Black Card Concierge and Booze
A few months ago, I decided to make a really illogical financial decision and got a Visa Black Card -- 'Illogical' since this particular card carries a hefty $500/year annual fee.
Behold the beauty of the un-boxing!
While having a cool stainless steel credit card IS super cool, I wanted to get more for my money by using the promised concierge service. And what better task than one that is bourbon-related.
I emailed the concierge service, and asked if they could help me sniff out some bottles of my favorite bourbons (George T. Stagg, Eagle Rare 17, Jefferson Reserve 18, etc.)
This is the reply I received a day later:
From: Black Card Concierge
Date: Wed, Feb 19, 2014
Subject: Black Card Concierge - Case Id: 123123
To: GREG.JAGIELLO
I have truly enjoyed researching your favorite bourbons and whiskies. This case has a very personal interest for me as I live in Kentucky and (something relevant but personally identifiable.)
The George T. Stagg and Vintage 21 Year Rye Whiskey are indeed challenging bottles to locate, but after extensive research have managed to find one location for each varietal. As an alternative, or addition, I would like to strongly suggest the Eljiah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon. Elijah Craig 12 and 18 year olds are a favorite of my husband and myself.
Vintage 21 Year Rye Whiskey is distributed by Willett's. If you love a nice rye whiskey, Willett also has Willett Pot Still Reserve Rye. Neil and I know Drew Culsveen, the Master Distiller at Willett's. I am certain Drew would be interested in your impressions of his newest effort.
Eagel Rare Option 1
K & L Wine Merchants
638 4th Street
San Francisco, CA 94107
Phone: 415-896-1734
Website: http://www.klwines.com
Hours: Monday - Friday 10:00AM - 7:00PM PST, Saturday 9:00AM - 6:00PM PST, Sunday 11:00AM - 6:00PM PST
Eagle Rare Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon 750ml: $24.99 not including tax and fees
This company has been in business since 1976. They do specialize in fine wines and hard to find spirits. They are family owned and only 41 minutes from your billing adress per Google Maps. They do have 2 bottles or more available for purchase.
Eagle Rare Option 2
Twenty Twenty Wine Merchants
2020 Cotner Avenue
West Los Angeles, CA 90025
Phone: 310-447-2020
Website: http://www.2020wines.com
Hours: Monday - Friday 10:AM - 6:30PM, Saturday 11:00AM - 6:00PM, Sunday Closed
Eagle Rare Bourbon Single Barrel 10 Years Old 750ml: $29.99 not including tax and fees
Eagle Rare Bourbon Single Barrel 17 Years Old 750ml: $475.00 not including tax and fees
This company is run by Mr. Golbahar who focuses the companies efforts not only access to fine and rare wines and spirits but on customer service including rapid shipping. They have been in business since 1982 and contribute to over 30 major charitable orginaztions.
Jefferson Rserve Option 1
K & L Wine Merchants
638 4th Street
San Francisco, CA 94107
Phone: 415-896-1734
Website: http://www.klwines.com
Hours: Monday - Friday 10:00AM - 7:00PM PST, Saturday 9:00AM - 6:00PM PST, Sunday 11:00AM - 6:00PM PST
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old Bourbon 750ml: $39.99 not including tax and fees   Â
This company has been in business since 1976. They do specialize in fine wines and hard to find spirits. They are family owned and only 41 minutes from your billing adress per Google Maps. They do have 2 bottles or more available for purchase.
Jefferson Reserve Option 2
A Cork Above
P O Box 18016
Clearwater, FL 33762
Phone: 727-259-5801
Website: http://acorkabove.com
Hours: Monday - Sunday 24 Hours
Jeffersons Presidential Select 21yr Bourbon 750ml: $169.00 not including tax and fees    Â
Jeffersons Reserve Very Small Batch Bourbon 750ml: $79.00 not including tax and fees     Â
Jeffersons Straight Rye Whiskey 10 year 750ml: $71.00 not including tax and fees
This company is an internet mall service, and products are shipped from the vendors straight to you. They also have a collection of interesting newsletters including titles like "Rye is Back!" and "Experimental Bourbon".
George T. Stagg Option 1
Twenty Twenty Wine Merchants
2020 Cotner Avenue
West Los Angeles, CA 90025
Phone: 310-447-2020
Website: http://www.2020wines.com
Hours: Monday - Friday 10:AM - 6:30PM, Saturday 11:00AM - 6:00PM, Sunday Closed
George T. Stagg Bourbon Barrel Proof 750ml: $465.00 not including tax and fees
Stagg Jr Kentucky Straight Bourbon 750ml: $155.00 not including tax and fees
This company is run by Mr. Golbahar who focuses the companies efforts not only access to fine and rare wines and spirits but on customer service including rapid shipping. They have been in business since 1982 and contribute to over 30 major charitable orginaztions.
George T. Stagg Option 2
A Cork Above
P O Box 18016
Clearwater, FL 33762
Phone: 727-259-5801
Website: http://acorkabove.com
Hours: Monday - Sunday 24 Hours
Stagg Jr Kentucky Straight Bourbon 750ml: $98.00 not including tax and fees
This company is an internet mall service, and products are shipped from the vendors straight to you. They also have a collection of interesting newsletters including titles like "Rye is Back!" and "Experimental Bourbon".
Vintage 21 Year Rye Whiskey Option 1
K & L Wine Merchants
638 4th Street
San Francisco, CA 94107
Phone: 415-896-1734
Website: http://www.klwines.com
Hours: Monday - Friday 10:00AM - 7:00PM PST, Saturday 9:00AM - 6:00PM PST, Sunday 11:00AM - 6:00PM PST
Vintage 21 Year Rye Whiskey 750ml: $84.99 not including tax and fees
This company has been in business since 1976. They do specialize in fine wines and hard to find spirits. They are family owned and only 41 minutes from your billing adress per Google Maps.
You may also be interested in checking out The Bourbon Review at http://gobourbon.com. Justin and Seth Thompson are real enthusiasts with a great sense of humor.
I hope this information helps in finding the spirits you are looking for. It was pleasure to assist you.
Jennifer (name changed to be less personally identifiable)
Concierge
I ended up picking up two bottles of Stagg Jr. and two of Jefferson Very Small Batch, using my Black card, of course! I've still got one of each, despite sampling each with a half-dozen friends over the last few months.
So there you go, well worth the membership fee (or at least a chunk of it.)Â
Thanks to Ethan for the assist in qualifying the accuracy and value of the concierge's information.