1. I'm not going to participate in the Alabama Liquor Cartel's game. (I Usually drive 30 minutes to Rome, GA to the Liquor Warehouse and buy it.)
2. I will drink a high end bourbon, but as a long time bourbon drinker there is not enough difference in taste from the more reasonable priced stuff and the very high end stuff.
3. So because of #2 I usually drink mid-tier stuff between $25 and $35 a bottle.

I can prove my point because my friends (who also drink a lot of bourbon) and I, have had many blind tastes tests and we are always surprised at the outcome.

Now... If you're just collecting stuff to be collecting it, I can understand.

Baffles me why Alabamians allow the government to yank their chain and control when and what they purchase. I honestly do not understand it. If I want anything at all that I can't walk in and get, I just stop in GA, TN, FL or MS whenever I'm in those areas and buy what I want without all the BS government over reach. Folks just line up to be dominated. Makes no sense to me. It's not a shot at anyone personally. I just don't understand it.

Curious. Is it legal to bring back liquor from other states to here? Do you have to declare for a tax or something?

Curious. Is it legal to bring back liquor from other states to here? Do you have to declare for a tax or something?

Pretty sure you can bring back a small amount, but if you buy bulk or enough for several friends you are likely illegal.

No, you can go in any abc store and buy bourbon all day long. The lottery is for allocated items only. These are items that you can't find on the shelves every day. Another thing is is you are paying retail for the items instead of secondary prices which can be quite substantial. I can go to my local liquor store and buy Blanton's all day long but the price is at least double that of normal retail.

If you have a Black Tran’s AM Running Blocker, it’s okay. 😎

Because the state of Alabama forces private Alabama liquor stores to buy from ABC. My understanding is that they pay almost retail, but can make up the difference by being open longer or be closer to their customer base.

Most of what they "allocate" is on the shelf in other states.

If you ever go to a Spec's in Texas, or a Total Wine & Liquor in other states, you would want to commit arson on your local ABC store.

I have been to grocery stores in Louisiana with a better bourbon selection than most ABC stores.

The Spec's in Tomball, TX currently lists 141 bourbons and 644 tequilas in stock. Total in the same area has over 500 bourbons in stock, and over 800 tequila varieties. Numbers at the Total in Alpharetta, GA are similar.

The power of a free market without gubbermint interference is a wonderful thing.

The better question…

How are we always on allocation while other states have the good stuff in stock?

lot of misinformation posted in this thread. while the good stuff might be on shelves in other states/specialty stores, it's going to be full retail plus, and you often have to barter with the cashier maybe buy another bottle of something they're trying to move just to get what you want. if picked for an abc allocation spot, you have the option of buying allocated stuff at the abc price. i've never seen blanton's for $70, eh taylor for $50, eagle rare for $40, or 10yr pappy for $100 on the shelves in ANY state...but you might see it on an allocation date in alabama.

I've personally purchased Blanton's on the store shelf for $57 in Nashville, TN. Bought Eagle Rare for $39 in Atlanta, bought EH Taylor Small Batch for $49.99 at a package store in Phoenix, and paid $24 for a bottle of Weller SR at a local Kroger in Cleveland, OH.

Now, that being said, I've also been in package stores where they were asking 2-3X retail. Those I pass on by. But, you can still get what we consider good stuff at retail in other states.