As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can provide you with a detailed answer to your question about Heaven Hill bottled-in-bond being allocated.
Heaven Hill is a well-known distillery that produces a wide range of spirits, including bourbon. The term “allocated” refers to a product that is in limited supply and may not be readily available to the general public. Allocated products are often highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors, leading to high demand and limited availability.
In the case of Heaven Hill bottled-in-bond, it is important to note that the term “bottled-in-bond” refers to a specific set of regulations and standards set by the U.S. government. These regulations include being the product of a single distillery from a single distilling season, aged for a minimum of four years, and bottled at 100 proof or 50% alcohol by volume.
While Heaven Hill does produce bottled-in-bond bourbons, such as the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond fall edition mentioned in the question, it is common for these releases to be allocated. This means that they are often released in limited quantities and may not be widely available for purchase.
The allocation of bottled-in-bond releases is often due to a combination of factors, including the limited supply of aged bourbon stocks, the high demand for these high-quality products, and the desire to create a sense of exclusivity and rarity. By making these releases allocated, distilleries can generate excitement and anticipation among consumers, creating a buzz around their products.
As a sommelier, I have experienced the challenges of obtaining allocated spirits firsthand. Many highly sought-after releases, including bottled-in-bond bourbons, are often sold out quickly upon release. Some enthusiasts even form long lines and camp outside liquor stores in the hopes of securing a bottle.
The allocation of bottled-in-bond bourbons can vary from release to release and from distillery to distillery. Some releases may be more readily available, while others may be extremely limited. It is common for these releases to be distributed through a lottery system or to be offered exclusively to select retailers or members of whiskey clubs.
While Heaven Hill produces bottled-in-bond bourbons, the availability of these releases is often limited and they may be allocated. This means that they are released in limited quantities and may be difficult to find for the average consumer. The allocation of these bourbons is often due to factors such as limited supply, high demand, and the desire to create exclusivity and rarity.