LCBO Bargains & Discontinued Items

[dbk]

I picked up Corner Creek a few months ago @$30. I enjoyed it for a bit because it was different having both rye and wheat present in a bourbon. I quickly grew tired of it knowing there is much better offerings out there. $30 might be closer to what it is worth. It was priced at $40, and at that price point you can get Elijah Craig 12, Buffalo Trace, Bulleit and Four Roses.

Unfortunately, there’s a lot of speculation about Corner Creek, but no real facts on the ground. There is very little evidence that it truly is a four-grain bourbon. As Chuck Cowdery has pointed out, the label used to read “wheat, corn, rye” but no longer does, and the owner apparently believes (but seems not to know for certain) that it’s a straight-up wheater. I would not assume it’s a four-grain.

For my money, I would take any of the bottles Card Player has listed over the Corner Creek (even at $30). It's not awful, but it is awfully boring. Here's my review of it. You'll note that I detected "rye spice" myself, but that could have been the yeast or oak I was picking up instead. I've had a good deal more experience with wheaters since then.

[marriedmalt]

I'm heading to New Brunswick this summer for a couple of weeks, was looking forward to picking up some reasonably priced Highland Park 18y/o. As far as I can remember, it was in the $90 price range before Christmas. However, NB liquor seems to have done some considerable "re-tooling" of their Highland Park price structure, they now have the 15y/o at $90 ($5 more than at LCBO), and the 18 is no longer listed. Does anyone know if they will be carrying the 18 anymore? What it's new predicted price might be if they do in fact bring it back?

MM

[bebdo]

didn't know where to post this ... highway robbery!

http://hellolcbo.com/ci/fattach/get/31734/0/filename/Pricing%20Examples%20-%20Major%20Categories%20-%20Effective%20March%201%202012%20.pdf

[portwood]

didn't know where to post this ... highway robbery!

Look on the bright side ... if the stores were privatized we wouldn't be able to determine the markups and profit margins!

[Smithford]

... and regardless, everything would end up more expensive. Guaranteed.

The Government of Ontario will NEVER give up their revenue stream from alcohol. Ever. They are addicted to it like crack whores.

Privatization will only add private retail markup on top of the costs that you see there. Be careful what you wish for.

Moaning about the LCBO and privatization is just pissing into the wind.

[portwood]

Some markdowns happening:
Cutty Sark 25yo now $125 (vs TWE £105)!
Classic Malts, Gentle $55
Classic Malts, Strong $55
Talisker collection $65
Speyburn 10, $40

[bebdo]

Some markdowns happening:
Cutty Sark 25yo now $125 (vs TWE £105)!
Classic Malts, Gentle $55
Classic Malts, Strong $55
Talisker collection $65
Speyburn 10, $40

Going for the Talisker and Gentle collection!

[Yello to Mello]

good ZR on that Sark! Below the exchange rate. I went for one at 150.

[Zunak]

Some markdowns happening:
Cutty Sark 25yo now $125 (vs TWE £105)!
Classic Malts, Gentle $55
Classic Malts, Strong $55
Talisker collection $65
Speyburn 10, $40

Going for the Talisker and Gentle collection!

Right behind you on that Tali set. May get 2 or 3 since its the only way to get the 57N. At that price it's about 11cents/ml which is only 1 or 2 cents more than the Talisker 10 but you get the DE and 57N. Very good price point it should sell like mad at that price. Good eye Porty.

[Card Player]

I remember when the set had the 18 in it (i miss the 18). Never had the 57N...how does it compare to the 18?

[Frodo]

If anyone finds the Cutty Sark 25 on managers discount at an individual store (at $100 - $105) please let me know. I think I'd have to fill my boots...

[Frodo]

I was hoping to wait until the Jameson Rarest was discounted by another 20% but it looks like its selling bit by bit. Anyone who wants a bottle may have to deal with the current $302 price tag - which is pretty competitive compared to prices elsewhere, and therefore a good deal by LCBO standards.

[bebdo]

Picked up 2 of the talisker sets. Opened one on Friday but since the site was down could not post notes. The 57 North is pretty intense - chewy with a drying finish. The DE is tasty too. Will post notes when I taste them again. After these 3 I had the Islay Mist 8 yr and it tasted totally washed out. Taliskers inventory hasn't moved even with the price drop.

[portwood]

Taliskers inventory hasn't moved even with the price drop.

Stores don't always change the price tags and non-anoraks don't know better. A store that shall remain nameless (Markham) still had them at the pre-Christmas price last week!!!

[Pudge72]

Some markdowns happening:
Cutty Sark 25yo now $125 (vs TWE £105)!
Classic Malts, Gentle $55
Classic Malts, Strong $55
Talisker collection $65
Speyburn 10, $40

Going for the Talisker and Gentle collection!

Right behind you on that Tali set. May get 2 or 3 since its the only way to get the 57N. At that price it's about 11cents/ml which is only 1 or 2 cents more than the Talisker 10 but you get the DE and 57N. Very good price point it should sell like mad at that price. Good eye Porty.

+1 on both sentiments...

