August 2011 Archives

PLCB spirits catalog changes for the weeks of August 15th and August 22nd:

New in-store and online products:
  • Absolut Orient Apple 750 ML (#003966, Regular, $19.99)
  • Art In the Age Rhuby 750 ML (#004166, Regular, $32.99)
  • Bacardi Arctic Grape 750 ML (#003747, Regular, $16.99)
  • Bacardi Oakheart Spiced Rum 750 ML (#003749, Regular, $14.99)
  • Buchannans Scotch 750 ML (#003861, Regular, $29.99)
  • Buffalo Trace Wheat Mash White Dog 375ML (#030425, Online, $15.99)
  • Bulleit Rye Bourbon 750 ML (#003864, Regular, $25.99)
  • Chieftan's Mortlach 15 Year Old Sherry Cask 1995 750ML (#030792, Online, $87.99)
  • Collingwood Canadian Whiskey 750 ML (#003760, Regular, $25.99)
  • Coole Swan Irish Cream 750 ML (#003947, Regular, $27.99)
  • Courvoisier Rose 750 ML (#003906, Regular, $25.99)
  • Crown Royal Black 1.75 L (#003881, Regular, $59.99)
  • Cruzan Strawberry 750 ML (#003907, Regular, $12.99)
  • El Dorado Golden Rum Cream 750 ML (#003960, Regular, $18.99)
  • Eristoff Vodka 750 ML (#003164, Regular, $11.99)
  • Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon Lmtd Edition 2011 750ML (#030830, Online, $79.99)
  • Hpnotiq Harmonie 750 ML (#003904, Regular, $21.99)
  • Jim Beam Devils Cut 750 ML (#003908, Regular, $24.99)
  • Kru 82 Vodka 750 ML (#004149, Regular, $17.99)
  • L Chaim Koser Vodka 750 ML (#003946, Regular, $24.99)
  • Laphroaig Triplewood Scotch Islay 750ML (#030874, Online, $59.99)
  • OR G Liqueur 750 ML (#003962, Regular, $24.99)
  • Pearl Vodka 750 ML (#003917, Regular, $11.99)
  • Platte Valley Corn Whiskey 750 ML (#003942, Regular, $24.99)
  • Rokk Vodka 750 ML (#003901, Regular, $14.99)
  • Seagram's 7 Cherry 750 ML (#003902, Regular, $16.99)
  • Springbank Single Malt 10 Year Old Scotch 750ML (#010927, Online, $60.99)
  • Three Olives Cake Flavored Vodka 750 ML (#003746, Regular, $17.99)
  • Varnelli Amaro Sibilla Marche Italy 750ML (#030815, Online, $54.99)
  • Varnelli Caffe Moka Marche Italy 750ML (#030807, Online, $44.99)
  • Voli Lyte Vodka 750 ML (#003965, Regular, $21.99)
  • Weller Reserve Bourbon 750 ML (#003985, Regular, $19.99)
  • Wild Shot Silver Mezcal 750 ML (#003987, Regular, $39.99)
Bulleit Rye is in! Woohoo! This is a 95% rye from LDI that's been aged between four and seven years, and undoubtedly the best rye to ever come out of LDI. It's a bit more reserved than other ryes on the market--definitely less spicy--but no less enjoyable to drink. This is, perhaps, what (ri)1 should have been, both in character and price.

We have a several bourbons in as well. Once again we have a Weller wheated bourbon on the shelves--this one is the 90-proof version, though the 107-proof version is available online, as well as the white dog it was made from.

The annual Four Roses Limited Edition is online. If you haven't read about it yet, the 2011 L.E. is the first time they've released a whiskey made only with their "OBSQ" yeast. It has a huge flavor, dominated by dessert spices and oak.

Jim Beam Devil's Cut made it into the regular selection, of course, which is interesting mainly for the way it is produced--Beam uses a "proprietary process" to extract more whiskey from the casks it's aged in, giving the bourbon, well, more wood character.

Rounding out the list of new American whiskeys is Platte Valley Corn Whiskey. Don't expect much from the juice itself (it comes from McCormick) but the packaging is entertaining: it comes in a ceramic crock, the kind cartoon moonshiners carry in the hand opposite their muzzle-loading musket. Let's be honest...this is a step up from the recently-delisted Georgia Moon, right?

