As stated in a previous Alabama Today editorial, I have strong feelings about getting the state out of the liquor business – we need to do it. Alas, the legislature did not pass the bill, sponsored by state Senator Arthur Orr, which would have allowed for the privatization of them.
So here we are with the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Board releasing a press release about the sale of Pappy, an impossible to get ahold of Bourbon.
Beloved Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon in Short Supply
Finding and purchasing a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon has just moved from difficult to darn near impossible. The Alabama ABC Board has been informed that this year’s Pappy Van Winkle allocations have been reduced worldwide. Buffalo Trace Distillery, makers of the highly sought-after spirit, released information this week that discusses the unanticipated issues the distillery is having with the reduction of product during the aging process. According to Buffalo Trace, Alabama’s share has been reduced by 30 percent this year alone. The majority of the loss was in the higher year expressions. Based on this announcement, the ABC Board is reviewing its anticipated allocation and sales practices to mitigate this issue. Alabama’s reduced allocation means that fewer bottles will be available for retail purchase. Due to the limited offerings, the ABC Board will be releasing several of the highly allocated bourbons and whiskeys, including the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection and similar expressions, on the same date. In order to facilitate an orderly and fair retail sale of the Van Winkle and Buffalo Trace Antique Collection lines, purchases will be restricted to one bottle, per person.
The coveted products will be made available in limited quantities on November 9, 2015 beginning at 9:00 a.m., in the following six stores:
- Store #58 – 3232 Galleria Circle, Hoover, AL
- Store #67 – 160 Baldwin Square, Fairhope, AL
- Store #72 – 7413 EastChase Parkway, Montgomery, AL
- Store #108 – 2371 Murphy Mill Road, Dothan, AL
- Store #145 – 354 Hollywood Boulevard, Birmingham, AL
- Store #151 – 6790 University Drive, NW, Huntsville, AL
Additional information about the popular Pappy Van Winkle’s reduced yield and availability can be found in the official media release from the Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery.
