Bourbon Dose

There’s no better feeling in Florida than scoring a bottle of allocated bourbon. But easier said than done, right? Well, maybe. We’re going to try to help you out in this quick

No matter where you live, no matter the state, if you’re persistent and understand the rules, you should be able to find that bottle of Blanton’s or Stagg that you’ve been hunting for ages. Below is our take on the best way to find that rare bourbon in Florida.

This is the result of extensive research, personal experience, and luck.

Why Is It So Hard To Find Allocated Bourbon in Florida?

Blanton’s, Stagg, E.H. Taylor, Buffalo Trace, and Weller all fall into a category of whiskey that is referred to as “Allocated.”

Allocated bourbon refers to whiskeys that are produced in limited quantities and are highly sought after by enthusiasts. These bourbons can be difficult to find and purchase at retail prices due to their scarcity. (Here’s a fantastic up-to-date list of allocated bourbon if you want to know the kinds of liquors that are being referenced here.)

The demand for these allocated bourbons significantly exceeds the available supply each year. Bourbon enthusiasts eagerly await their chance to purchase a bottle, often camping out at liquor stores on delivery days or entering lotteries. While available at regular retail prices (typically $50-$100 per 750ml bottle), allocated bourbons can often fetch prices multiple times higher on the secondary market from resellers. (See also: The Reason Why Buffalo Trace is So Hard To Find)

Weller Special Reserve is a great example of this phenomena. The MSRP for Weller Special Reserve runs around $23, meaning that it’s a bottle that you should be able to find on the lower shelves of a liquor store. But in this day and age, thanks to the fact that Weller is allocated, you’ll be lucky to walk out of a store with a Bottle of Weller that you pay less than $60 for. Is it right or worth it? Maybe. It depends on the buyer. But by every measure, these rare bottles of bourbon are difficult to find. That’s allocation.

Here’s our take on how to find allocated bourbon in Florida:

Method 1: Get Lucky With Retail Chains

One of the best, unknown, and under-rated ways to find allocated bourbon in Florida is to get lucky and buy it at retail stores like Walmart, Publix, or Winn Dixie. These stores don’t rely on liquor sales as their primary revenue source, so they are less likely to charge secondary market prices for rare bourbons.

The key to success with this method is timing. You’ll need to either show up on delivery days when the allocated bourbon hits the shelves, or befriend employees who can give you a heads up on when new shipments arrive, or get lucky at a store in the middle-of-nowhere. Delivery days vary by location, but are often early in the week like Monday or Tuesday.

Of the retail chains, Walmart liquor stores may offer the best chance at scoring allocated bourbon in Florida. Their liquor sections tend to be larger than Publix and Winn Dixie, and they get more frequent shipments. Check the bourbon section regularly, especially in the mornings, and you might get lucky.

Publix and Winn Dixie also receive periodic shipments of rare bourbons, but have less selection overall. Developing a relationship with a store manager or liquor buyer at your local stores can help. Let them know you’re interested in rare bourbons, and they may hold back bottles for their best customers when allocations come in.

The downside to this method is you’re never guaranteed to find anything. You have to get lucky based on shipments and timing. But if you score a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle or other unicorn bourbon for retail price, the hunt is worth it!

If you’re looking for a non-unicorn allocated bottle (like Buffalo Trace or Eagle Rare), this is actually a proven method to get those bottles (my local Publix keeps them on the shelf for days) without having to pay much of a markup at all.

Method 2: Buy Online

Florida is one of a handful of states that allow liquor to be shipped directly to consumers. This opens up the possibility of finding some great deals on allocated bourbon online.

One of the best places to buy liquor online, believe it or not, is Amazon (browse their liquor selection here and you might get lucky). They have a surprisingly good selection of bourbons, including some allocated bottles, and the prices are very competitive. The ordering process is quick and reliable through Amazon as well.

While shopping online does provide more options for finding rare bourbon, you need to be cautious of scammers on some sites. Only use reputable, established sites like Amazon. And always look for secure checkout and a posted returns policy in case you do get sent a bad bottle or fake product. As long as you stick to trusted sites and sellers, buying bourbon online can be a great way to skip the lines and find exactly what you want.

Check Out Amazon’s Bourbon Selection Here

Method 3: ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Vault Program

Florida’s ABC Fine Wine & Spirits has a Vault Program, where people who qualify for the “Gold” tier get invited to purchase exclusive allocated bourbon on a periodic monthly basis.

The biggest upside of this program is that it guarantees you access to purchase at least some allocated bourbon without having to pay secondary market prices or get lucky finding a bottle on the shelf.