I picked up a bottle of Courvoisier Rose as soon as it hit stores, for tasting purposes only, of course. It's a "fun, stylish beverage," according to the sales literature, made by mixing cognac and red wine to produce something similar to Pineau des Charentes. Serve it chilled and it's okay, but for the exact same price you could pick up a real Pineau des Charentes which you'll find much more enjoyable.

One of my favorite cream liqueurs (don't laugh) was pulled into the regular selection. El Dorado Rum Cream is one of only two rum creams out there, to my knowledge, and undoubtedly the superior of the two. It's essentially a tropical version of Bailey's with lots of rich caramel and sugarcane notes. If you know somebody who likes cream liqueurs (or if you do yourself, I won't tell), buy them a bottle of this and they'll love you forever. While you're at it, pick up a bottle of Coole Swan Irish Cream as well. It's a lighter Irish cream, but I think a bit more complex than the standard fare.

A couple of Varnelli products arrived online. These have taken their sweet time getting into the US (we expected them to be available more than a year ago) but the craft community is rediscovering their enthusiasm for them. All of their amari are worth checking out, although which ones you prefer depend on your taste. Their Caffè Moka liqueur is delicious, and easily one of the best coffee liqueurs out there. It might even be worth the steep $45 price tag.

Art in the Age released Rhuby, their third liqueur after Root and Snap, which this time is flavored with rhubarb. I haven't tried it yet, but it sounds promising.

Products back in stock online:
  • Talisker 10 Year Single Malt Scotch 750ML (#009547, Online, $49.99)

Delisted SLO products:
  • 4 Orange Premium Vodka 750 ML (#500475, SLO, $25.99)
  • Absolut Vodka Orient Applie 1 L (#514167, SLO, $24.39)
  • Absolut Vodka Special Edition La Green Way Project 750 ML (#514714, SLO, $24.49)
  • Boomsma Jonge Young Genever Gin 750 ML (#506027, SLO, $27.79)
  • Boru Irish Vodka 750 ML (#055897, SLO, $9.99)
  • George Dickel 8 750 ML (#064246, SLO, $11.99)
  • Jacquins Vodka Whipped 1 L (#512956, SLO, $12.99)
  • Los Generales Gold Tequila 1 L (#514335, SLO, $10.89)
  • Los Generales Reserva Anejo Tequila 750 ML (#514237, SLO, $30.49)
  • Los Generales Reserva Blanco Tequila 750 ML (#514235, SLO, $25.09)
  • Los Generales Reserva Extra Anejo Tequila 750 ML (#514238, SLO, $33.19)
  • Los Generales Reserva Reposado Tequila 750 ML (#514236, SLO, $27.79)
  • Los Generales Silver Tequila 1 L (#514334, SLO, $10.89)
  • Molly's Irish Cream Liqueur 50 ML (#513268, SLO, $1.89)
  • Molly's Irish Cream Liqueur 750 ML (#513053, SLO, $12.39)
  • Molly's Irish Cream Liqueur 1 L (#513266, SLO, $15.79)
  • Molly's Irish Cream Liqueur 1.75 L (#513267, SLO, $24.49)
  • Mount Gay Sugar Cane Rum 750 ML (#071196, SLO, $20.79)
  • Pride and Clarke Amaretto Liqueur 1 L (#513283, SLO, $6.99)
  • Pride and Clarke Anisette 1 L (#513284, SLO, $6.99)
  • Pride and Clarke Banana Liqueur 1 L (#513286, SLO, $6.99)
  • Pride and Clarke Blue Curacao Liqueur 1 L (#513289, SLO, $6.99)
  • Pride and Clarke Brandy 1 L (#513265, SLO, $11.79)
  • Pride and Clarke Butterscotch Liqueur 1 L (#513285, SLO, $6.99)
  • Pride and Clarke Coffee Liqueur 1 L (#513294, SLO, $7.99)
  • Pride and Clarke Creme de Cacao 1 L (#513295, SLO, $7.99)
  • Pride and Clarke Creme de Menthe Green Liqueur 1 L (#513287, SLO, $6.99)
  • Pride and Clarke Dark Rum 1 L (#513262, SLO, $9.39)
  • Pride and Clarke London Dry Gin 1 L (#513261, SLO, $8.99)
  • Pride and Clarke Melon Liqueur 1 L (#513288, SLO, $6.99)
  • Pride and Clarke Peach Schnapps 1 L (#513290, SLO, $6.99)
  • Pride and Clarke Peppermint Schnapps Liqueur 1 L (#513291, SLO, $6.99)
  • Pride and Clarke Scotch Whisky 1 L (#513264, SLO, $14.89)
  • Pride and Clarke Sour Apple Liqueur 1 L (#514336, SLO, $6.99)
  • Pride and Clarke Triple Sec 1 L (#513293, SLO, $5.99)
  • Pride and Clarke Vodka 1 L (#513296, SLO, $7.99)
  • Pride and Clarke White Rum 1 L (#513263, SLO, $9.39)
  • Schoenauer Apfel Apple Schnapps 1 L (#510982, SLO, $22.99)

