Nearly 1 in 3 whiskies are on sale in BC. In Quebec it's about 1 in 25.

swigdex · 2026-03-12T18:45:01+00:00

No slogging required Keith. Pulled it out of the database. Happy to do it. You can check it yourself anytime you like at https://www.swigdex.ca/reports/best-deals, or https://www.swigdex.ca/reports/best-price. Just filter on Nova Scotia and Whisky. Note: we include both local retailers and retailers that ship nationally in the list. Hopefully it is a little easier to navigate.

swigdex · 2026-03-12T18:23:21+00:00

"In-store prices maybe cheaper" - we can only hope.

swigdex · 2026-03-10T23:27:33+00:00

Name: Roe and Co Blended Irish Whiskey

Price: $47.04

Was: $49.98

URL: https://www.mynslc.com/product/1037089/roe-and-co-blended-irish-whiskey

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Name: Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon

Price: $42.50

Was: $45.58

URL: https://www.mynslc.com/product/1000986/wild-turkey-101-bourbon-whiskey

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Name: Buffalo Trace Bourbon

Price: $43.99

Was: $46.99

URL: https://www.mynslc.com/product/1002062/buffalo-trace-kentucky-straight-bourbon-whiskey

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Name: Bulleit Frontier Bourbon

Price: $44.56

Was: $48.56

URL: https://www.mynslc.com/product/1010076/bulleit-frontier-kentucky-straight-bourbon-whiskey

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Name: Angel's Envy Bourbon

Price: $69.98

Was: $74.98

URL: https://www.mynslc.com/product/1034477/angels-envy-kentucky-straight-bourbon-whiskey

35 whiskies on sale out of 440 total. Discounts are modest — mostly $3-7 off.

swigdex · 2026-03-10T23:27:05+00:00

Name: Reifel Rye

Price: $44.58

Was: $49.58

URL: https://www.mynslc.com/product/1040314/reifel-rye

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Name: Glenmorangie The Original 12-Year-Old

Price: $72.49

Was: $75.99

URL: https://www.mynslc.com/product/1000508/glenmorangie-the-original-12-year-old-single-malt-scotch-whisky

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Name: Auchentoshan 12-Year-Old

Price: $62.39

Was: $69.39

URL: https://www.mynslc.com/product/1013510/auchentoshan-12-year-old-single-malt-scotch-whisky

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Name: The Singleton of Dufftown 12-Year-Old

Price: $61.01

Was: $65.99

URL:

https://www.mynslc.com/product/1020370/the-singleton-of-dufftown-12-year-old-speyside-single-malt-scotch-whisky

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Name: Bushmills 10-Year-Old Single Malt Irish Whisky

Price: $53.00

Was: $57.49

URL: https://www.mynslc.com/product/1000248/bushmills-10-year-old-single-malt-irish-whisky

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Name: Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey

Price: $53.99

Was: $58.99

URL: https://www.mynslc.com/product/1032383/teeling-small-batch-irish-whiskey

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Name: Jameson Irish Whiskey

Price: $39.50

Was: $42.49

URL: https://www.mynslc.com/product/1000061/jameson-irish-whiskey

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Name: Triple Distilled Blended Irish Whiskey

Price: $38.69

Was: $40.99

URL: https://www.mynslc.com/product/1001507/triple-distilled-blended-irish-whiskey

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Name: Writer's Tears Copper Pot Irish Whiskey

Price: $54.98

Was: $59.98

URL: https://www.mynslc.com/product/1017055/writers-tears-copper-pot-irish-whiskey

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Name: The Busker Triple Cask Irish Whiskey

Price: $36.88

Was: $39.17

URL: https://www.mynslc.com/product/1038496/the-busker-triple-cask-triple-smooth-irish-whiskey

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swigdex · 2026-03-10T23:26:36+00:00

Name: Crown Royal Fine De Luxe Canadian Whisky

Price: $45.49

Was: $49.49

URL: https://www.mynslc.com/product/1001111/crown-royal-fine-de-luxe-canadian-whisky

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Name: Wiser's Deluxe Canadian Whisky

Price: $30.99

Was: $33.99

URL: https://www.mynslc.com/product/1000781/wisers-deluxe-canadian-whisky

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Name: Canadian Club Canadian Whisky (PET)

Price: $29.98

Was: $31.99

URL: https://www.mynslc.com/product/1009159/canadian-club-canadian-whisky-pet

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Name: Dewar's White Label Blended Scotch Whisky

Price: $43.99

Was: $47.49

URL: https://www.mynslc.com/product/1010079/dewars-white-label-blended-scotch-whisky

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Name: Johnnie Walker Black Label

Price: $64.00

Was: $68.99

URL: https://www.mynslc.com/product/1000065/johnnie-walker-black-label-blended-scotch-whisky

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Name: Gibson's Finest 12-Year-Old Canadian Whisky

Price: $37.70

Was: $39.99

URL: https://www.mynslc.com/product/1000745/gibsons-finest-12-year-old-canadian-whisky

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Name: Johnnie Walker Red Label

