Hold tight kids, there are just shy of 200 updated products below. 150+ items were discontinued, and as you're reading the list, please keep in mind the following:
Check the bottle size. Many non-standard bottle sizes were discontinued due to poor sales, but the PLCB has no intention of discontinuing the 750 ML size of the spirit.
Don't panic when you see the Antique Collection. I wrote a separate post about this a few days ago.
Not all delistings are the PLCB's fault. Some of the items were discontinued by the producer or importer, or were pulled at the request of the distributor. I'll comment on several of these below.
I've highlighted in bold spirits which we are actually losing from shelves entirely. In all other cases, the spirit will continue to be available in a different bottle size or under a different product code. Also, a number of the products in bold should be available by SLO in the future.
PLCB spirits catalog changes for the week of January 24th:
In-store products moved to closeout:
As I mentioned above, many of the Buffalo Trace whiskeys are having their existing codes closed out and will be brought back under a different code. Also, Elijah Craig 12yr and Wild Turkey Rare Breed are being closed out under their existing, non-standard bottle size and they'll be coming back to the regular selection in the standard 750 ML package.
Several of the products above were pulled at the request of the distributor. Danny Devito's Limoncello is being discontinued by the producer, as are Clear Spring Grain Alcohol and Old Crow Reserve. (No smart comments about the Old Crow Reserve, please. I'm sure Beam lost a pile of money on it.)
Berentzen Apfelschnapps and Pear Liqueur have been, well, inexplicably unavailable from the importer for the better part of a year, with no promise there will ever be more. The PLCB had no choice but to delist them. It's sad, because they are delicious.
All of DeKuyper's RTDs were pulled because the vast majority of sales were to licensees. They'll be available by SLO, of course, so there was no point in wasting the shelf space on them.
Kubler, Lucid, and Herbsaint Original Formula are being discontinued because it appears the absinthe fad is over. Grande Absente and Vieux Carre will continue to be available as the only two absinthes on shelves, as they each outsell Kubler and Lucid put together. Pernod Absinthe and St. George will continue to be available in the online store as well.
Four Roses Yellow Label was pulled for poor sales, which is a shame, because interest in the brand is growing nationally. Fortunately, Four Roses Single Barrel should be showing up on specialty shelves any day, and there's a chance Four Roses Small Batch will be making an appearance in the online store.
The delisting of Cruzan Single Barrel breaks my heart, because it's an exceptional spirit for an exceptional price. BTI gave it the second-highest score they've ever given to a rum, and it's on many rum aficionados' top-10 lists. Unfortunately, Beam practically keeps it a secret--it's never promoted, and their sales staff won't tell you about it unless you ask. As a result, it sold barely over 100 cases a year in all of PA. Hopefully we'll be able to get this stuff back into specialty stores or the online store.
Leave a comment if there's anything in the list you're sad to see go. There may be a chance we can bring it back in the online store.
Delisted SLO products:
New SLO products:
Check the bottle size. Many non-standard bottle sizes were discontinued due to poor sales, but the PLCB has no intention of discontinuing the 750 ML size of the spirit.
Don't panic when you see the Antique Collection. I wrote a separate post about this a few days ago.
Not all delistings are the PLCB's fault. Some of the items were discontinued by the producer or importer, or were pulled at the request of the distributor. I'll comment on several of these below.
I've highlighted in bold spirits which we are actually losing from shelves entirely. In all other cases, the spirit will continue to be available in a different bottle size or under a different product code. Also, a number of the products in bold should be available by SLO in the future.
