New BourbonHunt Pro Membership

Update: Everything about Bourbonr will remain the exact same. I’ll still be updating the VW and BTAC maps, posting reviews, articles, etc. This is simply the launch of a new site with new features. Don’t worry, nothing about Bourbonr has changed 🙂

I’m excited to announce the new BourbonHunt Pro Membership! BourbonHunt Pro will be a new site in the Bourbonr portfolio. The perks will include:

Access to private barrel purchases (I’ve got Four Roses, Smooth Ambler, WhistlePig and Knob Creek in the works)
Early updates on Pappy Van Winkle, BTAC, and other limited edition bourbons releases
Interviews with master distillers and bourbon leaders
Discounts from affiliated retailers
Bottle giveaways throughout the year
Private Trading group and forum for members only

Old Rip Van Winkle Giveaway

As part of the BourbonHunt Pro launch I will start the bottle giveaway with a bottle of Old Rip Van Winkle 10 year. On July 17^th I will select one BourbonHunt Pro member at random to receive a FREE bottle of Van Winkle 10 year.

Four Roses Private Barrel

I have a private barrel of ~~Four Roses OBSK~~ (The first 100 are gone but there is a bottle of OESK to follow shortly) ready to be shipped. The first 100 people to sign up for premium or connoisseur level membership will be guaranteed a bottle at $57 ($65 retail) plus free shipping.

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What will change with the regular Bourbonr site/blog? Nothing. I will continue to write and post new articles and reviews as I always have. You will still have access to the 150+ post, reviews and articles on the Bourbonr Blog. The new site will be all additional information and perks.

Membership Tiers

Basic

29/year

(only $2.42/month)

Access to private trading group and forum
Trade group is only for trusted BourbonHunt members
Profiles are linked to Facebook for legitimacy but cannot be shut down by Facebook
Email updates for Pappy Van Winkle and BTAC maps based on your state
Membership to the Bourbonr Journal
Read the blog ad free
Discounts at preferred online retailers

Premium

98/year

(only $8/month)

Guaranteed spot in barrel purchases*
Discounted price & free shipping on Four Roses OBSK (First 100 to sign up receive free shipping on the Bourbonr Four Roses OBSK that’s ready to ship ASAP)
40% discount on NEAT glasses purchases
Read the blog ad free
Access to private trading group and forum
Email updates for Pappy Van Winkle and BTAC maps based on your state
Enrolled in bottle giveaways
Membership to the Bourbonr Journal
Discounts at preferred online retailers

* Does not include cost of bottle

Connoisseur

399/year

Part of the selection committee for private barrels
Free set of 2 Bourbonr NEAT glasses and 2 regular NEAT glasses
Guaranteed spot in barrel purchases*
A free 1776 Leather Flask
Discounted price & free shipping on Four Roses OBSK (First 100 to sign up receive free shipping on the Bourbonr Four Roses OBSK that’s ready to ship ASAP)
40% discount on NEAT glass purchases
Read the blog add free
Enrolled in bottle giveaways
Access to private trading group and forum
Email updates for Pappy Van Winkle and BTAC maps based on your state
Membership to the Bourbonr Journal
Discounts at preferred online retailers

* Does not include cost of bottle

91 comments

Hi Blake,

I don’t have Facebook. Can I still join?

I think the pricing is very high considering sites like RateBeer are $12 a year (under $25 usually). I was going to join just to support your work but these prices are just too high considering I don’t care about Pappy and don’t trade bourbon.

Best of luck with the rollout. I hope to get a bottle of the next selection despite not signing up for the program.

This may be an unpopular opinion, but I’m saddened to see this blog get swept up in monetizing the bourbon boom. Money talks, though.

Gotta kinda agree… Lil’ disappointed in you Bub! So what does this men regarding the VW & BTAC release updates?? Can we still see them on the site (when it happens)?