However, to qualify for the Gold tier in the Vault Program, you need to spend (as of the time of writing this) around $1000 per year consistently at ABC Fine Wine & Spirits…which is depressingly easy if you’re a bourbon collector. This allows you to earn enough points to reach Gold status.

Reaching Gold status means you’ll be invited to purchase certain allocated bourbons directly through the Vault program on a monthly basis. The selection changes each month, but it’s arguably the most reliable way to get access to rare bourbons in Florida if you meet the Gold-level requirements requirements.

So for hardcore bourbon hunters who don’t mind pretty much shopping exclusively at ABC, the Vault program is a great option to guarantee you can purchase allocated bottles even if you can’t find them on store shelves. Just be prepared to open your wallet to reach that coveted Gold tier status. There’s a great Reddit thread here about the full experience if you’re interested in getting into the weeds.

You can read more about Florida ABC’s Vault Program Here.

Method 4: Liquor Stores

This is the old fashioned method that will probably work, no matter where you live.

Many liquor stores around Florida get some supply of allocated bourbon with their shipments. The downside of this method is that you’ll likely be paying heavy secondary prices for your allocated booze compared to MSRP (unless they have a rewards program like ABC’s Vault).

A bottle of Blanton’s that might cost you $60-70 using Method 1 could run you $120-$150 or more at some liquor stores.

The key with finding allocated bottles at liquor stores is persistence and asking questions. Let the staff know what you’re looking for and ask them to contact you if it comes in. Check stores regularly as you never know when a rare bottle might show up. Just be prepared to pay more than retail price if you want to secure that hard-to-find bourbon.

If you want to go REALLY old fashioned and try to sweet talk the cashier at a liquor store, here’s some tips:

• Don’t ask a liquor store if they “have anything allocated” unless you’re buying like $500 worth of stuff. A lot of stores hold onto the rare bourbon for customers.
• Be a regular. Liquor stores prioritize their regular customers. Prove to them that you want to keep being a good customer, and they’ll be more likely to give you a tip on when to get good bourbon.
• Don’t bee line to the bourbon section and ignore the staff. Be polite and engaging. Play coy, and don’t make it obvious that you’re trying to help them part with their rare product.

Method 5: Facebook Groups

Buying allocated bourbon from Facebook groups or other online trading forums is a method some bourbon enthusiasts resort to in order to find rare bottles. However, this method comes with some major drawbacks:

• It’s almost definitely illegal – In most areas, you need a liquor license to buy and sell alcohol. These Facebook groups operate outside the law. Plus, they technically should be banned by the platform (although they’ve grown somewhat lax recently…).
• Rife with scammers – With bourbon prices being so high, scammers flock to Facebook groups posing as sellers. It’s extremely risky sending money to strangers online when buying liquor. Many people get scammed out of hundreds or thousands of dollars.
• Some legit sellers – While the majority of sellers on Facebook are scammers, there are some small private groups that have legitimate sellers who operate in good faith. However, finding these groups can be difficult.

Overall, I cannot recommend buying allocated bourbon from Facebook groups or trading forums. The risks are very high, and you have little recourse if you get scammed. While some enthusiasts have success with this method, don’t do it. You’re better off using legal methods to find allocated bourbon. We’re only noting here because it is an option that people use, and this is a list of options.

Allocated Bourbon Alternatives That Are Easy To Find In Florida

Obligatory note to all the taters out there:

Just because you can’t find a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle or George T. Stagg doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy great bourbon and whiskey. We actually did a whole writeup on what the best alternative to Buffalo Trace is, and honestly, allocated bourbon tends to be more about hype than actual taste. We’ll keep this post updated with tips and good alternatives.

So don’t worry if you can’t find that elusive bottle of Pappy or Stagg. There’s no shortage of amazing, affordable bourbon and American whiskey waiting on the shelves for you to enjoy.

The hunt for allocated bourbon can seem overwhelming. But this guide outlined several practical methods for locating those rare bottles in Florida. There’s no better feeling than scoring a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle. But don’t let the chase ruin your enjoyment of the wide variety of quality bourbons readily available.

Satisfaction can be found in exploring new distilleries and expressions outside the allocated hype. Expand your palate with bourbons of all types – wheated, rye-heavy, high proof, finished, and more. Attend tastings, talk to store employees, and discover new favorites. The thrill of allocated bourbon diminishes once it’s open, but the joy of bourbon itself can last a lifetime.

With realistic expectations and an open mind, you can find happiness on both sides of the liquor store counter. Keep your passion for bourbon, but leave the stress of the chase behind. This spirit is meant to be shared and savored, not hoarded.

Remember me when you get that bottle of Pappy!