PLCB spirits catalog changes for the week of January 24th:
In-store products moved to closeout:
- 1800 Select Silver Tequila 750 ML (#005844, Regular, $29.99)
- 360 Vodka 750 ML (#006477, Regular, $19.99)
- 42 Below Vodka 750 ML (#005130, Regular, $19.99)
- 99 Grapes Schnapps 750 ML (#003430, Regular, $14.99)
- Absolut Mandrin Flav. Imp. Vodka 375 ML (#005528, Regular, $11.99)
- Admiral Nelson Spiced Rum 70 Pf 375 ML (#005908, Regular, $6.99)
- Alize Gold Passion Imp. Prepared Cocktail 375 ML (#006050, Regular, $11.49)
- Alize Red Passion Imp. Prepared Cocktail 375 ML (#005271, Regular, $11.49)
- Ardmore 9 Year Single Malt Scotch 750 ML (#004725, Regular, $38.99)
- Bacardi Grand Melon Watermelon Rum 1.75 L (#008989, Regular, $28.99)
- Bailey's Irish Cream Chocolate Mint 750 ML (#005942, Regular, $23.99)
- Baileys Irish Cream Coffee Liqueur 750 ML (#006077, Regular, $23.99)
- Baker's Kentucky Straight Bourbon 750 ML (#003165, Regular, $39.99)
- Belvedere Black Raspberry Vodka 750 ML (#008419, Regular, $30.99)
- Berentzen Imp. Appel Liqueur 750 ML (#004024, Regular, $15.99)
- Berentzen Pear Liqueur 750 ML (#003329, Regular, $14.99)
- Blue Ice American Potato Vodka 750 ML (#005276, Regular, $16.99)
- Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey 1.75 L (#008281, Regular, $49.99)
- Bushmills Irish Whiskey 1 L (#009856, Outlet, $23.99)
- Cabo Uno Tequila 750 ML (#009776, Limit Dist, $119.99)
- Canadian Club Canadian Whiskey 50 ML (#005069, Regular, $1.69)
- Canadian Mist Canadian Whiskey PET 750 ML (#006902, Regular, $9.99)
- Captain Morgan Parrot Bay Citrus Mojito 1.75 L (#004621, Regular, $19.99)
- Captain Morgan Parrot Bay Key Lime 750 ML (#006091, Regular, $14.99)
- Captain Morgan Parrot Bay Mango Mojito 1.75 L (#008373, Regular, $17.99)
- Captain Morgan Parrot Bay Pineapple Puerto Rico Rum 1.75 L (#009007, Regular, $27.99)
- Captain Morgan's Private Stock P. R. Rum 1.75 L (#007190, Regular, $44.99)
- Captain Morgan's Tattoo P. R. Rum 1.75 L (#009018, Regular, $31.99)
- Caravella Limoncello Liqueur 375 ML (#006662, Regular, $12.99)
- Cask Cream Chocolate Temptation 750 ML (#009076, Regular, $12.99)
- Cazadores Tequila Anejo 750 ML (#009441, Regular, $39.99)
- Clear Spring Grain Alcohol 1.75 L (#007968, Regular, $29.89)
- Cointreau Noir Orange Liqueur 750 ML (#010841, Limit Dist, $59.99)
- Corralejo Blanco Tequila 750 ML (#007101, Regular, $32.99)
- Courvoisier Cognac VS 1 L (#006344, Outlet, $29.99)
- Courvoisier Exclusif Cognac 750 ML (#006467, Regular, $39.99)
- Courvoisier V. S. Cognac 50 ML (#005055, Regular, $2.99)
- Courvoisier V. S. Cognac 200 ML (#007848, Regular, $8.99)
- Courvoisier XO Cognac 750 ML (#001133, Regular, $134.99)
- Crown Royal Canadian Whiskey Special Reserve 375 ML (#008075, Regular, $21.99)
- Cruzan Aged Dark Rum 1.75 L (#006313, Regular, $23.99)
- Cruzan Aged Light Rum 1.75 L (#006327, Regular, $23.99)
- Cruzan Rum Virgin Islands Single Barrel 750 ML (#009190, Regular, $29.99)
- Daily's Ready To Drink Single Serve Cosmopolitan 237 ML (#006192, Regular, $4.99)
- Daily's Ready To Drink Single Serve Margarita 237 ML (#006204, Regular, $4.99)
- Dailys Ready To Drink Bag In Box Mojito 1.75 L (#007106, Regular, $10.99)
- Dailys Strawberry Daiquiri Ready To Drink Frozen Pouch 1.18 L (#007117, Regular, $8.99)
