What “Store Pick” Bourbon actually means

On the surface, what makes a bourbon a bourbon is quite simple. As a quintessentially American spirit, bourbon must be made in the USA, contain at least 51% corn, be aged for at least two years in new charred oak barrels, contain no coloring or flavoring other than water, and be bottled at between 80 and 125 proof. However, the rise in popularity of bourbon in recent years—the most expensive bottles of bourbon can fetch a fortune—has led to an increase in the number of bourbon varieties, which has only broadened the terminology. Well, add store-bought bourbon to the mix.

A store pick, also called a private barrel or privately selected barrel, is when a store (or restaurant, bar, private bourbon club, or other buyer) selects a specific barrel of bourbon from a distillery, which is then bottled and labeled to indicate that it is not a bottle normally released by the distillery. Store picks are becoming increasingly popular as stores and retailers realize it is a way to offer something different and stand out from the competition. For consumers, it is a way to try a different variation of a well-known brand.

Read more: The 27 best bourbon brands, ranked

How to select a store selection

There are typically three different ways that store picks are selected: a buyer visits the distillery to try different barrels and chooses the one they like, the distillery sends the buyer samples from different barrels for them to try and choose, or a buyer is given the opportunity to purchase a barrel pre-selected by the distillery. Store picks are almost always single barrels and not small batch bourbons, although it is possible for store picks to be a blend.

It’s important to note that store-selected bourbons aren’t necessarily better than regular bourbons from a particular brand or distillery. The store may not have even had a chance to taste the barrel beforehand. Even if they did, you’re relying on someone else’s palate and taste, which may be quite different than yours. It’s a good idea to talk to the store or salesperson offering the store-select to find out how the barrel was selected and if they had a chance to taste it, as well as details about the tasting notes. If the store offers a sample, that’s even better, as you can then see if you like the particular bottle before you buy it. One thing is for sure with store-selected bottles: you probably won’t find them anywhere else!

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