcome any specific suggestions as well.

[jstarcze]

I've used them to get liquors that are hard to get in my area. You need to know your prices though. There are good prices, but there are also higher prices than what can be bought locally. The outfit I used is called Reservebar.

[Ecuadog]

Try using wine-searcher.com. Yes, it works for spirits too. You get more results if you pony up for the PRO version.

This link searches for Jefferson's Ocean + USA + Stores in Florida + Stores that will ship to Florida.

wine-searcher.com... click here (https://www.wine-searcher.com/find/jefferson+ocean+aged+sea+very+small+batch+straight +bourbon+whisky+kentucky+usa/1/usa-fl-y)

[Snakster66]

Thanks for the suggestions. Will check Walmart liquors and Total Wine. Just getting into bourbons and have family coming in and wanted to have a couple of "higher end" options to experiment with and for others to drink (they are more seasoned connoisseurs!) I have the Woodford, Buffalo Trace, Jefferson'sOcean, Elijah Craig range but wanted to have a couple of better options on hand that will appeal to those with a more discerning palate. Welcome any specific suggestions as well.

I would just caution that higher price doesn't necessarily equate to better in the bourbon world (as much as some people would like to think so). But there are some local stores that have store pick single barrel bottlings that might be interesting to check out. I always like to hit Bob's when I'm down there. There is always a good selection and also has a few store picks. I look less at bourbon and more at scotch these days, but that doesn't stop me from scoping out the selection. And it is pretty impressive for both whisk(e)y types (and more than a couple Japanese as well). Prices there always seem reasonably solid as well, but not always. So be informed when you look.

[fdpaq0580]

Just checking to make sure you weren't ordering drinks delivered by Door dash*💫🥴🤗

[Caymus]

I miss "the old days" when I could walk into my local liquor store and find Blanton's right on the shelf.

[villagetinker]

Had an ad pop-up yesterday for an online bourbon source. (They may have had other spirits but was just looking at the bourbon offerings). They had a couple of things I would like to try discounted a good bit. Was curious if anyone uses an online store and if you find better pricing than local sources and if these stores are legit. Thanks.

I just remembered when we went to St. Augustine we toured the local distillery and were very impressed by their local Burbon (I am a Scotch drinker), it was advertised as an award winner. We did buy 2 bottles, one signed by the owner (as a gift) and one for us, still sitting in the bar, I have not had any Burbon drinkers over recently. No idea if this is sold locally, but as I recall it was very good.

[Topspinmo]

I suppose online liquor sources could sell at a discount. It all depends on the starting price and just what that "discount" consists of. I've bought liquor at Publix only to discover, a couple of weeks later, that that same bottle of liquor that I bought at Publix was being sold by Wal-Mart liquors for a good deal less. I don't know if it was exactly 25% less but it was certainly in that range.


IMO 90% of anything at Walmart cheaper than Publix. I only go to Publix cause it’s convenient to me for couple items. I would check Walmart for brand whiskey first? IMO hard to compete on price when going up humongous chain like Walmart which has drove thousands of businesses out of business.

[retiredguy123]

IMO 90% of anything at Walmart cheaper than Publix. I only go to Publix cause it’s convenient to me for couple items. I would check Walmart for brand whiskey first? IMO hard to compete on price when going up humongous chain like Walmart which has drove thousands of businesses out of business.
Checking a few prices online, Walmart is definitely not cheaper than Total Wine for most items, and Total Wine has a much better selection. I think their goal is to beat every store on the price of alcohol.

[Snakster66]

I miss "the old days" when I could walk into my local liquor store and find Blanton's right on the shelf.

About 15-20 years ago Pappy 20 sat getting dusty on PA shelves for $75. It was also about that time when PA sold their last remaining bottles of AH Hirsch 16 on clearance for $50. I bought four and wish I would've bought more.

[Markkal]

They do have a wider selection but prices are higher and shipping costs can add up.

[Pondboy]

Another recommendation for total wine! Order on line, $4.99 delivery fee. You can’t drive there and back for less. Low prices? you know it!

Cheers !

[MrChip72]

Hard to beat Total Wine for overall selection and pricing, unless you're not looking for a specific brand and just want decent bourbon in the house, then Sams Club offers great pricing on reasonably decent bourbon brands.

[Caymus]

About 15-20 years ago Pappy 20 sat getting dusty on PA shelves for $75. It was also about that time when PA sold their last remaining bottles of AH Hirsch 16 on clearance for $50. I bought four and wish I would've bought more.


