Best available bourbon in Atlanta

February 18, 2013 8:10 AM

I am flying to an event out of state in September. I am morally obligated to bring the best bottle of bourbon that I can. It must be bourbon and it must be top shelf. What excellent bourbon can I be assured of getting in the Atlanta area between now and then? Cost is really no object. If I thought I could score a bottle of 23 year old Pappy Van Winkle, I would.
posted by donpardo to food & drink (10 answers total)

You might want to check out Toco Giant liquor or maybe Tower. I know Toco has some top shelf (which is to say ridiculously expensive) liquor they keep on hand.
posted by dortmunder at 8:21 AM on February 18

Jefferson Presidential Select 17yr and 18yr supposedly comes from the same source as the Pappy Van Winkle 20yr. At least for now.
posted by kathryn at 8:47 AM on February 18 [1 favorite]

I think the Total Wine location in Kennesaw carries spirts (but no beer or wine, doncha love the laws in Georgia?)

They carry some pretty amazing bottles and/or you can order on-line and arrange for pick up at the store.

They have the Jefferson Presidential Select for $82.99.

They also have Wild Turkey Tradition for 109.00 (although it says they're out of stock).

I've linked to what they have, so you might want to browse.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 9:03 AM on February 18

Ruthless Bunny: Although Georgia's liquor laws can be a bit asinine at times, The Total Wine store in Kennesaw does carry beer, wine, and spirits - I've bought all three there as recently as last month. I came into this thread to recommend that store. Fantastic place, very knowledgeable staff, and they'll surely have a good bourbon for you to bring along.
posted by deadmessenger at 9:27 AM on February 18

It can't be Bourbon if it is an Atlanta distillery. It is sour mash whiskey. Bourbons can only come from Bourbon county Kentucky. Yes NAFTA agreements allow some leeway, but for reelz it has to come from Kentucky. That being said a 95 proof is available called Southern Corn Whisky
posted by Gungho at 9:42 AM on February 18

Gungho, donpardo didn't require it was distilled in Atlanta; just that it could be bought there.
posted by IAmBroom at 10:26 AM on February 18

@Gungho: the OP's question was where in Atlanta to buy the best bourbon, not where to buy the best spirits distilled in Atlanta.

@Donpardo: Since you won't be able to take your bourbon in carry-on luggage, be sure to pack it carefully. I'd recommend using a few layers of bubble wrap, then a large ziplock bag, taped to keep any empty space from flopping around. Pack other soft items around it to cushion any impact from shifting.

Personally, my preference would be to find a good liquor store at your destination and stop there before the event, but that may not be possible.

If you are flying in a private airplane, rather than commercially, disregard the above.
posted by brianogilvie at 10:29 AM on February 18

I have been very pleased with the bottle of 1792 that I bought recently. I bought it in TN, but if Total Wine doesn't have it I'll eat my hat.

A friend of mine has great things to say about Eagle Rare 17 and Angel's Envy. We're on the wait list for some Pappy, and hope to get it in the next couple of years.
posted by jquinby at 10:32 AM on February 18

...and, for the record, Total Wine has about the biggest selection of alcohol I've ever seen in GA. I'd start there for just about anything I was shopping for. If you're driving towards Kennesaw from the downtown area, you'll pass a hell of a nice cigar place just of Canton Highway, too.
posted by jquinby at 10:34 AM on February 18 [2 favorites]

BTW, I've had some success packing nicer bottles of liquor in a checked bag using this padded bag.
posted by kathryn at 12:12 PM on February 18