What is a Store Pick Bourbon?
A store pick bourbon is a barrel of bourbon whiskey selected by a retailer—often a liquor store, but sometimes a bar or restaurant—for their customers. Instead of the distillery selecting and bottling the whiskey, a representative from the store visits the distillery's warehouse, samples various barrels, and chooses one (or more) based on their unique characteristics. This contrasts with the distillery's standard release, which is a blend of many barrels designed to maintain a consistent profile.
This personalized selection process allows for a truly unique and often highly sought-after bourbon. The resulting product reflects the discerning palate of the selector and offers a taste that deviates significantly from the distillery's regular offerings.
Why are Store Picks so Popular?
The appeal of store pick bourbons stems from several key factors:
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Rarity and Exclusivity: Store picks are generally produced in smaller quantities than distillery releases, making them harder to find and increasing their desirability among bourbon enthusiasts. This scarcity drives demand, often leading to higher prices.
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Unique Flavor Profiles: Each barrel of bourbon develops unique characteristics due to variations in the wood, char level, and aging conditions. Store picks highlight these individual expressions, offering a distinct and often unpredictable flavor profile that's not available anywhere else. It's like having a one-of-a-kind bottle.
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Curated Selection: The retailer invests their time and expertise in selecting the best barrels, ensuring a high-quality product that appeals to their customer base. This curated approach builds trust and provides a sense of assurance to the buyer.
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Sense of Community and Discovery: Store picks often create a sense of community among bourbon enthusiasts, fostering discussions about the chosen barrel and its unique qualities. This participatory aspect enhances the overall experience of discovering and enjoying a unique spirit.
How are Store Picks Selected?
The selection process varies slightly from distillery to distillery and retailer to retailer, but generally involves the following steps:
- Collaboration with the Distillery: The retailer works with the distillery to arrange a barrel selection visit.
- Warehouse Tasting: The retailer and often a distillery representative sample numerous barrels, typically from the same batch, to assess their individual characteristics such as aroma, taste, and color. Tasting notes are meticulously recorded.
- Barrel Selection: Based on their preferences and the retailer's knowledge of their customers' tastes, a barrel or several barrels are selected.
- Bottling and Labeling: The chosen barrel is bottled exclusively for the retailer. The bottle will often be uniquely labeled, noting the store's name, the distillery, the barrel number, and the selection date. This unique labeling further contributes to the collectability and value of the bourbon.
What are the Differences Between a Store Pick and a Distillery Release?
The primary difference lies in the selection process. Distillery releases are carefully blended to represent a consistent brand profile, while store picks showcase the individual character of a single barrel, offering a unique and often more intense flavor profile. Consistency is the goal for the distillery; uniqueness is the hallmark of the store pick.
Where Can I Find Store Picks?
Store picks are usually available at liquor stores that specialize in bourbon or have strong relationships with distilleries. It's worth checking with your local liquor store or contacting them to inquire about upcoming store pick events or availability. Note that they are often limited releases, so availability is not guaranteed.
Is a Store Pick Worth the Price?
Whether a store pick bourbon is "worth" the price is subjective and depends on individual preferences and budget. While store picks may cost more than distillery releases, the unique flavor profile, rarity, and the story behind the selection can make them a valuable addition to any bourbon collection. The increased price is often a reflection of the smaller batch size and the added value of a curated selection.