Reactivated SLO products:
  • UV Vodka Cake Flavored 750 ML (#513910, SLO, $10.39)

New SLO products:
  • Cazadores Tequila Anejo 750 ML (#515173, SLO, $46.99)
  • Cruzan Number 9 Spiced Rum 50 ML (#515073, SLO, $1.79)
  • Cruzan Rum Orange 750 ML (#515289, SLO, $14.69)
  • DeKuyper Berry Fusion Pucker 1 L (#515290, SLO, $9.89)
  • Los Generales Gold Tequila 1 L (#515078, SLO, $10.89)
  • Los Generales Silver Tequila 1 L (#515079, SLO, $10.89)
  • Los Nahuales Anejo Tequila 750 ML (#515061, SLO, $104.99)
  • Luxardo Grappa Euganea 750 ML (#515252, SLO, $44.79)
  • Mauro Vergano Chinato Americano Non Vintage 500 ML (#515383, SLO, $50.89)
  • Mauro Vergano Moscato Chinato Luli Non Vintage 500 ML (#515384, SLO, $57.09)
  • Molly's Irish Cream 1.75 L (#515302, SLO, $24.49)
  • Pride and Clarke Vodka 1 L (#515080, SLO, $7.99)
  • Rum Bar Premium White Overproof Rum 1 L (#515081, SLO, $21.59)
  • St Germain Elderflower Liqueur 50 ML (#515104, SLO, $5.19)
  • Svedka Vodka Grape 1 L (#515216, SLO, $13.39)
  • Trimbach Frambois 750 ML (#515126, SLO, $28.89)
You ever wonder why there are all these 50ML bottles listed for SLO, and who buys them? They're for "salesman samples"--legally, producers and distributors are required to buy their own product samples from the state at a 25% mark-up over retail. Just another example of how our liquor laws perpetuate Pennsylvania's horrible reputation in the wine and spirits industry.
Taking a break from my new roll as a political agitator, let's look at what's happened in the spirits catalog in the last two weeks.

This update picks up after the August 1st special edition, so only changes from Tuesday through Friday of last week are shown below, as well as all changes from this week.

New in-store and online products:
  • 2012 Luna Nueva Reposado Tequila 750ML (#030808, Online, $49.49)
  • Brinley Gold Shipwreck Spiced Rum 750 ML (#003921, Regular, $18.99)
  • Captain Morgan Lime Bite 1.75 L (#003866, Regular, $30.99)
  • Catdaddy Carolina Moonshine 750 ML (#003974, Regular, $21.99)
  • Citadelle Gin 750 ML (#003922, Regular, $19.99)
  • Grand Touring Vodka 750 ML (#003771, Regular, $14.99)
  • Hangar One Vodka 750 ML (#009320, Regular, $29.99)
  • Jacquins Whipped Cream Flavored Vodka 1 L (#003796, Regular, $10.99)
  • Junior Johnsons Midnight Moon Cranberry 750 ML (#003975, Regular, $21.99)
  • Malibu Black Rum 750 ML (#003970, Regular, $16.99)
  • Pinnacle Cake Vodka 750 ML (#003743, Regular, $14.99)
  • Pucker Cherry Tease Vodka 750 ML (#003910, Regular, $15.99)
  • Pucker Citrus Squeeze Vodka 750 ML (#003912, Regular, $15.99)
  • Pucker Grape Gone Wild Vodka 750 ML (#003913, Regular, $15.99)
  • Pucker Sour Apple Sass Vodka 750 ML (#003914, Regular, $15.99)
  • Qream Peach 750 ML (#003893, Regular, $27.99)
  • Qream Strawberry 750 ML (#003900, Regular, $27.99)
Brinley Gold is pretty good as far as flavored rums. The PLCB pulled in their new "Shipwreck Spiced" flavor, which is one of the best spiced rums out there.

