Pennsylvania whiskey enthusiasts, prepare for a draw. The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) is hosting three carefully curated lotteries, giving residents and licensed retailers a unique opportunity to secure highly sought-after American whiskeys. These lotteries, launched with a total of 1,434 bottles available, represent a significant step towards increasing access to limited-release expressions.
Three Distinct Lotteries, Three Unique Opportunities
The PLCB’s approach focuses on offering genuine rarity, with each lottery featuring a specific collection of premium bourbons and ryes. Let’s examine the key offerings:
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Buffalo Trace Antique Collection Lottery:
This lottery features five exclusive bourbons, including Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey 18 Year Old, an 17-year-old Eagle Rare Bourbon, William Larue Weller Straight Bourbon Barrel Proof, George T Stagg Straight Bourbon Barrel Proof, and Thomas H Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey Barrel Proof. Each bottle is priced at US$149.99 (750ml).
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Pappy Van Winkle Lottery:
This lottery offers 1,062 Kentucky whiskeys produced by the Van Winkle family, using recipes dating back four generations. The prices are: 15-year-old US$199.99, 20-year-old US$319.99, and 23-year-old US$449.99. Also included are Old Rip Van Winkle Handmade Straight Bourbon 10 Year Old (US$129.99) and Van Winkle Special Reserve Straight Bourbon 12 Year Old (US$149.99).
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Colonel EH Taylor Jr Straight Bourbon Bottled in Bond Lottery:
This lottery features 48 bottles of a limited edition, priced at US$149.99 each. 36 are for consumers, and 12 are designated to licensees.
How the Lottery Works
To participate, Pennsylvania residents aged 21 and over can enter the lotteries via the Fine Wine & Good Spirits website. Purchases are limited to one bottle per customer for each collection. Winners are selected at random through a computer program and notified by email. The deadline to enter is Friday, January 16th, at 5pm EST.
What This Means for Consumers
The PLCB’s decision to hold these lotteries signifies a shift towards a more strategic approach to distributing limited-release whiskeys. Previously, access to these bottles was often solely reliant on private sales and high-end retailers. This creates a controlled, albeit competitive, avenue for consumers to obtain a coveted bottle. The limited quantity further amplifies the desirability and potential value of these offerings.
Pros and Cons
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Pros:
Increased accessibility for Pennsylvania residents, opportunity to acquire rare and highly sought-after bottles, creates a sense of community and competition amongst enthusiasts.
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Cons:
High demand may lead to competition and potential price inflation, reliance on a random selection process may not align with individual preferences, limited quantity means a small chance of success.
Further Information
For complete lottery details and entry instructions, visit the Fine Wine & Good Spirits website: [Insert Website URL Here – Placeholder]