[bebdo]

DAILUAINE CONNOISSEURS CHOICE SPEYSIDE SINGLE MALT 1997
VINTAGES 263301 | 700 mL bottle
Price: $ 55.55

Was just going through some previous post and was thinking about picking this up on recommendations of MML'er. It was showing $65 lasy night and today it's now marked down to $55 so picked one up at Q.Quay this afternoon - my first IB and I'm having it right now and loving it - light bodied but very fruity on the nose and palate - will pick up another of these.
Other stuff tried recently -
Caol Ila DE - liked it a lot. More cocoa and wine notes than peat/salt - good finish, nice and chewy. Good after dinner dram
Rock Hill Farms- on the nose besides the usual corn notes it was like sniffing a glass of wine - can't put my finger on it but it was something I enjoyed. Very flaourful but the finish was a bit short - good bourbon but not worth the price in my opinion.

[bebdo]

Just an update on the Dailuaine 1997 CC
about 1/2 hr later than my previous post - some tea and the prominent nose that I used to associate with JW Blends and think was from grain whisky - it's all here - Dailuaine. Glad I tried this.

[Smithford]

One bargain and one discontinued.

Bulleit is on sale for the next few weeks. It's only $1.25 off, but hey - it's already a bargain. This makes it a no-brainer, especially for all you penny-pinchers out there.

I noticed the Bulleit sale at the Liberty Village LCBO. Also spotted two bottles of Big Peat (some of the last in the city). I know when the online inventory position gets down to one or two, most times you can assume that there are none. But there are actually two bottles there. I wasn't a fan, but I know a few people here liked it.

[dbk]

DAILUAINE CONNOISSEURS CHOICE SPEYSIDE SINGLE MALT 1997
VINTAGES 263301 | 700 mL bottle
Price: $ 55.55

Was just going through some previous post and was thinking about picking this up on recommendations of MML'er. It was showing $65 lasy night and today it's now marked down to $55 so picked one up at Q.Quay this afternoon - my first IB and I'm having it right now and loving it - light bodied but very fruity on the nose and palate - will pick up another of these.

The Dailuaine CC 1997 was a deal at $65. At $55, it's a steal. Glad you're enjoying it, bebdo.

[Frodo]

DAILUAINE CONNOISSEURS CHOICE SPEYSIDE SINGLE MALT 1997
VINTAGES 263301 | 700 mL bottle
Price: $ 55.55

Was just going through some previous post and was thinking about picking this up on recommendations of MML'er. It was showing $65 lasy night and today it's now marked down to $55 so picked one up at Q.Quay this afternoon - my first IB and I'm having it right now and loving it - light bodied but very fruity on the nose and palate - will pick up another of these.

The Dailuaine CC 1997 was a deal at $65. At $55, it's a steal. Glad you're enjoying it, bebdo.

Anyone else try this bottling?

[dbk]

DAILUAINE CONNOISSEURS CHOICE SPEYSIDE SINGLE MALT 1997
VINTAGES 263301 | 700 mL bottle
Price: $ 55.55

Was just going through some previous post and was thinking about picking this up on recommendations of MML'er. It was showing $65 lasy night and today it's now marked down to $55 so picked one up at Q.Quay this afternoon - my first IB and I'm having it right now and loving it - light bodied but very fruity on the nose and palate - will pick up another of these.

The Dailuaine CC 1997 was a deal at $65. At $55, it's a steal. Glad you're enjoying it, bebdo.

Anyone else try this bottling?

Yep, thirty-five of my closest friends. I gave a whisky tasting (see the first post in this thread) and the 1997 CC Dailuaine was one of the featured bottlings. It went over quite well, though I can't tell you more than that. My memory's a touch foggy from that night.

[Zunak]

DAILUAINE CONNOISSEURS CHOICE SPEYSIDE SINGLE MALT 1997
VINTAGES 263301 | 700 mL bottle
Price: $ 55.55

Was just going through some previous post and was thinking about picking this up on recommendations of MML'er. It was showing $65 lasy night and today it's now marked down to $55 so picked one up at Q.Quay this afternoon - my first IB and I'm having it right now and loving it - light bodied but very fruity on the nose and palate - will pick up another of these.

The Dailuaine CC 1997 was a deal at $65. At $55, it's a steal. Glad you're enjoying it, bebdo.

Anyone else try this bottling?

I too purchased a bottle of this based on dbk's suggestion. Originally I did not hold much stock in this particular offering and was somewhat underwhelmed (sort of ... oh well another nondescript whisky, good but nothing special). I went at this exclusively last evening to give it a fair chance. My initial assesment was unjust. Last night I found this to be light, fruited, with a similar nose reminiscent of Tullibardine, then it opened up more and rounded off with time in the glass unearthing a very very subtle underlying smoke hint and rich smoothness (reminding me somewhat of Taliskers sweetness). Very smooth mouth feel to this one almost bordering on a liqueur(in a nice way). It is quite enjoyable, very drinkable, and an excellent value. I don't think I'd purchase another even at the reduced price, it's just not in the flavour profile of whisky's that I am currently enamoured of. I am however, glad I tried this one again rather than pushing it to the back of the shelf as I really enjoyed it last night.

[Frodo]

Bay/Bloor LCBO has 18yr Chivas Regal at $72 down from $90 (ish). Didn't like the Chivas 12 much but liked the 18yr alot more - from what I remember of it (was a while ago). Saw about 6 or so bottles...

[Smithford]

Buffalo Trace is now $5 off. A $35 price tag makes it currently the best value bourbon in Ontario and officially hoardable.

[Card Player]

Buffalo Trace is now $5 off. A $35 price tag makes it currently the best value bourbon in Ontario and officially hoardable.

+1...agreed