Junior Johnson was famous for his driving skills, both as a backwoods bootlegger in the '50s and as a NASCAR driver in the early days of the sport. Piedmont Distillers hired him as their "brand rep" to market their faux-moonshine products, which I haven't been a fan of in the past, but their fruit-infused Midnight Moon is actually pretty good. They cram a bunch of fruit into a 32-oz mason jar, then pour a full 750 ML of spirit on top of it. The fruit flavors the spirit and makes it drinkable. I haven't had their cranberry flavor, but their strawberry and cherry flavors are rather tasty.

Hangar One Vodka and Citadelle Gin are back in the state after being delisted some years ago. Hangar One is a small distiller in Alameda which makes eaux-de-vie, vodka, absinthe, and a few liqueurs. Their vodka is what I use as my neutral mixer, when I'm just looking to add alcohol or cut an intensely-flavored base spirit. Citadelle Gin is made at the Pierre Ferrand Cognac house in France. It's got a huge mouthfeel to it, due to the use of cognac stills in its production, and the bouquet is a "Frenchified" London Dry. It's an excellent gin for the price--comparable to $30 gins on the market--and it comes in a beautiful bottle to boot.

Malibu Black is a higher-proof version of Malibu Coconut Rum which is...yes...colored black. Their market research found that people only drink regular Malibu during the day, so the Black is an attempt to appeal to the nightlife crowd. Seems a little misguided to me, but I'm sure it must have performed well with their focus groups.

New-to-store items (previously online-only):
  • Bakon Vodka 750 ML (#010641, Limit Dist, $29.99)
The rumors are true! You can now buy bacon-flavored vodka in stores! (It's not very good though. Just soak a pound of cooked bacon in a bottle of vodka for a couple weeks and you're good to go.)

Products back in stock online:
  • Bakon Vodka 750ML (#010641, Online, $29.99)
  • Buffalo Trace Distillery Single Oak Project 375ML (#030772, Online, $48.99)
  • Caribou Crossing Single Barrel Canadian Whiskey 750ML (#010559, Online, $49.99)
  • Greenore 15 Year Old Irish Whiskey 750ML (#010861, Online, $108.99)
  • Highland Park 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch 750ML (#010863, Online, $99.99)
  • Tyrconnell Irish Whiskey 750ML (#010836, Online, $39.99)
My Twitter updater got out-of-sync with the PLCB catalog and incorrectly posted a few in-store-only items as getting restocked online. The list above, however, is correct.

Yes, we did get our allocation of the BT Single Oak Project's second release. And yes, it's pretty much all gone now. (There may be 3-4 bottles left.) Follow my Twitter feed for up-to-the-minute notifications of when products hit the online store.

In-store products moved to closeout:
  • Antigua Cruz Silver Tequila 80pf 750 ML (#003476, Regular, $15.99)
  • Skyy Vodka 1 L (#009296, Outlet, $15.99)
  • Ursus Green Apple Vodka 750 ML (#003500, Regular, $5.99)
A handful of extra products went on close-out that weren't on my original list. Skyy Vodka liters for $16? Vodka drinkers, get on that!

Delisted SLO products:
  • Absolut Vodka Los Angeles 750 ML (#072166, SLO, $28.29)
  • Anchor Distillery Junipero Gin 750 ML (#051244, SLO, $38.89)
  • Chivas Regal Scotch 25yr 750 ML (#071198, SLO, $355.79)
  • Le Coq Dor Pineau des Charentes Non Vintage 750 ML (#511742, SLO, $25.99)
  • Old Pulteney 21 Yr 750 ML (#065164, SLO, $115.19)
  • UV Vodka Cake Flavored 750 ML (#513910, SLO, $10.39)
  • Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka 750 ML (#072125, SLO, $29.19)
Don't worry, UV Cake Vodka is on its way to store shelves. Should be here any day.

Reactivated SLO products:
  • Balvenie 14 Year Caribbean Cask Scotch 750 ML (#506512, SLO, $75.19)
  • George Dickel 8 750 ML (#064246, SLO, $11.99)
  • Jacquins Vodka Whipped 1 L (#512956, SLO, $12.99)
  • Parrot Bay Passion Fruit 1 L (#057669, SLO, $14.99)

