I've heard it's tasty. Bear in mind: the years when I could buy my own alcohol started in Washington State and British Columbia, both of which did not permit private alcohol sales. Booze in Seattle is purchased from The State (my local was WSLCB #173), which does not sell on Sundays, which does not sell past 8pm, and which carries the state-mandated brands. If you want a special order, you must purchase seven cases in advance. There was an underground railroad of sorts - if you knew one of these WSLCB proprietors, you could say "hey, Louise - I'm looking for some Marischino." She'd give you a look, then she'd go onto the inventory computer and type furiously. "Bob has some of that down in Aberdeen," she'd say. Janice's mom is out in Gray's Harbor; I could get Bob to transfer a bottle to Janice, then Alan can pick it up on his way to work and transfer it to Larry, who's on the way to work here. I think Janice is heading down to Montesanto next month; that be soon enough?" …so you didn't whimsically walk into a liquor store and buy stuff. And when you were across state lines (like, WAY across - Oregon has state-run, too), there was only so much booze you could travel with. Now of course I've got Beverage Warehouse a short bike ride away… but that place is The Rabbit Hole. They've got two warehouse shelves worth of Scotch outside the humidor… and the spendy stuff… man.
I too am at the mercy of what they call an ABC store here in North Carolina. It sucks, and the selection is horrible. So I can understand your past frustrations. However, look what I found: The official Rye of Hubski. b_b, it's going to be a nice thanksgiving!
Normally the selection here is pretty slim, I was as surprised as anyone. Let me know how your selections fair. Currently having a Bulleit Manhattan I made per my mother-in-laws request. I don't think she knew what she was asking for.... My father-in-law is in for a fun night. :)
Enjoy! I hope I can find some, too, but I'm sure I'll manage to drink too much whiskey even if it's not redemption. BTW, you have any recommendations on a good brand of vermouth and/or bitters? I know you're a cocktail guy. Thinking about mixing Manhattans (as I really enjoyed drinking them the other day, and what better way to use rye?!), but I don't have any experience whatsoever in the cocktail game.