Everything about Bourbonr will remain the exact same. I’ll still be updating the VW and BTAC maps, posting reviews, etc. This is simply the launch of a new site with new features. I hope that will ease your disappointment a little because you’ve added for some great commentary in the comment sections. Don’t worry, nothing about Bourbonr has changed 🙂

Sorry you feel that way. Nothing about Bourbonr Blog will change. This is simply the launch of a new/additional site.

Hi Blake,

Was I one of the first 100?

Thanks man,
Steve

Are there states that are restricted on getting bottles from these private barrels? I’d like to join at the professional level, but not if I can’t get the bottles from the private barrels shipped to me.

Correction – premium level.

I have the same question as Mike, how will this work if my states is on the no ship too list. I currently receive shipments monthly from Erza and De Wine Spot , not sure why my state ( MN) is on the no mail list, let me know what my options are please .

This first bottling was limited by the retailer but the second barrel is going to a different retailer that can ship almost anywhere

Is there a prohibition on states for this?

Yes, you can check out this site for a list of approved states http://www.hitimewine.net/Shipping.html

Dang, Texas is not on the list. I hate the TABC. But I guess that makes my decision easy, though I wish it didn’t.

Will you ship to Maryland?

Yes, I believe they can ship to MD. If not, I’ll refund your money

Per the website link, wine and beer only – so I can’t join

I would join as either a basic or premium member, IF Lknking to s Facebook ID were AN OPTION, and not a requirement.

These are real privacy and security issues with Facebook linking… Convenience is akwAys at odds with security. FYI … I am a 20+ year information security professional…

Facebook linking is an option and not mandatory.

but in the descriptions, this is what was written: “Profiles are linked to Facebook for legitimacy but cannot be shut down by Facebook” can you clarify this because I thought the exact same as the other Jack.

I’m with you guys.

Bourbonr was fun while it lasted…

I didn’t get no link…

Blake- just getting into the higher end Bourbons and enjoyed your articles, but can not justify spending $30 to get more emails in my box. Do not see extra benefits without spending additional monies. Going the wrong direction for me at this time- sorry. Good luck with your efforts.

No problem. I understood going in that the new site wouldn’t be for everyone but hopefully the Bourbonr Blog will continue to be a good resource for you

I think the new features of joining a bourbon community with a barrel program and everything else is a great idea. Running a blog and trying to figure out barrel programs and everything else is incredibly time consuming and hard. Think this will make it easier on Blake to say the least. Signed up for the premium account immediately. Anyone else having issues with the link though? I can’t verify my account to log into bourbonhunt.com and I’ve resent the link many times now?

Thanks David. The issue with the activation of the new site should be fixed so try it one more time

Blake,

This is a very interesting concept you are undertaking here. I’m curious what precipitated it outside of the obvious. I think it’s a great idea and one definitely worth exploring. As we’ve talked before I own a blog (of which I haven’t updated in months due to time and work), but I’ve always been a big fan of rewarding loyal customers.

In a way I see this as following that principle of rewarding loyal subscribers. The adverse effect is traditionalists and those who see the internet as “pure”, find the capitalistic nature of any pay-for-site access to be distrustful.

I certainly will mull over this potential opportunity and keep tabs on the site as always. I appreciate all of your efforts in both reviews and bourbon education.

Keep up the good work!

– Jeff Hughes

Sorry, no interest and will be unsubscribing from your blog.

Same question as MikeC. I live in Alabama. Are there restriction as to which states can be shipped to?

Unfortunately, Alabama is not on the list of approved states for shipping. Sorry about that

Blake, I don’t know if it is my computer, but I am having trouble getting through the security question on paypal so I cannot activate my membership. I was trying to sign up for the Premium one. Anyone else experiencing this problem?

Had to set up an new paypal account to make it work, but it works now. Thanks!

Blake: Like others, I need to know if the limited distribution bottles can be shipped to Florida. The law is unclear to me, but several on line dealers will not ship to Florida. However, I did receive my special order bottle of Blantons.