New SLO products:
  • Absolut Vodka Special Edition La Green Way Project 750 ML (#514714, SLO, $24.49)
  • Armagnac de Montal VSOP 750 ML (#514812, SLO, $53.99)
  • Brillet Blanc Prestige Pineau des Charentes 750 ML (#514816, SLO, $29.99)
  • Comte Louis de Lauriston Fine Calvados 750 ML (#514813, SLO, $40.99)
  • Dartigalongue Armagnac Vintage 750 ML (#514575, SLO, $886.99)
  • Dartigalongue Armagnac Vintage 750 ML (#514574, SLO, $485.59)
  • Dartigalongue Armagnac Vintage 750 ML (#514573, SLO, $175.19)
  • Dartigalongue Armagnac Vintage 750 ML (#514572, SLO, $121.89)
  • Dartigalongue Armagnac Vintage 750 ML (#514571, SLO, $104.09)
  • DeKuyper Island Blue Pucker 1 L (#514850, SLO, $12.49)
  • DeKuyper Rootbeer Schnapps 1 L (#514848, SLO, $12.49)
  • DeKuyper Strawberry Pucker 1 L (#514849, SLO, $12.49)
  • El Tequileno Gran Reserva Reposado Tequila 750 ML (#514815, SLO, $44.99)
  • El Tequileno Platino Blanco Tequila 750 ML (#514814, SLO, $41.99)
  • Elastico Tequila Blanco 750 ML (#514891, SLO, $48.99)
  • Esprit Classique Liqueur D'Orange VSOP 750 ML (#514817, SLO, $45.99)
  • Goslings Rum Old Family Reserve 750 ML (#514852, SLO, $79.09)
  • Jeffersons Rye Whiskey 750 ML (#514516, SLO, $43.29)
  • Laphroaig Triple Wood Scotch 750 ML (#514722, SLO, $62.59)
  • Leroux Creme de Cassis 1 L (#514723, SLO, $13.29)
  • Margaitaville Gold Tequila 1 L (#514833, SLO, $13.99)
  • Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac 750 ML (#514606, SLO, $120.89)
  • Maurin Quina 750 ML (#514800, SLO, $40.19)
  • Stolichnaya Russian Vodka Chocolat Razberi 1 L (#514819, SLO, $24.99)
  • Three Olives Vodka Cake 1 L (#514876, SLO, $15.59)
  • Voli Vodka Lyte 1 L (#514810, SLO, $31.29)
Esprit Classique Orange Liqueur should not be confused with Esprit de June, a floral liqueur. Nor should it be confused with L'esprit d'Amour Orange Liqueur, or Courvoisier L'esprit Cognac.

Jefferson's 10yr Rye was released a couple months ago, and it's basically a cheaper version of WhistlePig. Both are sourced from Canadain whisky distilleries and are 100% rye, and supposedly the flavors are similar. But Jefferson's is half the price.
This article is one of a series on privatizing wine and spirits sales in Pennsylvania. The full list of articles may be found on the Privatization Index Page.

One of the mantras of the pro-privatization crowd is that a privatized system would expand product selection in Pennsylvania. I made clear in an earlier post that I believe the wholesale fees imposed by HB11 work against diversity of selection, but the question remains: How does the product range in our state stores compare to unrestricted private markets?

Top figures at the PLCB have publicly stated that they believe the selection in their stores to be comparable to what is found in license states. In a January New York Times article, CEO Joe Conti said that his Premium Collection stores are "as good as you would find anywhere in the country." PLCB Chairman PJ Stapleton testified to the House Appropriations Committee in March, "We're very proud of the fact that [...] there's great product selection in Pennsylvania."

In general, the PLCB tends to compare itself to private liquor stores in other states as if it were just another retailer in a competitive market. This is a tacit acknowledgement of what residents in border areas perceive it as. Viewed from this perspective, the PLCB is a well-established, experienced retailer with a solid mass-market selection, generally reasonable prices, and attractive deals on some products that even draw in shoppers from out of state.

Of course, the PLCB is not "just another retailer." To those of us who live far from the state border, not to mention Pennsylvanians who wish to avoid breaking the law, it is the entire wine and spirits market. No other retailer can step in to serve consumers whose needs the PLCB leaves unfulfilled.

Given our statutory prohibition against choosing between competing retailers to shop at, the only reasonable evaluation of our available product range would be to select a sizable geographic region in a license state and put our state stores up against the combined selection of every private retailer in that region.

I don't have a list of all products available from all retailers in, say, South Jersey, but I do have distilled spirit price lists from a handful of specialty outlets across the country. Although these are a poor proxy for a comprehensive regional product list, they are sufficient to answer our original question.