I purchase my last bottle of Pappy after "winning" an online contest.:smiley:

[George1964]

About 15-20 years ago Pappy 20 sat getting dusty on PA shelves for $75. It was also about that time when PA sold their last remaining bottles of AH Hirsch 16 on clearance for $50. I bought four and wish I would've bought more.

WOW! 4 bottles of A.H. Hirsch 16. I’m impressed. I’ve read the book on this and I grew up in Lebanon, PA frequently taking visiting relatives to the Michter’s distillery for tours. I’ve always wanted to try this, but at online prices of $6K/bottle… I’ll pass. I have to ask… was it everything they say it was?

[Topspinmo]

Checking a few prices online, Walmart is definitely not cheaper than Total Wine for most items, and Total Wine has a much better selection. I think their goal is to beat every store on the price of alcohol.

They uncut Walmart by few cents to maybe dollar on some spirits. I don’t drink that much (hardly ever) so not convenient for me to drive to TW for 50 cent savings. Now if I brought by case then yes. Penny saved is penny earned.

[frayedends]

Thanks for the suggestions. Will check Walmart liquors and Total Wine. Just getting into bourbons and have family coming in and wanted to have a couple of "higher end" options to experiment with and for others to drink (they are more seasoned connoisseurs!) I have the Woodford, Buffalo Trace, Jefferson'sOcean, Elijah Craig range but wanted to have a couple of better options on hand that will appeal to those with a more discerning palate. Welcome any specific suggestions as well.

As far as I'm concerned the Buffalo Trace is as good as the Blanton's and Van Winkle Special Reserve (the only Van Winkle I've been able to try). Of course, regular old Buffalo Trace is now hard to find and if I do find it, they want $55 instead of the usual $32 price.

Other than that I love the Old Forester bourbons, 1870 and 1910 are my go to.

[BlackHarley]

We're in a 'wine club' that does ship from the Finger Lakes region of NY, down to FL with no issues. Buy a case, and shipping is free via FedEx. You just have to be home to sign for it. I'm not positive about hard hooch.

[EGOrcutt]

Is there a bourbon club in TV?

[RickyLee]

I'm another Total wine Guy, I do order some hard to find Bourbons online, I've not been burned yet but I'm sure from what I read some of these sites are risky. Make sure you check BJ's liquor store, they're usually the cheapest but the selection is nothing like Total wine. You can buy liquor at BJ's without a membership.

[Rickmartin]

You may want to give Eagle Rare and Angels Envy a try along with Rock Hill Farms. Thanks for the suggestions. Will check Walmart liquors and Total Wine. Just getting into bourbons and have family coming in and wanted to have a couple of "higher end" options to experiment with and for others to drink (they are more seasoned connoisseurs!) I have the Woodford, Buffalo Trace, Jefferson'sOcean, Elijah Craig range but wanted to have a couple of better options on hand that will appeal to those with a more discerning palate. Welcome any specific suggestions as well.

[Windguy]

Have you compared their prices to Total Wine? They usually have the lowest price on everything.
That was true for a while after they opened in Lady Lake, but I think ABC has finally decided to match or come close to their prices. They both have apps, so you can compare their prices.

However, I recently went to ABC to buy a bottle of my favorite tequila and they wanted $2 more in the store than their app said.

[Windguy]

A word of warning about discounts. I stopped by a duty-free shop on a recent cruise to Jamaica. I decided to get some rum and everything was 60% off. Great deal, huh? I bought two bottles. I decided to check the Total Wine price on the way back to the ship. TW wanted only half as much as much to buy them!

Another example. A department store in Denver would have occasional sales where they would have deep discounts. The deal was, however, that they never charged the manufacturer’s list price when the sale wasn’t running. For the sales, the discount was from the suggested price—not their regular price. It really wasn’t a discount.

[retiredguy123]

That was true for a while after they opened in Lady Lake, but I think ABC has finally decided to match or come close to their prices. They both have apps, so you can compare their prices.

However, I recently went to ABC to buy a bottle of my favorite tequila and they wanted $2 more in the store than their app said.
Actually, the ABC website says that they will price match a Total Wine price if the store is within 10 miles. I did that once with a bottle of Grey Goose vodka and saved about 4 dollars.

[RickyLee]

You may want to give Eagle Rare and Angels Envy a try along with Rock Hill Farms.