Thanks, Terry

Yes, the retailer that will be used for most of the barrels in located in FL

How does one envision being “Part of the selection committee for private barrels” happening with people across the USA?

When I saw that you were doing subscriptions, I thought cool, I’ll support Blake and his blog! Then I saw the prices… ouch, very steep for what’s being offered. But I guess you need to charge the high prices for it to feel as if it were a premium membership. I get that you want to get paid for the work you put into this site, and I do enjoy the work you put in, but with these prices, it feels like you’re trying to gouge us now. Good luck with this new part of the site though!

Steep prices Jack? If $2.42 or $8 per month is steep than how could you ever justify drinking bourbon?
For all the time and energy Blake has put into making this blog a great resource, he is well within his right to set up a paid membership component. I haven’t decided if I will join yet, but the prices seem fair.

I’m in!
Hopefully, we can get an active bulletin board going, Blake?!

Congrats Blake on your new launch. Sorry to see some folks don’t like the idea. I don’t care if you are offering a superhypermegaextremeradfinalillumination subscription level for a gzillion dollars a year. It’s just an added option for anyone that may be interested, in addition to the all the free content we already get. I know I’ve gotten at least 1 or 2 collectable bottles because of the info you’ve given.

Like the idea of a trading site that can be more trusted, and not like some others that are just spam for the same handful of clowns trying to sell the same old stuff at the same ripoff prices over and over.

I’d heartily suggest adding to all the pay tiers an early warning for other collectables (other than the Pappy and BTAC) as they hit the market. This alone could pay for a year or two or of subscription.

I too am Sorry that you feel it necessary to charge for what had been a great FREE resource…I have enjoyed learning more about Bourbon and it’s culture!…but can’t support what is offered at these Prices!

The FREE resource will continue as it always has. This is new and in addition to the Bourbonr site

Can someone from Australia become a member and if so is there anything we would miss out on or have to pay extra for.

Unfortunately no. The retailers can’t ship out of the US

When will we know if we made the first 100?

Disappointed to see this happening! From the blog that brought us the “Limited Edition Bourbon and the Secondary Market”, “Retailers blueprint for selling Pappy” and “Can we trust whiskey labels” now comes a way to capitalize on the bourbon boom. I have been a long time follower / subscriber but am someone who values honesty and practicing what we preach. I will save my $399 or $98 and buy a few good bottles of bourbon with it. Actually for $399 I may now be tempted to buy that secondary priced bottle!

-http://bourbonr.com/blog/limited-edition-bourbon-secondary-market/
-http://bourbonr.com/blog/retailers-blueprint-selling-pappy/
-http://bourbonr.com/blog/can-trust-whiskey-labels/

Hi Jason, I understand what your saying and that is why nothing will change about the current site. The new site cost money because it cost money to build and have people run it as well as a lot of time. I hope you understand that this was not a trying to capitalize on something but build something new

Yes, the issue should be resolved. Try one more time.

Thanks

What a super benefit to those who help With barell selection . If I wasn’t so hard up right now I’d get in. All looks good blake

Thanks, Micah!

Bad move. We’re all already pretty good at tracking down bottles if they are in our reach. Membership isn’t really going to help us in that matter. Plus we all have our stash of great free blogs to fall back on. As my 4 year old has been saying recently, “Aloha Amigos”. In her weird interpretation it means “goodbye”.

Lesley, I understand that new site may not be for everyone and that’s why nothing is going to change about Bourbonr. There’s a lot of people that either don’t want to spend the time tracking down bottles or want any additional resource they can get and that’s what BourbonHunt is for. Aloha Amigo

Sorry for the stupid question, kind a new to this. So this means if I live in Kansas I can’t actually purchase any of your products, correct?

