There's a specific kind of frustration known only to bourbon hunters: walking into a liquor store, spotting a bottle of Blanton's Gold or W.L. Weller on the shelf, picking it up — and then seeing the price tag. $180. $220. Sometimes more. For a bottle with an MSRP under $100.
In Augusta, Georgia, that frustration is common. But it doesn't have to be. At Top Notch Liquor on Barton Chapel Road, allocated bourbon is sold at Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price — always. No speculation premiums. No "collector's pricing." Just the bottle you've been hunting at the price it was supposed to cost.
That single policy has turned Top Notch into Augusta's go-to destination for serious bourbon enthusiasts — and it's the reason the store carries a 4.8-star rating with over 320 Google reviews.
What Is Allocated Bourbon, and Why Does It Matter?
Allocated bourbons are produced in limited quantities and distributed to retailers in small allotments — sometimes just a handful of bottles per store, per release. The most sought-after names include the entire Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC), Blanton's expressions, W.L. Weller, and E.H. Taylor releases.
The demand for these bottles has exploded over the past decade. What was once a niche hobby has become a full-blown cultural phenomenon. The result: most retailers either sell allocations to their best customers quietly, or mark them up dramatically to capture what the market will bear.
"EH Taylor Single Barrel for MSRP. Thank you for the amazing customer service and for not marking up Bourbon like your competitors." — Verified Google Review, Top Notch Liquor
The Allocated Bourbons You Can Find at Top Notch
Stock changes with every allocation shipment from Buffalo Trace and Georgia's distribution network — but these are the bottles Top Notch customers have found at MSRP:
- W.L. Weller Single Barrel — Wheated bourbon from Buffalo Trace. Same mash bill as Pappy Van Winkle. Honey, caramel, silky smooth finish. One of the most hunted bottles in American whiskey.
- Blanton's Gold Edition — The original single barrel bourbon. Rich, complex, with dried fruit and spice. The iconic horse-and-jockey stopper. Ask staff when the next allocation is expected.
- E.H. Taylor Single Barrel — Named for the father of the modern bourbon industry. 100 proof, bottled-in-bond, non-chill filtered. An important bottle for any serious collection.
- Top Notch Barrel Picks — Periodically, the team hand-selects single barrels exclusively for Top Notch customers. These are one-of-a-kind expressions you won't find anywhere else in Augusta.
How to Hunt Allocated Bourbon at Top Notch Liquor
Step 1: Call Ahead
The single most effective strategy is a phone call. Dial (706) 925-6691 and ask what allocations are currently available. The staff are knowledgeable and honest — they'll tell you exactly what's on hand rather than have you make a wasted trip.
Step 2: Become a Regular
In the bourbon world, relationships matter. Top Notch's staff knows their regular customers — and regular customers often find out about incoming allocations before the bottles even hit the shelf. Stop by consistently, get to know the team, and you'll be in a much stronger position when something special arrives.
Step 3: Ask About the Back
Multiple Google reviews reference this explicitly: "Ask if they have anything not on the shelf." The store's visible inventory isn't always everything they have. Ask the staff — you might be surprised what's available for customers who ask.
Step 4: Come In Through the Drive-Thru
Top Notch has a drive-thru — unique for a high-end spirits retailer. If you're just checking in to see what's come in since your last visit, a quick drive-thru loop is an efficient way to stay connected without taking up too much time.
Why Top Notch Sells at MSRP When Others Don't
The economics of allocated bourbon are straightforward: if you can sell a $65 bottle for $200, and people will pay it, why wouldn't you? Many retailers have answered that question by marking up aggressively.
Top Notch Liquor made a different choice — one that's built a community of loyal customers who specifically mention the store's no-markup policy in their reviews. The customer base that builds when you consistently do the right thing is more valuable, and more durable, than the short-term margin from speculation pricing.
That's a business philosophy as much as a retail decision. And in Augusta, it's working.
Visit Top Notch Liquor in Augusta
Top Notch Liquor is located at 2751 Barton Chapel Rd, Augusta, GA 30906. Call (706) 925-6691 to check today's allocation availability before visiting. Drive-thru available.