- Danny Devito's Limoncello 750 ML (#007016, Regular, $22.99)
- DeKuyper Alabama Slammer 750 ML (#006357, Regular, $10.99)
- DeKuyper Berry Fusion Pucker Sweet Sour Schnapps 750 ML (#009293, Regular, $10.99)
- DeKuyper Kamikaze 750 ML (#006184, Regular, $10.99)
- DeKuyper Peachtree 50 ML (#004644, Regular, $1.79)
- DeKuyper Peachtree-Round 375 ML (#005420, Regular, $5.99)
- DeKuyper Pomegranate Schnapps 750 ML (#007160, Regular, $9.99)
- DeKuyper Red Headed 750 ML (#006187, Regular, $10.99)
- DeKuyper Sour Apple Pucker Sweet Sour Schnapps 375 ML (#009067, Regular, $5.99)
- DeKuyper Washington Apple 750 ML (#006213, Regular, $10.99)
- Denaka Imp. Vodka 750 ML (#007568, Regular, $11.99)
- Dr. McGillicuddy's Imp. French Kiss Schnapps 750 ML (#008586, Regular, $15.99)
- Dr. McGillicuddy's Lemon Drop 750 ML (#006960, Regular, $15.99)
- Eagle Straight Bourbon Whiskey Rare 17 Years Old 750 ML (#006803, Limit Dist, $59.99)
- Ed Hardy Vodka 1 L (#003172, Regular, $36.99)
- Elijah Craig Str Brbn 1.75 L (#008667, Regular, $39.99)
- Ezra Brooks Whiskey Single Barrel Special Reserve 750 ML (#009590, Limit Dist, $24.99)
- Feckin Irish Whiskey 750 ML (#004937, Regular, $19.99)
- Feckin Spiced Irish Whiskey 750 ML (#003442, Regular, $19.99)
- Finlandia Tangerine Vodka 750 ML (#006407, Regular, $18.99)
- Firefly Lemon Tea Vodka 750 ML (#009363, Regular, $19.99)
- Firefly Mint Tea Vodka 750 ML (#009368, Regular, $19.99)
- Firefly Peach Tea Vodka 750 ML (#009374, Regular, $19.99)
- Firefly Raspberry Tea Vodka 750 ML (#009376, Regular, $19.99)
- Four Roses Yellow Label Bourbon 750 ML (#003225, Regular, $18.99)
- Frangelico Imp. Hazelnut Liqueur 50 ML (#004645, Regular, $2.39)
- Frapin Chateau de Fontpinot Cognac XO 750 ML (#006822, Regular, $89.99)
- George T Stagg Straight Bourbon Whiskey 750 ML (#006804, Limit Dist, $59.99)
- Glenrothes Select Res Sm Scotch 750 ML (#004947, Regular, $44.99)
- Grey Goose Vodka L'Orange 1 L (#004387, Outlet, $32.99)
- Grey Goose Vodka Le Citron 1 L (#004438, Outlet, $32.99)
- Harlem Kruiden Liqueur 750 ML (#003100, Regular, $19.99)
- Hennessy Cognac VSOP 50 ML (#006532, Regular, $3.99)
- Herbsaint Original 100pf 750 ML (#003429, Regular, $34.99)
- Ice Box Manhattan Cocktail 1.75 L (#007642, Regular, $12.99)
- J and B Scotch Rare 50 ML (#005112, Regular, $2.99)
- Jacquin's Gold Rum 375 ML (#004976, Regular, $5.49)
- Jacquin's Vodka Royale 750 ML (#006800, Outlet, $5.99)
- Jose Cuervo Tradicional Tequila 1.75 L (#006106, Regular, $54.99)
- Kahlua Mudslide Cocktail 800 ML (#007844, Regular, $6.99)
- Kahlua White Russian Cocktail 800 ML (#004420, Regular, $6.99)
- Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon 50 ML (#006369, Regular, $2.99)
- Koenig Idaho Potato Vodka 750 ML (#004572, Regular, $19.99)
- Kubler Absinthe Swiss Superieure 1 L (#010800, Regular, $59.99)
- Lucid Absinthe Superieure 750 ML (#010806, Regular, $64.99)
- Maker's Mark Straight Bourbon 50 ML (#006283, Regular, $2.99)
- Marani Premium Vodka 750 ML (#003135, Regular, $26.99)
- Marti Mojito Imp. Rum Liqueur 750 ML (#008146, Limit Dist, $17.99)
- Monogram Diluted Blend Wky 1.75 L (#004917, Regular, $11.99)
- Navan Cognac 750 ML (#009647, Regular, $34.99)
- O'Mara's Irish Country Cream 1.5 L (#009673, Regular, $16.99)