Rock Hill Farms is my all-time favorite bourbon. Hard to come by anymore, when you do find it it's three times what it used to be cost-wise

[Windguy]

We're in a 'wine club' that does ship from the Finger Lakes region of NY, down to FL with no issues. Buy a case, and shipping is free via FedEx. You just have to be home to sign for it. I'm not positive about hard hooch.
IMO, that is a huge reason to not buy by mail. You have no idea when they will deliver. If you are not there, they will try again, but will eventually return it to the shipper.

[Girlcopper]

Thanks. I think it is certainly permissible. I am just not sure if the "too good to be true" applies to some of these. One bottle I wanted was discounted by about 25% . Newer company - been around a little over a year from what I could tell.
Did you check them on the BBB?

[Rzepecki]

Thanks for the suggestions. Will check Walmart liquors and Total Wine. Just getting into bourbons and have family coming in and wanted to have a couple of "higher end" options to experiment with and for others to drink (they are more seasoned connoisseurs!) I have the Woodford, Buffalo Trace, Jefferson'sOcean, Elijah Craig range but wanted to have a couple of better options on hand that will appeal to those with a more discerning palate. Welcome any specific suggestions as well.

I’ll be over!

[retiredguy123]

Thanks for the suggestions. Will check Walmart liquors and Total Wine. Just getting into bourbons and have family coming in and wanted to have a couple of "higher end" options to experiment with and for others to drink (they are more seasoned connoisseurs!) I have the Woodford, Buffalo Trace, Jefferson'sOcean, Elijah Craig range but wanted to have a couple of better options on hand that will appeal to those with a more discerning palate. Welcome any specific suggestions as well.
In his novels, Stuart Woods has a wealthy attorney character named Stone Barrington. Stone always drinks Knob Creek. It is about the same price as Woodward Reserve.

[dtennent]

While Knob Creek is my usual bourbon, I also like Peerless and Rabbit Hole Dareringer. The last one is technically not a bourbon since it is finished in sherry casks. Consider having glasses that you pour a small amount in the glass and still have room to smell the bourbon. (Look up sipping bourbon) l find that it takes about three sips to get to the actual flavor. Sounds like a fun time. Enjoy!!

[SeaCros]

Had an ad pop-up yesterday for an online bourbon source. (They may have had other spirits but was just looking at the bourbon offerings). They had a couple of things I would like to try discounted a good bit. Was curious if anyone uses an online store and if you find better pricing than local sources and if these stores are legit. Thanks.

A site that I have used in the past is
IshopLiquor - whiskey, tequila, wine and beer delivered to your door!
– i Shop Liquor (https://ishopliquor.com)..... depending on what you are looking for it can be quite expensive

[Snakster66]

I purchase my last bottle of Pappy after "winning" an online contest.:smiley:

Same here. Pappy 23. I didn't keep it.

[Snakster66]

WOW! 4 bottles of A.H. Hirsch 16. I’m impressed. I’ve read the book on this and I grew up in Lebanon, PA frequently taking visiting relatives to the Michter’s distillery for tours. I’ve always wanted to try this, but at online prices of $6K/bottle… I’ll pass. I have to ask… was it everything they say it was?

It was very, very good. I didn't see God or anything, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[jarodrig]

Welcome any specific suggestions as well.

This is very good ….

[rhpears]

I've used Seelbach's in the past for Bourbon and other spirits, great selection, very reliable, and pricing is OK. If you were interested in Tequilia my go to online store is Sip Tequilia, who are located in south Florida, and items are normally delivered within 2 days of order.

[jjalex]

Be very careful about online stores. Some are scams, especially if they just popped up. Go with places that have recommendations from people you trust.

[Snakster66]

Looking quickly at Total Wine in stock, I'd probably pick up Wild Turkey Rare Breed. Never had a bad version of that and barrel proof.

[Inspector Mark]

I have bought wine online through an app called Vino. The prices were no better or worse than in the store. It was very convenient to have it shipped to my house but the problem was that I often could not get the wine I wanted. They would say it was out of stock and try to sell me something different.

[MrChip72]

While Knob Creek is my usual bourbon, I also like Peerless and Rabbit Hole Dareringer.

I would LOVE to be able to afford Knob Creek to be my usual bourbon. :bigbow:

[MrChip72]

While Knob Creek is my usual bourbon, I also like Peerless and Rabbit Hole Dareringer.

I would LOVE to be able to afford Knob Creek to be my usual bourbon. :bigbow:

[RICH1]

YES WE DO IT ALL THE TIME! awesome prices and packaging

[cjrjck]

Thanks for the suggestions. Will check Walmart liquors and Total Wine. Just getting into bourbons and have family coming in and wanted to have a couple of "higher end" options to experiment with and for others to drink (they are more seasoned connoisseurs!) I have the Woodford, Buffalo Trace, Jefferson'sOcean, Elijah Craig range but wanted to have a couple of better options on hand that will appeal to those with a more discerning palate. Welcome any specific suggestions as well.