A break-down of these price lists, with supplemental bottle sizes and gift packs removed, is as follows:

PLCBAstor W&SBevmo!
(HQ store)
The Party SourceBinny's
Absinthe217121118
American Whiskey1920203751
Aquavit14233
Armagnac2197489
Bourbon396981126112
Brandy1423403651
Brandy - Flavored53121711
Cachaça39879
Calvados3146629
Canadian Whisky195193028
Cognac22475267192
Eaux de Vie1025263048
Gin2754515154
Grappa821192236
Irish Whiskey1729303041
Liqueurs - Amari/Bitters921101417
Liqueurs - Cream1411313729
Liqueurs - Fruit4876112138147
Liqueurs - Herbal1116152123
Liqueurs - Nut910142318
Liqueurs - Other485282120109
Liqueurs - Pastis/Anise1119182127
Mezcal/Other Agave22871328
Other Whiskey1106817
Pisco196513
Rum36916897126
Rum - Flavored4622517850
Rye Whiskey519131225
Scotch - Blends2837595879
Scotch - Single Malt37156132237571
Shochu/Soju3313111
Tequila6682196149189
Vodka6183104113104
Vodka/Gin - Flavored11866138233149
Whiskey - Flavored6381913
Whiskey - Unaged31751723
Total7541218146319012530

This is a snapshot as of June 30th, so the recent delistings aren't taken into account. Items from the PLCB online store are excluded in fairness to the other vendors, whose listings reflect items available on a store shelf for immediate purchase.

Looking at the numbers, it is fairly clear that criticisms of Pennsylvania's spirits selection are well-founded. Astor Wines & Spirits, a Manhattan retailer with as much retail floor space as one of our Premium Collection stores, stocks a variety of spirits half again greater than what is available across our entire state. Under a larger roof, The Party Source near Cincinnati carries a selection 2.5 times the size of ours. The 24-store Binny's chain in Chicago outdoes everyone with an enormous range of more than 2500 different spirits.

For enthusiasts who focus on certain categories, the discrepancy is even greater. There are only 37 bottlings of single-malt scotch in Pennsylvania, compared with well over 100 at every other retailer and an awe-inspiring 571 options (really!) at Binny's. Cognac drinkers must contend with a mere 22 selections, rather than 50+. Niche categories such as grappa and absinthe suffer further still.

The product management team at the PLCB is well aware of their standing in comparison to private stores, and about 18 months ago they began building a specialty spirits program focused around the online store as well as 32 designated specialty spirits stores which carry an expanded range of products. (Regular readers are aware that I've provided input to this program from the beginning.) In the course of 12 months, the in-store portfolio brought in about 70 new products and the online store nearly tripled its spirits selection.

Given enough time, can the PLCB reach the in-store product selection offered by the private retailers above? It doesn't seem likely, due to the PLCB's long-standing political obligation to make its products available to all populated areas of the state in a non-discriminatory fashion. The PLCB would need to expend more than $10 million on inventory and expanded retail floor space in dozens of locations around the state to stock product that, by and large, will simply collect dust for years.

Lacking a legislative mandate to relax this doctrine of equal treatment, our most likely path to a vastly expanded product range is through mail order. The PLCB's online store is making a sincere effort to pump up its selection, and it is possible that a change in state law may permit the shipping of spirits to Pennsylvanians from out-of-state private retailers.

On the other hand, if the legislature forges ahead with HB11, it is my sincere hope that the bill is amended to reduce wholesaler license fees to more reasonable levels. Only if that happens will privatization have a chance of bringing improvement to our product selection.
Delistings are a topic of concern for many, so I'm posting a "special edition" to list items that were moved to close-out today. For some reason, the PLCB website does not list these items as being on close-out yet, but it does reflect the close-out pricing.

I have marked in boldface those items which we are losing from stores entirely. Non-boldface items will continue to be available in a different bottle size.