- Old Crow Reserve Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey 86pf 750 ML (#003370, Regular, $9.99)
- Original Bartenders Mango Magic Cocktail 1.75 L (#003297, Regular, $11.99)
- Pappy Van Winkle's Whiskey 20 Years Old Family Reserve 750 ML (#009532, Limit Dist, $89.99)
- Passport Scotch PET Bottle 1.75 L (#004281, Regular, $23.99)
- Patron Tequila Anejo 1.75 L (#004971, Regular, $124.99)
- Paul Masson Grande Amber Brandy 200 ML (#007272, Regular, $3.99)
- Pearl Plum Flavored Vodka 750 ML (#006304, Regular, $13.99)
- Penderyn Whiskey Welsh Single Malt 750 ML (#005460, Limit Dist, $70.99)
- Pinnacle Banana Vodka 750 ML (#005538, Regular, $13.99)
- Pinnacle Blueberry Vodka 750 ML (#007482, Regular, $13.99)
- Pinnacle Le Double Espresso Vodka 750 ML (#007507, Regular, $13.99)
- Rain Organics Cucumber Lime Vodka 750 ML (#004309, Regular, $19.99)
- Rain Organics Honey Mango Melon Vodka 750 ML (#006995, Regular, $19.99)
- Rain Organics Red Grape Hibiscus Vodka 750 ML (#006976, Regular, $19.99)
- Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum 375 ML (#008606, Regular, $8.99)
- Sauza Strawberry Cocktail Cube 1.75 L (#003169, Regular, $14.99)
- Sauza Tequila Conmemorativo 750 ML (#007834, Regular, $19.99)
- Sauza Tequila Extra Gold 1 L (#006959, Outlet, $18.99)
- Sauza Tres Generaciones Tequila Plata 750 ML (#006383, Regular, $39.99)
- Sazerac Rye Straight Bourbon 18 Years Old 750 ML (#006816, Limit Dist, $59.99)
- Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey 6 Years Old 750 ML (#009567, Limit Dist, $25.99)
- Seagram's Apple Twisted Gin 70pf 750 ML (#004984, Regular, $12.99)
- Seagram's Ex Dry Gin - PET Bottle 750 ML (#004606, Regular, $12.99)
- Seagram's Grape Twisted Gin 70pf 750 ML (#003422, Regular, $12.99)
- Seagrams Wild Grape Vodka 1.75 L (#007484, Regular, $21.99)
- Skyy Infusion Ginger Vodka 70pf 750 ML (#003450, Regular, $15.99)
- Skyy Vodka 50 ML (#005968, Regular, $1.99)
- Smirnoff Blubry Twist Vodka 70pf 1.75 L (#004579, Regular, $22.99)
- Smirnoff Lime Twist Vodka 1.75 L (#008405, Regular, $25.99)
- Smirnoff Melon Fusion Twist Vodka 750 ML (#004656, Regular, $14.99)
- Smirnoff Pear Twist Vodka 750 ML (#008412, Regular, $14.99)
- Smirnoff Vodka 1.75 L (#006119, Regular, $27.99)
- Smirnoff Vodka Orange Twist 1 L (#004046, Outlet, $16.99)
- Smirnoff Vodka Vanilla Twist 1 L (#004075, Outlet, $16.99)
- Sobieski Cytron Imported Polish Vodka 750 ML (#006222, Regular, $11.99)
- Sobieski Vanilia Imported Polish Vodka 750 ML (#006303, Regular, $11.99)
- Southern Comfort - 200 ML (#007316, Regular, $6.49)
- Southern Comfort - 70 Proof - PET 750 ML (#008070, Regular, $16.99)
- Stolichnaya Elit Vodka 80pf 750 ML (#009629, Regular, $59.99)
- Stolichnaya Gala Applik 750 ML (#003104, Regular, $20.99)
- Stolichnaya Peachik Peach Flav. Imp. Vodka 750 ML (#009126, Regular, $20.99)
- Superia Russian Vodka 750 ML (#005561, Regular, $13.99)
- Superia Russian Vodka 1.75 L (#005546, Regular, $24.99)
- Svedka Raspberry Vodka 750 ML (#005159, Regular, $13.99)
- Sweet Carolina Mint Tea Vodka 750 ML (#009712, Regular, $13.99)
- Thomas Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey 750 ML (#009458, Limit Dist, $59.99)
- Three Olives Cherry Flavored Vodka 375 ML (#008741, Regular, $9.99)
