The Art of Bourbon Hunting: The Pros, Cons, and Etiquette 101.

Bourbon hunting has become a popular interest for many enthusiasts seeking rare, allocated, and unique bottles. Following the most current hype train most would think the hunt is primarily for any Buffalo Trace release or any product that has Buffalo Trace in its DNA. Believe me, it’s not. And once you get that understood…the hunt is on!

Like many other interests of leisure, bourbon hunting comes with its own set of advantages, drawbacks, and etiquette. This short article intends to delve into some of those aspects while highlighting how it shares similarities with other pastimes. 

Pros: 

• Treasure Hunt Excitement: The thrill of the hunt adds an element of excitement, akin to searching for hidden gems in other hobbies like coins, rare baseball cards or even sneakers. This point however often is easily countered by the con you’ll find listed below “Time and Effort”. 

• Collectible Value: In some instances rare allocated bottles (unopened) can appreciate in value over time, making them a lucrative investment option for the savvy collector. This is the three-way fork in the road that separate the “collectors” from the “hoarders”, and the “genuine sipper” of the good woodjuice. Like it or not, this hobby gives one the potential to rake in some serious coin sometime down the line. The hunter who collects with stock market-like tendencies know this. (See Con #2) 

• Community Bonding: Bourbon hunting fosters a sense of community amongst the whiskey aficionado who share a passion for discovering exceptional spirits. A quick search on Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, and Discord will return a plethora of like-minded enthusiasts in a matter of seconds. And if you can’t find one…start one. “If you pour it, they will come”

Cons: 

• Limited Availability: The scarcity of certain sought-after bottles can lead to frustration and disappointment when unable to secure a desired find. And it only gets worse when you see a post on social media showing off a hoarder’s 15^th bottle of Blood Oath or 4 full sets of Blanton’s, while you can barely secure 1 bottle of Buffalo Trace yet-alone one horsey. 

• Inflated Prices: High demand for some allocations often results in inflated prices on the secondary market, deterring some from pursuing the “art of the hunt” further altogether. Yes, to the victor go the spoils, but why should a person with either perfect timing or the perfect connect (yeah, it happens) make a profit in a range of 2 to 6 times over face value?  

Old Weller Antique 107 generally retails MSRP under $60 (USD), but can fetch a commanding $100 to $175 easily in the right secondary market, thus making it the liquid bitcoin in black-market trading. 

• Time and Effort: Actively participating in bourbon hunting requires time and effort, which may not be feasible for everyone. And for the most part this is where the aspect of etiquette comes into play. 

Bourbon Hunting Etiquette:  

Embarking on the exciting journey of bourbon hunting comes with its own set of unwritten rules and etiquettes. Understanding the do’s and don’ts is crucial for enthusiasts seeking to fully immerse themselves in this captivating world. 

Dos: 

1. Respect Fellow Enthusiasts: Recognize and appreciate the shared passion within the bourbon community. Respect the efforts of others in the pursuit of rare bottles. These same people in line with you eventually will be your required link to some of your most truly coveted acquisitions.

2. Stay Informed: Keep yourself well-informed about releases, events, and lotteries. This knowledge enhances your chances of successfully finding those unicorn bottles, especially in state run lotteries. 

3. Share Knowledge: Foster a sense of camaraderie by sharing information about releases, locations, and experiences. The bourbon community thrives on collective knowledge. This is where the quote “Knowledge shared is knowledge squared” fits most prominent. Think of this as an extension of rule number 1.

Don’ts: 

1. Hoarding: I know this one may be taken as a joke by most hunters, but seriously “avoid purchasing more bottles than you can reasonably enjoy or share”. Hoarding allocations can contribute to a false scarcity creating frustration amongst other enthusiasts who miss out on great opportunities to garner an even greater find. 

2. Disruptive Behavior: Maintain decorum during releases and drops. Disruptive behavior, such as line cutting, excessive noise, or disagreement with long-standing protocols regarding chair placement can create a negative atmosphere that often time may lead to law enforcements involvement.  

3. Price Gouging: Refrain from engaging in price gouging practices. Fair and ethical trading ensures a healthier and more inclusive bourbon community. Some social media groups are good at policing this to keep their page successful, but overall this area can still use some improving. 

-THE LAST POUR- 

In the world of bourbon hunting, the pros definitely outweigh the cons for those who support the art. And this is coming from a former hunter, the time and effort bullet-point did me in. But the thrill of discovery, the camaraderie within the community, and the potential for a valuable collection make it a fulfilling pursuit. As this hobby continues to gain popularity, it’s worth noting that the trend might eventually extend to other spirits. Rum, tequila, and high proof beers could be the next frontiers for passionate collectors seeking unique and elusive bottles. 

Keep in mind as the bourbon hunting community continues to grow, adhering to proper etiquette becomes paramount for sustaining a positive and inclusive environment. Embrace the shared passion, respect your fellow bourbon-ite, and contribute positively to the vibrant culture that surrounds this thrilling hobby. 

Just like other hobbies, bourbon hunting and its etiquette involves a mix of anticipation, dedication, and the pursuit of personal enjoyment. Whether acquiring rare stamps, vintage cars, Pokémon cards, or our vice… bourbon bottles, the principles of respect, knowledge-sharing, and ethical conduct remain universal. 

By following these dos and don’ts, enthusiasts can contribute to a welcoming and enjoyable bourbon hunting experience for all. Cheers to the shared love for bourbon and the etiquette that enhances the journey for everyone involved.