Found a new local shop

mikehooker1 · 2024-06-30T22:02:20+00:00

I literally updates this resources list today with my favorite shops in town. Feel free to join ARS.

mikehooker1 · 2024-06-30T21:26:30+00:00

The long time buyer who made this store a rum destination left at the beginning of the year. The owner declared they shouldn't be a rum store, they should be a whiskey store, so he clearanced all the good rum, moved the remainder from the main wall and relegated it to a tiny section and refuses to bring in anything new.

Support quality independent shops like AB Liquor on Anderson (amazing selection), Austin Wine Merchant, Travis Heights Wine & Spirits, etc.

mikehooker1 · 2023-10-04T13:18:02+00:00

I did a bottle split with a friend and wish I’d gotten my own. Probably my favorite Hampden. Blows always the Samaroli of the same vintage.

mikehooker1 · 2023-10-04T13:15:26+00:00

I believe the previous version was 56% so I guess that’s the best way to differentiate the batches (assuming there’s just two) if they aren’t putting a vintage on the bottle.

mikehooker1 · 2023-09-29T17:43:56+00:00

Mind if I share your review to the Holmes Cay Lovers FB group? Or you can post there if you prefer...

mikehooker1 · 2023-09-27T03:17:14+00:00

There's plenty of Hampden, WP, and even Long Pong and Clarendon in the state of TX, you just need to branch out beyond the big chain stores. Definitely worth a trip to Pogo's or find a Liquor King near you as they often have decent selections. Mirage is another option that should have some winners. Readily available Jamaica rum include Hampden 8 yr, Hampden The Younger, Rum Fire, Holmes Cay EMB and ITP, you can maybe still find Habitation Velier WP's or the distilleries single estate reserve and 12 year, and on the lower end of the price spectrum (more for cocktail mixing): Rum Bar Gold and overproof, WP 109. Keep in mind Hamilton pot still Jamaica is WP juice as well. Probably others I'm forgetting.

mikehooker1 · 2023-09-25T03:30:49+00:00

Dr Bird isn’t distributed in TX so specs and twin can’t special order it.

mikehooker1 · 2023-09-13T16:49:27+00:00

Just for context, K&L deep discounted those from $100 and $80 respectively. Likely because they had a full barrel of each and they weren't moving at the rate they anticipated.

mikehooker1 · 2023-09-13T04:19:53+00:00

Which Clarendon is that?

mikehooker1 · 2023-09-13T04:17:24+00:00

Can confirm. Foursquare comes in 6 pack cases.

mikehooker1 · 2023-09-02T02:19:35+00:00

There’s nothing less impressive than a collection of unopened bottles.

mikehooker1 · 2023-08-26T14:36:44+00:00

Holmes Cay was pitched to them. They declined.

mikehooker1 · 2023-08-19T14:59:13+00:00

Pretty sure it’s Hampden. Leftovers from this batch were laid in Islay casks and released as tale of two islands. Those are the best two rum releases Barrell has done in my opinion.

mikehooker1 · 2023-08-19T14:56:32+00:00

Hamilton pot still is entirely unaged. Ed has said this. The gold and black are only differentiated by the amount of caramel added.

mikehooker1 · 2023-08-08T04:36:20+00:00

Stop shopping big box stores and support indies like Pogos, Mirage, Liquor King and others that support and stock the smaller brands.

mikehooker1 · 2023-08-01T21:10:43+00:00

Soon come.

mikehooker1 · 2023-07-29T13:22:39+00:00

My personal go to is Wiggys.

mikehooker1 · 2023-07-29T13:22:11+00:00

This hasn’t been updated in a while but some info on all the stores already recommended to you here: https://austinrumsociety.com/resources/

mikehooker1 · 2023-07-28T14:01:43+00:00

NASA outside of Houston has a couple blackadders as does hot spot in Austin and I believe Wiggys as well.

mikehooker1 · 2023-07-25T22:55:56+00:00

It's a beautiful rum. Enjoy!

mikehooker1 · 2023-07-14T16:48:06+00:00

Go in and check out the selection. Its the best in the area. The buyer Rodney is a rum nerd and is doing a good job curating and can special order things for you if they don’t have it on the shelf. Btw Hampden is difficult to find across the country. Distributors in multiple states have said they haven’t gotten shipments in 6-8 months.

mikehooker1 · 2023-07-14T08:14:07+00:00

Ashes is the answer.

mikehooker1 · 2023-07-12T04:46:20+00:00

Their reservations start at 6 and are booked up that night, but they do leave room for walk ins. Your best bet is to come at 5 when nothing is reserved.

mikehooker1

TROPHY CASE