In-store products moved to closeout:
  • 1800 Tequila Reposado 375 ML (#004485, Regular, $9.99)
  • Absolut Madarin Vodka 1 L (#008012, Outlet, $14.99)
  • Absolut Mango Vodka 750 ML (#005239, Regular, $11.99)
  • Alize Rose 750 ML (#006797, Regular, $11.99)
  • Ancient Age Str Brbn 1.75 L (#004122, Regular, $11.99)
  • Bacardi Gold P. R. Rum 200 ML (#008029, Regular, $2.99)
  • Bacardi Limon P. R. Rum 50 ML (#004639, Regular, $0.99)
  • Bacardi Limon P. R. Rum 200 ML (#004283, Regular, $3.99)
  • Bacardi Raspberry Mojito Cocktail 1.75 L (#005767, Regular, $11.99)
  • Bacardi Rum Runner Party Drink 1.75 L (#009731, Regular, $9.99)
  • Belvedere Imp. Polish Vodka 375 ML (#007330, Regular, $9.99)
  • Bluecoat Gin 50 ML (#004141, Regular, $1.99)
  • Brave Spirits At Ease Rum 750 ML (#005690, One Time, $11.99)
  • Brave Spirits Standing Guard Gin 750 ML (#005714, One Time, $11.99)
  • Canadian Club Canadian Whiskey 1 L (#006691, Outlet, $9.99)
  • Captain Morgan Parrot Bay Orange Rum 750 ML (#003180, Regular, $8.99)
  • Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum Puerto Rico Private Stock 50 ML (#008523, Regular, $1.99)
  • Caravella Orangecello 750 ML (#004391, Regular, $11.99)
  • Chambord Liqueur Royale de France 50 ML (#005047, Regular, $2.99)
  • Chivas Regal Scotch 12 Years Old 1 L (#007715, Outlet, $20.99)
  • Daily's Marg Ready To Drink Frozen 10pf 1.18 L (#004506, Regular, $4.99)
  • Daily's Pomegranate Margarita Ready To Drink Cktl 1.75 L (#009504, Regular, $5.99)
  • DeKuyper Island Punch Pucker Sweet Sour Schnapps 750 ML (#005311, Regular, $6.99)
  • DeKuyper Peppermint Schnapps - 750 ML (#004090, Regular, $4.99)
  • DeKuyper Rootbeer Schnapps 750 ML (#005814, Regular, $4.99)
  • DeKuyper Strawberry Pucker Sweet and Sour Schnapps 750 ML (#004272, Regular, $6.99)
  • Dr. McGillicuddy's Imp. French Kiss Schnapps 750 ML (#008586, Regular, $8.99)
  • E J Cal. Brandy - Traveler 750 ML (#008226, Regular, $6.99)
  • E J Cask Cream Liqueur 1.75 L (#005704, Regular, $14.99)
  • Eagle Rare Sb Ky Str Brbn 1.75 L (#008953, Regular, $34.99)
  • Georgia Moon Corn Wky 750 ML (#004739, Regular, $6.99)
  • Haller's Res Blend Wky 750 ML (#005443, Regular, $3.99)
  • Hennessy V. S. Cognac 50 ML (#008588, Regular, $1.99)
  • Ice Box Mudslide Cocktail 1.75 L (#008098, Regular, $7.99)
  • Imperial Amer Blend Wky PET 375 ML (#005871, Regular, $2.99)
  • Jack Daniel's Whiskey Single Barrel 50 ML (#006339, Regular, $2.99)
  • Jacquin's Prem Blend Wky 1.75 L (#005079, Regular, $7.99)
  • Jacquins Burgundy Grape Flavored Vodka 1 L (#003101, Regular, $6.99)
  • Jacquins Wild Blueberry Flavored Vodka 1 L (#003113, Regular, $6.99)
  • Jose Cuervo Authentic Margarita - Pomegranate Cocktail 1.75 L (#003298, Regular, $9.99)
  • Jose Cuervo Tequila Reserva Platino 750 ML (#004577, Regular, $31.99)
  • Kah Anejo Tequila 750 ML (#003638, Regular, $34.99)
  • Kah Blanco Tequila 750 ML (#003642, Regular, $26.99)
  • Kah Reposado Tequila 750 ML (#003644, Regular, $31.99)
  • Kahlua Mocha 750 ML (#006854, Regular, $11.99)
  • Malibu Tropical Mojito Cocktail 1.75 L (#003307, Regular, $11.99)
  • Margaritaville Tequila Oro 750 ML (#006739, Regular, $7.99)
  • Nuvo 375 ML (#008402, Regular, $8.99)
  • Orange Jack Rum 750 ML (#005504, Regular, $6.99)
  • Patron Tequila Anejo 375 ML (#004974, Regular, $16.99)
  • Pinnacle Vodka 375 ML (#005545, Regular, $3.99)
  • Purple Wave Grape Flavored Vodka 1.75 L (#004128, Regular, $9.99)
  • Remy Martin V. S. O. P. Cognac 50 ML (#004647, Regular, $2.99)
  • Ron Matusalem Gran Reserva Rum 750 ML (#004952, Regular, $18.99)
  • Seagram's Canadian Whiskey Vo 50 ML (#005045, Regular, $0.99)
  • Seagram's Wild Grape Vodka 750 ML (#009679, Regular, $6.99)
  • Skyy Infusions Citrus Vodka 1.75 L (#005222, Regular, $17.99)
  • Skyy Infusions Grape Vodka 70 Pf 750 ML (#007251, Regular, $9.99)
  • Skyy Vodka 375 ML (#008733, Regular, $5.99)
  • Smirnoff Cocktails - Savannah Tea - PET 1.75 L (#003299, Regular, $11.99)
  • Smirnoff Grape Twist Vodka 750 ML (#006148, Regular, $8.99)
  • Smirnoff Lime Twist Vodka 750 ML (#005692, Regular, $8.99)
  • Smirnoff Orange Twist Vodka 375 ML (#007087, Regular, $4.99)
  • Smirnoff Passion Fruit Twist Vodka 750 ML (#006143, Regular, $8.99)
  • Smirnoff Silver Vodka - 750 ML (#004282, Regular, $8.99)
  • Smirnoff Vanilla Twist Vodka 375 ML (#007094, Regular, $4.99)
  • Smirnoff Watermelon Twist Vodka 1.75 L (#009138, Regular, $15.99)
  • Southern Comfort - 375 ML (#007020, Regular, $5.99)
  • Stolichnaya Vodka 50 ML (#005054, Regular, $1.99)
  • Svedka Cherry Vodka 750 ML (#008912, Regular, $8.99)
  • Svedka Citron Imported Vodka 750 ML (#006667, Regular, $8.99)
  • Svedka Clementine Flav Vodka 750 ML (#009600, Regular, $8.99)
  • Svedka Vanilla Vodka 750 ML (#006678, Regular, $8.99)
  • Sweet Carolina Peach Sweet Tea Vodka 750 ML (#005571, Regular, $9.99)
  • Sweet Carolina Raspberry Sweet Tea Vodka 750 ML (#005585, Regular, $9.99)
  • Tanqueray Imp. Dry Gin 200 ML (#007421, Regular, $5.99)
  • Three Olives Triple Shot Espresso Vodka 750 ML (#004991, Regular, $10.99)
  • Tomatin Scotch 12 Year Single Malt 750 ML (#005430, Regular, $19.99)
  • Ursus Blue Raspberry Vodka 750 ML (#003498, Regular, $5.99)
  • Ursus Punch Vodka 750 ML (#003499, Regular, $5.99)
  • UV Cherry Vodka 750 ML (#005465, Regular, $6.99)
  • UV Coconut Vodka 60pf 750 ML (#003452, Regular, $6.99)
  • White Horse Scotch 1.75 L (#007246, Regular, $18.99)
  • Zwack Liquor 750 ML (#004681, Regular, $11.99)
There are some great deals here in the large-format sizes. A half-gallon jug of Eagle Rare for $35 will be finding its way to my liquor cabinet shortly.

