Table of Contents

The Elusive Pony: Unveiling Blanton’s Bourbon Sightings at Costco

Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon, with its iconic horse and jockey stopper collection, has become a coveted bottle for bourbon enthusiasts. Its smooth profile and presentation make it highly sought after, often leading to a scavenger hunt across liquor stores. And then there’s the legend: Costco. Whispers abound of this liquid gold appearing at Costco warehouses, but the reality is more nuanced than a simple “yes” or “no.”

Blanton’s has primarily been spotted at Costco locations in states where they are permitted to sell liquor. This primarily includes states that have relatively liberal alcohol sales laws. These have prominently included:

California: Often considered a hot spot for Costco liquor finds, although availability varies greatly by location.
Texas: Some Texas Costco warehouses have reportedly carried Blanton’s, usually around major holidays.
Washington: Occasional sightings have been reported in Washington state.
Arizona: Similar to the states above, availability is sporadic but can be found.
Colorado: Colorado also experiences occasional Blanton’s drops at select Costco warehouses.

It’s crucial to understand that Blanton’s is not a regular stock item at Costco. Its appearance is often tied to special allocations and varies greatly between warehouses, even within the same state. This means you can’t rely on a consistent supply; it’s more about catching it when it appears. Further, availability is highly dependent on state and local alcohol regulations. Some states do not allow Costco to sell liquor at all, or they have stricter regulations on what and how they can sell.

Decoding the Costco Blanton’s Mystery

The mystique surrounding Blanton’s at Costco stems from its unpredictable nature. Unlike standard Costco fare, like Kirkland vodka or bulk snacks, finding Blanton’s requires a combination of luck, timing, and insider knowledge. Here’s a deeper dive:

Why the Sporadic Appearances?

Several factors contribute to Blanton’s infrequent presence at Costco:

Limited Allocations: Blanton’s, produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery, faces supply constraints. Allocations are distributed to retailers, and Costco receives only a fraction of what other stores might.
Costco’s Buying Power: Costco can secure attractive pricing on certain items due to its massive purchasing power. When Blanton’s is available, it’s often at a competitive price, contributing to the high demand and rapid sell-out.
Regional Distribution: Distribution networks vary across states. Some regions may receive more Blanton’s allocations than others, influencing which Costco warehouses get a supply.
Special Promotions: Costco might feature Blanton’s as part of a special promotional event or holiday offering, further limiting its availability to specific periods.

Securing Your Own Bottle: Tips and Tricks

While there’s no guaranteed method for finding Blanton’s at Costco, you can increase your chances with these strategies:

Regular Visits: Frequent trips to your local Costco liquor section are essential. Check during different times of the day and week.
Talk to Employees: Inquire with Costco employees in the liquor department. They may have inside information on upcoming shipments or recent deliveries. Be polite and respectful.
Online Forums and Social Media: Join online bourbon communities or social media groups dedicated to Costco finds. Members often share sightings and updates on Blanton’s availability.
Know Your State’s Alcohol Laws: Understand the specific regulations regarding alcohol sales at Costco in your state. This will help you target locations where Blanton’s is more likely to appear.
Be Prepared to Buy: If you spot Blanton’s, don’t hesitate. Given its popularity, it will likely sell out quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Blanton’s and Costco

These FAQs address common questions about finding Blanton’s at Costco and provide additional information for bourbon enthusiasts.

1. What is the average price of Blanton’s at Costco?

When available, Blanton’s at Costco typically retails for around $55-$70, depending on the location and local taxes. This is often significantly lower than the price at specialty liquor stores or on the secondary market.

2. Which Costco locations are most likely to carry Blanton’s?

Costco warehouses in states with less restrictive alcohol laws, like California, Texas, Washington, Arizona, and Colorado, are generally more likely to carry Blanton’s. However, there’s no definitive list; availability varies greatly.

3. How often does Costco restock Blanton’s?

Restocks are highly irregular and unpredictable. There is no set schedule, and the timing depends on distillery allocations and Costco’s distribution network.

4. Can I order Blanton’s online from Costco?

Generally, no. Costco does not typically sell hard liquor online, even in states where they sell it in-store. You’ll need to visit a physical warehouse to check for availability.

5. Is the Blanton’s at Costco the same as anywhere else?

Yes. The Blanton’s bottles sold at Costco are the same as those sold at other retailers. It’s the same single-barrel bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery.

6. What’s the deal with the horse and jockey stoppers?

Each bottle of Blanton’s features a stopper with a different horse and jockey figurine, representing a stage in a horse race. Collecting all eight stoppers spells out “BLANTON’S”. This collectibility adds to the bourbon’s appeal.

7. Does Costco carry other rare bourbons besides Blanton’s?

Yes. Costco occasionally carries other sought-after bourbons, such as Eagle Rare, Weller, and even Pappy Van Winkle, though these are even rarer than Blanton’s.

8. Is it worth paying a premium for Blanton’s on the secondary market?

That depends on your individual preferences and budget. While paying a premium ensures you get a bottle, consider whether the inflated price aligns with your personal value assessment of the bourbon.

9. What are some alternatives to Blanton’s that are more readily available?

If you can’t find Blanton’s, consider exploring other excellent bourbons like Eagle Rare, Four Roses Single Barrel, or Knob Creek Single Barrel.

10. Does having a Costco Business membership increase my chances of finding Blanton’s?

No. Your membership type (Gold Star, Executive, or Business) doesn’t affect your access to Blanton’s. Availability depends solely on the warehouse’s inventory.

11. Can I call Costco to check if they have Blanton’s in stock?

While you can call, employees typically won’t disclose alcohol inventory over the phone. They may direct you to visit the store to check.

12. What is the best time of year to look for Blanton’s at Costco?

There’s no guaranteed “best” time, but sightings often increase around major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, as Costco may feature Blanton’s as a special offering.