HOUSTON — Dozens of bourbon enthusiasts camped outside of a Houston-area Spec's for days for an opportunity to purchase rare and highly sought-after bottles.
People camped out for days to take part in Spec’s annual Bourbon Drop to get access to rare and highly sought-after bottles.
Some brought tents to get their place in line outside the store in Midtown, while others were there with lighter accommodations.
“We were not equipped, we brought a blanket and a chair,” Ashlee Sawtell of Tomball told KHOU 11 News.
Sawtell arrived Wednesday morning, but the first customers had arrived on Christmas morning. Sawtell was there with her father, and although they endured chilly overnight temperatures, they said the it was worth it.
“It’s my kids with me so just kind of came out, had a good time, made some memories,” Isan Sawtell said. “The bourbon’s cool but hanging out with your kids and doing something different, [that’s] excellent.”
The event allows people access to rare and sought-after bottles at retail prices instead of purchasing the same items for higher prices on the secondary market.
“It’s one of the biggest drops in the United States,” Ray Cortez of Pearland told KHOU 11 while shopping in the store. “We've been here since Tuesday, so, this so far is working, we're having a good, good time.”
Some shoppers said they were ready to spend hundreds and even thousands of dollars.
“I got everything I wanted, it was worth it,” Raquell Harris, one of the first shoppers in line who arrived Christmas morning, said. “The four days we spent the night outside was worth it, I got everything I wanted.”
Fans camp out for days outside Spec's
“I got here at 4 a.m. on Christmas morning," Harris said. "I have been out here since then."
The Spec's in Midtown is one of few stores hosting the annual "Bourbon Drop" on Thursday and Harris was first in line for a chance to purchase her special bourbon at retail price.
The line Wednesday was wrapped around the building. People came from all over the state, including a group who made it in line on Tuesday at 10 a.m. after driving from Austin,
“Houston, the drop is way better," said Taylor Welden. "There are more bottles. There is better selection."
The camping setup for many was quite impressive. The fourth person in line drove from Anderson, Texas and this year he made sure he was ready to camp in style. He brought quite a setup, making it feel more like a tailgate. He had a grill, games and air mattress.
“I have been planning this out since last year when I was freezing in the chair in the rain,” said Anderson.
The store on Smith Street will open at 10 a.m. Thursday. The manager said people are allowed to purchase one bottle at each different station they will have set up.
Here is what is available as part of the release:
- Old Forester Barrel Strength
- Willett Wheated Bourbon or Single Barrel Bourbon (choose one)
- Smoke Wagon Single Barrel Rye
- E.H. Taylor Bourbon
- Stagg Bourbon
- Proof and Wood Tumblin Dice
- Rittenhouse Rye
- Rosewood Kentucky Bourbon
- Lucky Seven Holiday Toast, the Proprietor & the Frenchman
- Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon (10 recipe options – choose 1)
- Widow Jane 10YR
- Ezra Brooks
- Siempre Tequila Mythology & Willett
- Angel’s Envy
- Eagle Rare 10YR
- Bardstown Bourbon Origin
- Weller Full Proof or 107 (choose one)
- New Riff Bourbon & Rye
- Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirits
- Yellowstone Bourbon
- Knob Creek
- Maker’s Mark Bourbon Day 2023
- O.K.I Straight Bourbon
- Russell’s Reserve Bourbon
- Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
- Arette Reposado, Anejo & Extra Anejo
- Buffalo Trace Bourbon
- Rebel Yell Dist. Collection
- Penelope Bourbon
- Blanton’s (375ml, 750ml or Gold – choose one)