Other than that, there's not much to say here. The PLCB continues to trim its flavored vodka selection as well as non-standard package sizes that weren't selling.

Cuervo Reserva de la Familia Platino, Matusalem Reserva, and maybe Tomatin should make their way to the online store after in-store stock is sufficiently depleted.

Delisted SLO products:
  • Admiral Nelson Rum Spiced Cherry 1 L (#513056, SLO, $15.69)
  • Agave 99 Tequila Anejo 80pf 750 ML (#507993, SLO, $49.69)
  • Agave 99 Tequila Reposado 80pf 750 ML (#507992, SLO, $44.89)
  • Agave 99 Tequila Silver 80pf 750 ML (#507991, SLO, $40.09)
  • Arrow Triple Sec 1 L (#060797, SLO, $4.19)
  • Cabo Wabo Tequila Uno 750 ML (#512729, SLO, $156.19)
  • Hiram Walker Pomegranate Schnapps 1 L (#064485, SLO, $10.59)
  • Jacquins Vodka Whipped 1 L (#512956, SLO, $12.99)
  • Korbel Brandy 750 ML (#040051, SLO, $8.99)
  • Nonino Ue Decennale 750 ML (#052821, SLO, $32.39)
  • Shakka Grape Cordial 750 ML (#064771, SLO, $21.99)
  • Skyy Vodka Vanilla 750 ML (#066901, SLO, $16.99)

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