Post #800556 by PineappleWhip on Sat, Feb 8, 2020 11:15 AM

Aloha Banana Bill,
This is indeed a problem for many different bottles. Wine, Craft Beers, Spirits, all have a much heightened awareness with the internet / social media, etc. And, at least for me personally, there are TONS of bottles I would love to get my hands on, but, aren’t available easily. Here’s a few of my thoughts....I’m sure others have different ideas, tips, tricks, etc.

There are private courier services.....it gets expensive very quickly!!! I’ve done a bit of this.....it is almost the same price as a plane ticket for yourself to get bottles. :lol: which is not that crazy of an idea!! I know you say you don’t travel much...but, it you average it all out with a big haul it can be cheaper than the shipping........

If you can find a super cheap flight....load up on WineSkins (or cheaper Bubble Wrap Pouches).....bring an empty suitcase (and make sure to bring a travel scale to make it under the suitcase weight limit).....find a specialty bottle shop that has what your looking for, pack it up REALLY well....(i.e WineSkins, flat foam sheets are excellent!!...and making tape, to bind it all up together, and haul it back home. I try to take advantage of any trips I take....and usually plan out exactly which bottles, account for the size and weight, and pre-weigh, so that I know what I can get away with.

I know about this issue in the craft beer trading circles....it takes a while, but, If you get a network of people that are in different areas, and everyone is into the trading, then as people are traveling back and forth they can help transport bottles.

Any way you look at it, it is difficult. I think on the most part, the distribution is always a limitation. Not sure where you are in Michigan, but, it seems there is a big Ohana in Chicago.....possibly a weekend trip drive to Chicago and stop at some specialty bottle shops??

But with Max’s open in your state....it might help direct the distribution to come around? They are going to need a supply line? Not sure how close you are to Grand Rapids, but, they have the purchase power to start pulling in distribution, if they wanted to get certain bottles. If you are nearby, start making friends with the bartenders, and find out if they are interested in carrying those bottles in their bar.....if so, then the distribution follows, and there will (hopefully) be local bottle shops that start carrying :)

Personally, I CAN’T WAIT to go to Max’s.....the pictures and website look AMAZING !!!!!

Good Luck !!