We’ve got the tips to help you unearth those rare labels!
Nothing says fun like a scavenger hunt, but feeling like you’re on one when looking for a rare label of bourbon can be confusing and downright infuriating. Trust us, we’ve been there, but with a little patience (and hopefully some good advice) you can usually uncover what you’re looking for!
1. Build Relationships with Local Liquor Stores
Establish a rapport with store owners and staff. They can inform you when rare bottles come in and might even set one aside for you. And don’t overlook smaller or less well-known liquor stores. They might have rare bottles that haven’t been discovered by the wider bourbon hunting community.
2. Join Bourbon Clubs and Online Communities
Engage with bourbon enthusiasts in clubs or online forums. Members often share information about where to find rare bottles and may even participate in group purchases.
3. Attend Bourbon Events and Festivals
Go to tastings, festivals, and other bourbon-related events. These events sometimes offer rare bottles for sale or through raffles and provide information on where to find them.
4. Follow Distilleries and Retailers on Social Media and Sign Up for Mailing Lists
Many distilleries and liquor stores announce releases and special allocations on their social media channels and through email newsletters. Staying updated can give you a competitive edge.
5. Be Willing to Travel
Sometimes rare bottles are more accessible in other regions (we think we know a place!) Be prepared to travel to neighboring cities or states if you hear of a promising lead.
If you do find yourself in our neck of the woods for a tour, you can always ask us about premium tastings or experiences at certain distilleries not advertised to the public.
6. Consider Bourbon Subscription Services
Some subscription services and clubs focus on providing members with access to rare and exclusive bottles. Joining one can be a good way to enhance your collection.
7. Check, But Beware of Secondary Markets
Websites and auction sites often have rare bottles available, although prices can be significantly higher (think normal retail of $60 going for $350 and up). Also be sure you’re buying from a reputable source to avoid counterfeit products. We usually recommend this as a last resort as there is really very little control in the buyer’s hands.
8. Be Patient and Persistent
This is probably the hardest part ,but finding rare bourbon requires time and effort. Be persistent in your search and patient as you wait for the right opportunities – they’ll come!
Good luck friends!
