Ya Know Free Rangers,
When we choose to show products in-store to our people, we strive to host experts who understand the items as well as the industry landscape and can impart some wisdom, while also pouring you delicious intoxicants. Yet after a long e-mail chain over the last few months, we were offered by Suntory via Southern some random agency rep or nothing at all. We had previously expressed concern in writing and had weeks ago asked to vet whoever would be pouring. This did not come to pass, but given that we have spent many tens (hundreds?!) of thousands on Suntory products and this was the first time we had ever requested any support, we weren’t going to let them off the hook, at least for the cost of said agency rep, and whatever swag she would give away. The rep who poured Suntory Toki, Hibiki, and AO last Thursday was perfectly nice, but had only marketing platitudes to offer to those who tasted with her. The “We Card” and “No Under 21” signs she put in front of the table were a pretty bad omen, though she agreed that they were unnecessary when posed with the notion. The second time I heard, “Let’s get this party started,” (without a whiff of irony) I made a concerted effort to not listen anymore. Though we did thank her for her time, and pour her tastes of Dickel 17, Springbank 18, and St George Single Malt, as there was no need to be a bad host over the deal. For those who came to taste, we apologize that this wasn’t the edifying experience that is generally offered at our tasting table, and we won’t fall for that agency rep crap again. It’s unfortunate that Suntory has this little respect for its customers, and its own products quite frankly. Might as well sell widgets, if it’s all just for numbers. We will certainly consider this while pondering how much shelf space to allot their bottles going forward. At least for today, we can still vouch for the whiskeys, which are all available through the end of the week ONLINE ONLY at 15% off the shelf price. Grab ‘em while you can!
(!) Click here for Suntory Whisky sale (!)
Now, this week’s FREE in-store tasting and ONLINE ONLY sale line up once again, with the glorious return of Barr Hill Vodka and Gin(s)! These delicious (mostly) clear spirits are distilled from raw honey in Montpelier, VT. As such, there is a depth and a richness present that one doesn’t often find in most vodka and/or gin, and are highly worthy of your palate’s time. Tomorrow, Thursday, May 23rd (5-7pm), please join us at the shop and enjoy FREE tastes of Barr Hill Vodka, Barr Hill Gin, and Barr Hill Tom Cat barrel aged gin!
Plus: 10% off all Barr Hill bottles – available on the website this week only:
(!) Click here for Barr Hill sale (!)
Cheers,
Jack
Proprietor
Free Range Wine & Spirits
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