- Three Olives Grape Flavored Vodka 375 ML (#008742, Regular, $9.99)
- Trader Vics Private Selection Rum Spiced 1.75 L (#005431, Regular, $19.99)
- UV Grape Vodka 750 ML (#005466, Regular, $9.99)
- Van Winkle Whiskey 12 Years Old Special Reserve 750 ML (#009530, Limit Dist, $49.99)
- Vikingfjord Vodka 1.75 L (#007494, Regular, $24.99)
- Vincent Van Gogh Dutch Caramel Flavored Vodka 750 ML (#008911, Regular, $21.99)
- Vincent Van Gogh Pomegranate Vodka 750 ML (#005118, Regular, $21.99)
- Wild Turkey Bourbon Rare Breed 50 ML (#007460, Regular, $3.09)
- William Larue Weller Bourbon 750 ML (#005480, Limit Dist, $59.99)
- Windsor Canadian Whiskey Supreme 50 ML (#008572, Regular, $1.49)
- X-Rated Liqueur 375 ML (#007356, Regular, $13.99)
- Yukon Jack Canadian Liqueur 1 L (#006336, Outlet, $19.99)
- Zyr Russian Vodka 750 ML (#006469, Regular, $27.99)
As I mentioned above, many of the Buffalo Trace whiskeys are having their existing codes closed out and will be brought back under a different code. Also, Elijah Craig 12yr and Wild Turkey Rare Breed are being closed out under their existing, non-standard bottle size and they'll be coming back to the regular selection in the standard 750 ML package.
Several of the products above were pulled at the request of the distributor. Danny Devito's Limoncello is being discontinued by the producer, as are Clear Spring Grain Alcohol and Old Crow Reserve. (No smart comments about the Old Crow Reserve, please. I'm sure Beam lost a pile of money on it.)
Berentzen Apfelschnapps and Pear Liqueur have been, well, inexplicably unavailable from the importer for the better part of a year, with no promise there will ever be more. The PLCB had no choice but to delist them. It's sad, because they are delicious.
All of DeKuyper's RTDs were pulled because the vast majority of sales were to licensees. They'll be available by SLO, of course, so there was no point in wasting the shelf space on them.
Kubler, Lucid, and Herbsaint Original Formula are being discontinued because it appears the absinthe fad is over. Grande Absente and Vieux Carre will continue to be available as the only two absinthes on shelves, as they each outsell Kubler and Lucid put together. Pernod Absinthe and St. George will continue to be available in the online store as well.
Four Roses Yellow Label was pulled for poor sales, which is a shame, because interest in the brand is growing nationally. Fortunately, Four Roses Single Barrel should be showing up on specialty shelves any day, and there's a chance Four Roses Small Batch will be making an appearance in the online store.
The delisting of Cruzan Single Barrel breaks my heart, because it's an exceptional spirit for an exceptional price. BTI gave it the second-highest score they've ever given to a rum, and it's on many rum aficionados' top-10 lists. Unfortunately, Beam practically keeps it a secret--it's never promoted, and their sales staff won't tell you about it unless you ask. As a result, it sold barely over 100 cases a year in all of PA. Hopefully we'll be able to get this stuff back into specialty stores or the online store.
Leave a comment if there's anything in the list you're sad to see go. There may be a chance we can bring it back in the online store.
