Tag Archives: Total Wine

The Bourbon Cheapskate, Vol. 29: Wolcott Bonded: Worth the Gamble?

Posted on February 19, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Spirits Direct makes me cautious. Barton has me skeptical. But at $35, Wolcott Bottled-in-Bond might be a Bourbon Cheapskate worth keeping on the shelf — especially when stacked against its 125-proof sibling. Continue reading →

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The Bourbon Cheapskate, Vol. 28: An Accidental Blind Win

Posted on February 12, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

A blind tasting, three familiar 100-proof bottles, and one surprise outcome. When Kentucky Beau went head-to-head with Heaven Hill and Henry McKenna, the cheapest bottle on the bar turned out to be the one that felt just right. Continue reading →

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Tasting Tuesday: The Smallest Sip With the Biggest Lesson

Posted on November 18, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

Sometimes it only takes the smallest sip to make a big decision. Tonight I ran to Total Wine hoping to pick up something special for my 40th high school reunion this weekend. Some people commemorate big moments with pictures — … Continue reading →

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🥃 The Bourbon Cheapskate, Vol. 1: $40 Well Spent

Posted on August 7, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

“Bank Street Vault Edition: $40 Well Spent” Welcome to The Bourbon Cheapskate—a blog series for anyone who loves great whiskey but doesn’t have the bankroll to chase unicorns or drop $80+ every weekend. I can’t be the only one with … Continue reading →

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