Also try Sam's Club and BJ's. You don't have to be members to shop their liquor department. Both have limited bourbon options but some deals you won't find or match anywhere else. Also ABC liquors near the Home Depot. Liquor prices vary quite a bit in Florida because the stores are independently owned unlike some other states. Bottle A will be cheaper in one store but bottle b in another, There is no rhyme or reason. Just bought a 750ml of Buffalo Trace at Walmart for under $24. They run out of stock constantly. BJ's has 1792 Small Batch for under $23. Just examples of why you need to visit all of the local stores.

[Ropnrose]

I have ordered bourbon on line, directly from a distillery. The local liquor stores do not offer it. The distillery is in Texas, but the bourbon was shipped from Miami!

[Kelevision]

About 15-20 years ago Pappy 20 sat getting dusty on PA shelves for $75. It was also about that time when PA sold their last remaining bottles of AH Hirsch 16 on clearance for $50. I bought four and wish I would've bought more.

I just sold my bottle of Pappy 20 year to a liquor store for 1,600 and they’ll double that price.

[Kelevision]

You may want to give Eagle Rare and Angels Envy a try along with Rock Hill Farms.

Eagle rare 17 is some of the best bourbon I’ve ever tasted but personally not a big fan of the eagle rare 10 year or Angels Envy.

[Ecuadog]

I just sold my bottle of Pappy 20 year to a liquor store for 1,600 and they’ll double that price.

Would you be kind enough to tell me what liquor store? I have something that I might sell.

[pauld315]

As far as I'm concerned the Buffalo Trace is as good as the Blanton's and Van Winkle Special Reserve (the only Van Winkle I've been able to try). Of course, regular old Buffalo Trace is now hard to find and if I do find it, they want $55 instead of the usual $32 price.

Other than that I love the Old Forester bourbons, 1870 and 1910 are my go to.

Really? Buffalo Trace is as good as Blanton's? I have both on my bar and, in my opinion, Blanton's is far superior to Buffalo Trace. BTW, where do you buy Buffalo Trace around here? I have never seen it on the shelves here anywhere. We visit our kids in Arizona once or twice a year and it is available on the grocery store shelves. I always get a bottle and bring it back with me.

[LeRoySmith]

I think JD green label and diet rite cola is best.

On a serious note I think scotch from Aldi just won a bunch of awards.

[frayedends]

Really? Buffalo Trace is as good as Blanton's? I have both on my bar and, in my opinion, Blanton's is far superior to Buffalo Trace. BTW, where do you buy Buffalo Trace around here? I have never seen it on the shelves here anywhere. We visit our kids in Arizona once or twice a year and it is available on the grocery store shelves. I always get a bottle and bring it back with me.


I guess I don't have a sophisticated palate. But I found Blanton's overrated. I find Buffalo Trace up in Massachusetts. The one small store that still has it charges $55. I like it but I've not done side by side taste tests. I'm also the type of person that sticks his nose in the glass and says, "Yup, I'm getting hints of bourbon, bourbon, and bourbon". I can't tell vanilla from peach from oak. LOL

[frayedends]

I would LOVE to be able to afford Knob Creek to be my usual bourbon. :bigbow:

I guess it would depend on how much bourbon one drinks, but it's only $55 for a 1.75 liter of the 9.

[Ecuadog]

... I'm also the type of person that sticks his nose in the glass and says, "Yup, I'm getting hints of bourbon, bourbon, and bourbon" ...

I hear ya.

[cjrjck]

Really? Buffalo Trace is as good as Blanton's? I have both on my bar and, in my opinion, Blanton's is far superior to Buffalo Trace. BTW, where do you buy Buffalo Trace around here? I have never seen it on the shelves here anywhere. We visit our kids in Arizona once or twice a year and it is available on the grocery store shelves. I always get a bottle and bring it back with me.

Walmart has the standard Buffalo Trace bourbon 750 ml bottle in stock for under $24. I find it to be decent bourbon but no better than Old Forester 100 or 86, Elijah Craig SB, or 1792 SB. All under $30.

[MrChip72]

I guess it would depend on how much bourbon one drinks, but it's only $55 for a 1.75 liter of the 9.

Would last me a little while. :laugh:

Where do you get it for that price?