Delisted SLO products:
- Bracero Reposado Tequila 750 ML (#069790, SLO, $19.89)
- Brugal Rum White 1 L (#066928, SLO, $16.89)
- Bushmills 1608 750 ML (#056652, SLO, $49.99)
- El Conde Azul Tequila Anejo 750 ML (#056852, SLO, $84.99)
- Four Roses 100th Anniversary Limited Edition Single Barrel 750 ML (#503274, SLO, $78.89)
- Fris Vodka Apple Skandia 750 ML (#071544, SLO, $7.19)
- Jewel of Russia Classic Vodka 1 L (#077316, SLO, $36.19)
- Marie Brizzard Apry 750 ML (#065550, SLO, $22.29)
- Nonino Grappa Lo Chardonnay 375 ML (#056553, SLO, $19.19)
- Old Forester 750 ML (#067391, SLO, $17.49)
- Ramazzotti Amaro 750 ML (#065449, SLO, $22.29)
- Villa Zarri Italian Brandy 750 ML (#057965, SLO, $84.99)
New SLO products:
- After Shock Liqueur 1 L (#508523, SLO, $20.69)
- Auchentoshen Single Malt 18 Year 750 ML (#508706, SLO, $128.79)
I am very sad indeed that Lucid is being dropped.
Over the holidays, I listened in frustration as a PLCB employee gave very poor information about absinthe to a couple of customers who had asked about it. The employee effectively talked these nice and interested folks out of buying the absinthe.
Usually I butt in and correct what's being said, but I was in a hurry and not in a mood to be conversational. But I feel like this was an example of how poor training of PLCB store staff leads eventually to the product selection boiling down to the obvious and the boring.
Losing the Sazerac for a while kills me, but the idea that it'll be back is nice.
I hate losing the Martell Cordon Bleu and the Cruzan, though. I love both.
The Sazerac 6yr won't be any less available than it ever was. BT has always given us two allocations a year, and we're going to keep receiving the same amount (or more) on the same schedule we've always had.
I'm really disappointed at the loss of Penderyn. It's not just any old Welsh whisky; it is the *only* Welsh whisky, and a prominent member of the small selection of spirits I keep on hand.
They're taking away my Captain Morgan Key Lime? WHAT WILL I EVER DO?
Ok, maybe I'll survive somehow.
rlink: I need to try your Penderyn one of these days.
How long does it take for delisted products to realize a discounted price? There always seems to be a substantial delay between delisting and discount.
The Sazerac-6 is gaining popularity at my bar on a weekly basis. My biggest worry is my customers getting hold of it before I can! BT need to step up availability on this.
The loss of Cycles Gladiator Merlot is also a dig, because every time I find a Merlot that isn't boring, isn't overpriced and pairs really well with Asian cuisine, they de-list it and I have to re-print my menus. This time, I'm not only losing my first choice, but they're de-listing my second choice as well: Concha y Toro Sunrise Merlot (Chile).
But the worst loss on the list for me is absolutely the Berentzen Apfelkorn. It's what makes my Fuji Apple-tinis shine! There's nothing even remotely similar on the shelves--not even DeKuyper Apple Barrel (they de-listed that last year).
As for Cruzan Single-barrel... I love Cruzan rums and really wish they'd bring the Guava back to the shelves. And while I agree that the Single-barrel is tasty, the name is misleading and I think LCB should make them change the name before they allow it to be re-listed. This rum is "single-batch", not "single barrel". (When BT calls Blanton's bourbon "single barrel" they mean it comes from a single barrel, blended with no other. If Cruzan wants to apply the term to rum, they need to stop blending with other barrels in the batch or change the name.)
Sam,
The length of time between the item going on close-out and the price dropping varies a lot, depending on the size of the delist, other promotions going on, etc. On occasion they'll even drop the price several days before changing the code type.
In this case, the new pricing should be active on the 1st of March.
Eric,
The popularity of Saz 6yr is growing way faster than supply--they had no idea it would be so popular six years ago when they distilled the juice they're dumping today. Talk to Dan Williams and see if he'll get you early access to the next allocation since you're a licensee, but I wouldn't get my hopes up.
I'm pretty sad about the Berentzen products too, as are the guys in product selection. I need to ask around and figure out what the story is with Admiral Imports.