If I lived in another state other than michigan I would join in a minute. Sorry to see that michigan only allows beer and wine sales but I’ll keep following your emails.
Thanks for all the bourbon news, keep it coming.
Wayne

Do you have to pay for one of the memberships to buy a bottle of one of your private barrels? If not, how do I order the OBSK?

Most likely yes. If there are any spares I will open it up but I don’t think there will be

Is shipping to California ok?

Yes, the retailer is in CA

I started collecting bourbon three years ago with over 300 bottles of all price ranges. What a fantastic hobby/investment. I go after any source of information; will certainly pay the $100
for added info. It costs money to run a site and good luck to you Blake. I’ve enjoyed Boubonr over the years and will support it. As you know, bourbon is an expensive hobby.

Hope I’m the winner of that there ORVW since my dad and I put in a 7 hour shift and finished off my bottle last month!

Hey Blake,
I was disappointed to see a few comments popping up in the comments section about the private barrel Blantons: I was in pretty early for two but never heard anything after that (you had confirmed a number of people had made the list after me so I thought I was good to go). Unfortunately, it doesn’t leave much confidence regarding bottle access in the lower level memberships.

Shoot me an email Blake at Bourbonr dot com. You should have been on the list so my guess is the email may have gone to spam

Blake: My goal and objective is to purchase a bottle or two of Pappy Van Winkle! Can you direct me on how or where I can purchase some andif needed ship to me in Virginia?

Hi Blake,

I think the new site is a great idea. Especially if the revenue helps you with managing bourbonr. Have you already allocated the 100 OBSK bottles? If I were in the first 100 would I already know?

Thanks!

Blake, keep up the great work man – Will be a buyer of your new site and don’t listen to any of these haters , I have no issues with the low cost and think this is a fantastic idea.

Blake, can’t I just send you a check rather than pay pal?I live in Florida.

Tom

I sent you an email

In my area there is so many selections for private barrel selections it’s foolish for me to continue here. Good luck Blake in your endeavors. Most bourbon veterans read your posts for guidance, not shopping opportunities.

Thanks, Rich. The guidance is still going to be there

It appears that Ky is not a state that allows any alcohol shipping/receiving except for a loophole for some wine, and for that reason I am out. Will still enjoy reading your articles and good luck with your venture.

I live in PA therefore I am not able to receive any item, is that correct?

Unfortunately that is correct

Hey, Mike
I also live in PA but have a brother in VA willing to allow any bottles from private barrel selections to be sent to him. Maybe we could work something out for you as well if you’re interested…

Blake if someone lives in a do not ship state, can you explain any additional benefits they’d receive by signing up for the premium and connoisseur membership besides some glasses.

The trading group and private forum with additional info about releases would be the biggest benefits. Obviously, the barrels is a big part of the offer though

Those would be available with just the Basic membership, though, correct?

Correct

I would need one too. thanks

Email sent

Is there a list of the retailers, and any idea what the discount would look like?

Hi-Time, Ezra’s, Quality Liquor and DeWine Spot. Ezra’s is a straight 5% and the other vary by bottle

Really on the fence about a Premium membership. Knowing that I was in the first 100 would probably push me over. That question has been asked several times. Any answer? Thanks!!

The first 100 are gone. However, there’s an OESK barrel that’s getting ready to be bottled that you could get in on!

Blake, thanks for maintaining your original blog while expanding to provide some of your followers with certain benefits that your premium blog has to offer. Although the advantages you offer through membership will not benefit me in any way, I think it will help a lot of bourbonr’s in states that don’t have access to the selection and low prices that I have in central KY. I enjoy your original blog and appreciate that you are keeping it around. Thanks much and I wish you all the best in your new endeavor.

Blake, when is the new site BourbonHunt going live?

It’s live. You should have received an activation email

This seems live a good thing. With the fact that I live in Pennsylvania, I get let out of anything like this. They do email blast on all premium liquors. No one that I know ever gets them till they are sold out. Not allowed in Pennsylvania once again.

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