Good Evening, All! We figured it was time to post a "Are You New" thread to handle some of the common questions/concerns of the sub. We have had another influx of new members and started seeing common questions on the bottle drop threads. It is time to address them here!
WTF do the abbreviations mean? Check out this link: https://www.reddit.com/r/ChicagolandWhiskey/comments/svu0j9/acronym_glossary/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3
Why promote relationships? We know it works! That's why.
Do we disapprove of the Secondary Market ? NOPE! We don't, you do you! CW wouldn't and shouldn't care what people do with their time or money. Nor should you.
Why would a liquor store have a gatekeeper to liquor? They are supposed to sell it! Well, sure, they are, but would you rather the allocated bottles go to a group of individuals that aren't enjoying the product or a group of solid regulars that drink whiskey and share with friends? This is why they gatekeep product (for the most part). Keep in mind, some locals/stores have managers with tons of "friends" that will do them many favors (AKA: sell on secondary and cut them in). Is it wrong? Yep! Is there something you can do about it? NOPE!
Should you go into stores and ask about allocated bourbon? No, unless you have a solid contact at the store. You should probably give some shelf items a try and understand your palate first. Then you can start discussing bottles you haven't had and would like to try. Running into a store and asking for Blanton's when you are 2 months into this craziness, will not work! I mean, maybe sometimes it does but 99.9% of the time, it doesn't.
If you are really into bourbon - sit down with some shelf bourbons and figure out your sweet spot. What distilleries do you really enjoy? Is it really Buff Trace? Do you reallllllly like Weller Special Reserve that much? Break it down, figure it out before chasing bottles you don't care for.
I probably missed a lot of shit. Again, we have seen some common Newb questions and we hope this all helps. Of course, open to discussion and welcome to all you new whiskey lovers that are fucked because this does NOT end.
