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10 years ago
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10 years ago
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I fly in/out of SFO a lot but only domestically so cannot shop at the Duty Free but I have walked through it. The selection seemed on par with other major Duty free stores I have visited, lots of traffic from visitors coming/going to Asia so perhaps the selection seemed more focused on pleasing those customers.
10 years ago 0
In LAX, the GlenMorangie SIgnet was US$179 - retails for $329 in the LCBO so a handsome saving...might have it in SFO as well (was there for the clinching game against the Cardinals - awesome)
10 years ago 0
@cheeserandyburg
You might also be better served to hit up one of the spirit stores outside SFO - not sure if you are into Bourbon but saw an Angel's Envy in a couple of stores (still hitting myself in the head as I thought I could get it in San Diego)
10 years ago 0
Thanks guys! I was thinking that instead of focusing and gets my hopes up on the duty free that the local San Fran shops may have some even better prices. So far I've found one (K&L Wines) they seem to have reasonable prices especially when compared to what we pay here and a fairly nice selection. I'm really hoping to pick up some HP18 year old.. which is $180 over here.. or some stuff from Springbank/Longrow. Bourbon isn't a priority right now since I've just picked up some good stuff over here recently!
10 years ago 0
Arrggg, I'm so disappointed at the moment. I think I got a little over excited for nothing. I seemed to forget that there is NO CARRY ON LIQUIDS allowed, only check allows for that stuff. (And there will be no checking of bags) Which basically means, I can't pick anything up besides at duty free. This all comes on the heels of discovering a store in San Fran that specifically sells single malts and a selection people from Ontario can only dream of :( Why must life be so cruel... lol
10 years ago 0
@cheeserandyburg
If they are that rare, buy a small but sturdy tote bag (can't be that expensive), wrap the bottles in clothes and check the bag...
10 years ago 0
Right on. What does a baggage fee cost these days—$25? That's less than shipping from the UK. It could easily be worth it for a few hard-to-get or well-priced bottles.
Shopping K&L? You probably know they have a decent website that you can browse ahead of time. And (just guessing) you can probably pre-order stuff and have it ready for you to pick up at the location of your choice.
K&L do a lot of their own single casks from Scotland. They also carry that crazy Lost Spirits stuff that I'd love to try.
In any case, cheeserandyburg, let us know what you buy and what you wish you COULD have bought.
10 years ago 1Who liked this?
I won't be the one traveling this time around, its actually someone else that's going over there and I asked them to see if they could bring back some stuff since they offered. I only found out last minute they wouldn't be checking any bags and they travel lightly. No biggie, it's a learning experience.
@OlJas - That's a great idea for the future! I know of some really nice protective cases for fragile gear that could fit a few bottles. Wrap them up in a some clothing/socks and check them. From what I understand and read, any trip over 8 days and you can bring up to 5 litres worth of spirit. Not that I would bring that much, but it sure does leave a few options open for anyone really serious!
I'm aware of the K&L website, that's how I stumbled upon them. The other place that has a good selection, perhaps a wee bit smaller but still great is whiskyshopusa dot com. They're located right in the downtown core. You can even view the inside of their shop (including their whiskies) via google maps. Quite impressive.
For now, all I can do is play the waiting game, I provided a list of potential picks and buys so we'll see, if anything, I selectedt:
Springbank CS 12yo as first pick followed by Springbank 15, and then last choice 10 year old (which I already had and still is in my top picks for quality and bang for buck) Longrow (peated) and Longrow CV Some Tailsker 10 yo (at the duty free shop), distillers edition (duty free) Hazelburn 12 and some other stuff that may be cheaper then whats here.
Basically anything briny, smokey and peaty. The great thing about the US is the selection/pricing. Up here in Canada its basically the same thing over and over again, and as much as I love my Highland Park 12, I can't justify spending $180cnd for the 18 year old.
10 years ago 0
I'll be having a chance to pass through here very shortly. Anyone know whats available at this location in terms of single malts? I have my eyes set currently on Highland Park 18 hopefully at a discounted price (cause at the moment its $180cnd over here) and something from Springbank/Longrow. Perhaps the Springbank 15yo. If anyone has any other suggestions I've be keen on hearing whats worth checking out and available. Seems a lot of the bottles are 1L instead of the usual 750ml.