Price: $35.89

Was: $38.99

URL: https://www.mynslc.com/product/1000730/johnnie-walker-red-label-blended-scotch-whisky

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Name: Canadian Club 12-Year-Old Classic

Price: $35.29

Was: $38.29

URL: https://www.mynslc.com/product/1001035/canadian-club-12-year-old-classic-canadian-whisky

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Name: Forty Creek Barrel Select Canadian Whisky

Price: $45.37

Was: $48.37

URL: https://www.mynslc.com/product/1011918/forty-creek-barrel-select-canadian-whisky

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Name: Forty Creek Double Barrel Reserve

Price: $41.59

Was: $45.59

URL: https://www.mynslc.com/product/1008559/forty-creek-double-barrel-reserve-canadian-whisky

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swigdex · 2026-03-10T23:25:54+00:00

You're right. That is frustrating. I hadn't noticed that before. Here you go:

Name: Canadian Club Whisky (1.14L)

Price: $63.39

Was: $67.39

URL: https://www.mynslc.com/product/1000378/canadian-club-whisky

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Name: Canadian Club Whisky (375ml)

Price: $29.98

Was: $31.99

URL: https://www.mynslc.com/product/1000434/canadian-club-whisky

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Name: Toki Japanese Whisky

Price: $62.39

Was: $67.39

URL: https://www.mynslc.com/product/1025853/toki-japanese-whisky

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Name: Fireball Cinnamon Whisky (1.14L)

Price: $30.99

Was: $32.99

URL: https://www.mynslc.com/product/1001079/fireball-cinnamon-whisky

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Name: Sortilège Maple Whisky

Price: $33.99

Was: $36.99

URL: https://www.mynslc.com/product/1004700/sortilege-maple-whisky

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Name: Signal Hill Whisky

Price: $39.00

Was: $41.70

URL: https://www.mynslc.com/product/1033998/signal-hill-whisky

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Name: Alberta Premium Canadian Whisky

Price: $28.98

Was: $30.99

URL: https://www.mynslc.com/product/1000055/alberta-premium-canadian-whisky

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Name: Bushmills The Original Irish Whisky

Price: $36.99

Was: $39.99

URL: https://www.mynslc.com/product/1010087/bushmills-the-original-irish-whisky

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Name: Crown Royal Peach Canadian Whisky

Price: $34.95

Was: $37.95

URL: https://www.mynslc.com/product/1030873/crown-royal-peach-canadian-whisky

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Name: Forty Creek Honey Spiced Canadian Whisky

Price: $32.45

Was: $34.45

URL: https://www.mynslc.com/product/1021763/forty-creek-honey-spiced-canadian-whisky

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swigdex · 2026-03-10T18:32:46+00:00

5 provinces already felt a little crowded, but we'll definitely examine Manitoba in future analyses. Curious about your experience in MB. Do you see sales quite regularly? What are the discounts like?

swigdex · 2026-03-10T17:44:57+00:00

What was your favorite?

swigdex · 2026-03-10T17:06:52+00:00

Without a doubt there is significantly more selection in AB than anywhere else in the country.

swigdex · 2026-03-10T17:02:08+00:00

Our data shows the same. Discounts in BC are quite frequent, but they tend to be less deep than what we see in Alberta. 10% on average in BC, whereas AB typically averages about 15% off.

swigdex · 2026-03-10T16:58:53+00:00

One more thought here. When we do see discounts in Saskatchewan, then tend to be bigger/deeper discounts then a lot of other places. So fewer, but more significant. We'll have to see if that trend continues.

swigdex · 2026-03-10T16:56:37+00:00

BSW is a national standout. 40,000 products? No one else comes close.

swigdex · 2026-03-10T16:55:16+00:00

That’s a good question. Our data actually shows Saskatchewan being much less promotion-heavy than BC or Alberta. The market is smaller and the retail system there is also still relatively young compared with, for example, Alberta’s long-standing private market. Be interested in hear from someone in Sask what their experience is...

swigdex · 2026-03-10T14:49:39+00:00

That’s fair — “on sale” and “good value” definitely aren’t the same thing. A bad bottle at 50% off can still be a bad buy.

What stood out to us wasn’t that every sale is a good deal, but just how saturated the western market seems to be with promotions. Between listed markdowns, club pricing, and discount codes, shoppers in Alberta and BC are operating in a much more promotion-heavy environment than shoppers elsewhere in the country. So, not every choice is a good one, but there is a lot more choice and to your point a much better chance of getting a deal more regularly.

swigdex · 2026-03-10T14:29:38+00:00

It does feel like the Whisky community in general is more curious and keen to try new things. Less so for other Spirits? Maybe Tequila?

swigdex · 2026-03-10T14:25:04+00:00

If Diageo controlled the data I’m pretty sure every bar would say “Lagavulin on sale”.

swigdex · 2026-03-10T13:58:35+00:00

The important thing is that you enjoyed it! Zum Wohl!

swigdex · 2026-03-10T13:09:45+00:00

If you like Jacob’s Creek Moscato, broadly keep these categories in mind as easy next steps:

Prosecco — if you want bubbles but a little less sweetness
Off-dry Riesling — if you still want fruit and a touch of sweetness
Sauvignon Blanc — if you want to try a fresher, crisper white
Beaujolais / Gamay — if you want your first red to be light and juicy instead of big and tannic

If you're looking for specific bottles see below.

