stinkhead

So what I have found is it doesn’t matter so much how much you buy, but how often you frequent the store and then also store selection. Like IMHO your better off spreading your budget over the year as opposed to maybe making a few big purchases when store wide sales come around. The store managers typically reward regularity over one large one-off purchase. I would also recommend getting to know who handles the allocated products (wine/whisky/whatever) and get to know them and then make a point to chat with them every time you are in the store. They are more likely to help out their “friends” Lastly I think store selection plays a big part in this as well. It’s always better to be a big fish in a little pound if at all possible. Since it is impossible keep up at the spending levels of super high end stores regulars. Obviously this takes a lot of work and you will have to put in a good amount of time, but this is how I have managed to get allocated stuff from a few different places.

I am in Illinois. I am also very fortunate to get an allocation of something every year. Got super lucky this year!

Case of 2015 Smith Haut Lafitte

Always the best to come home to a shipment

3 of these

100% this. Whenever I used them 6 bottles appeared to be the sweet spot to avoid paying duty.

3 of these

I believe Gold is an International release only. I had to order it from an overseas site.