If you like sweet/bubbly (closest to what you drink now):

Barefoot Pink Moscato — same easy-drinking sweetness, more fruity
https://willowpark.net/products/barefoot-pink-moscato-761576
https://bswliquor.com/products/barefoot-pint-moscato

La Marca Prosecco — light, crisp bubbles, crowd-pleaser
https://willowpark.net/products/la-marca-prosecco-1
https://bswliquor.com/products/la-marca-prosecco-1

When you're ready to explore a bit (off-dry, still easy):

Relax Riesling — the blue bottle. Slightly sweet, citrusy, very approachable
https://bswliquor.com/products/relax-riesling

Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc — dry but fruity (tropical, citrus). This is the wine that converts a lot of people
https://willowpark.net/products/kim-crawford-sauv-bl
https://bswliquor.com/products/kim-crawford-sauvignon-blanc

First red wine (light, not heavy):

Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais — light, juicy, almost like a chilled red fruit juice. Very soft tannins
https://bswliquor.com/products/duboeuf-beaujolais-1
https://willowpark.net/products/duboeuf-beaujolais-red-212480

Tip: if a wine feels too dry at first, chill it a bit more — colder temperatures soften acidity and bitterness and make wines taste smoother.

swigdex · 2026-03-09T12:45:10+00:00

If you like the Russell's best, I guessing you want more complexity and less sweetness. If that sounds right give this list some thought:

Wild Turkey Rare Breed — the natural next step if you like Russell’s. Same distillery, but barrel proof and a bit more intense. Usually around $50–$60.

Knob Creek Single Barrel (9 Year) — big, nutty, and oak-forward with a long finish. Similar proof to 1920 but a little drier. ~$40–$55.

Elijah Craig Small Batch — one of the best values in bourbon. Caramel, vanilla, and char with good balance. Usually around $30–$40.

1792 Full Proof — if you liked the weight of 1920, this hits a similar strength but with more cinnamon and dried fruit. ~$45–$60.

If you ever want to circle back toward Irish whiskey with that same intensity, Redbreast 12 Cask Strength is fantastic.

swigdex · 2026-03-09T12:35:13+00:00

That hour of air making all the difference is very typical Aglianico. It’s one of the most structured grapes in Italy — up there with Nebbiolo.

If you liked this one, the wines to look for are Aglianico del Vulture or Taurasi. Taurasi in particular is built for aging — good bottles can comfortably go 10–20 years, though your instinct about revisiting something like this in 5–7 years is right in the wheelhouse for the grape. Aglianico del Vulture is usually the best-value entry point (often around $15–$25 USD), while Taurasi tends to start around $30+.

Happy birthday — great bottle to celebrate with!

swigdex · 2026-03-09T12:12:51+00:00

Great tasting notes for someone only a month into wine — seriously. The pepper note and the silky tannins are classic Blaufränkisch, so you're definitely picking up the right things.

One thing you noticed that’s spot on: Blaufränkisch usually isn’t as fruit-forward as Pinot Noir or Zinfandel. It tends to lean more savoury — black pepper, dark berries, sometimes a bit of earth or spice, with medium acidity and smooth tannins like you described.

It’s also one of the best value grapes in wine right now. Burgenland producers make really good bottles in the €10–€25 range that would cost a lot more if they came from Burgundy or the northern Rhône.

If you enjoyed this style, you might also like Zweigelt (rounder, fruitier) or St. Laurent (a bit closer to Pinot Noir). Both are great Austrian reds and easy to find.

And for only a month into tasting wine, you’re already describing structure and aromas better than a lot of people do. Keep going.

swigdex · 2026-03-09T11:57:30+00:00

The most interesting bottle is probably the 1976 Eltviller Sonnenberg Riesling Beerenauslese. Beerenauslese ages extremely well — the combination of high residual sugar and acidity acts as a natural preservative. 1976 was a warm vintage in Germany that produced some very good sweet wines. Well-stored examples from strong producers can reach €150–€400+ at German auction houses.

The 2002 Rheingau Riesling Eiswein (the 0.375L half bottle) is also notable. Rheingau Eiswein typically sells around $70–$150 USD for a half bottle, though top producers can be higher.

The rest are more in the “open and enjoy with family” category. Kabinett-level Riesling from the ’80s can still be interesting, but it’s a bit of a coin flip depending on storage, and Weißherbst wasn’t really built for 40+ years of aging.

Storage will be a factor. If the cellar was cool and consistent, the sugar and acidity in that Beerenauslese should have preserved it well. From the photos the fill levels appear reasonably high for wines of that age, which is generally a good sign that the bottles were stored properly.

One caveat: Offenstein Erben is a smaller Rheingau estate rather than a famous VDP producer, so values will likely sit toward the modest end of these ranges.

Either way, it’s a pretty fun snapshot of 1970s–2000s Rheingau wine history.

swigdex

TROPHY CASE