McGregor's Whiskey: Off the Shelves – A Collector's Lament (and a Guide to Finding a Bottle)
Okay, so you're here because you're hunting for McGregor's whiskey, right? You've heard the hype, maybe seen some ridiculously priced bottles online, and now you're obsessed. I get it. I was there. I am still there, kind of. Let me tell you, my journey to finding this elusive spirit has been…well, let’s just say it’s involved more frustration than a toddler with a crayon and a fresh coat of paint.
My McGregor's Misadventures
It all started innocently enough. I saw a post on Instagram – a blurry photo of a bottle, some guy flexing with it, hashtags like #McGregorsWhiskey #ProperTwelve #LimitedEdition. I chuckled, thinking, "Yeah, right, another celebrity-endorsed hooch." But then I started digging. And digging. And digging. Turns out, this stuff is actually pretty good. Smooth, surprisingly complex for a blended Irish whiskey, and, yeah, the marketing is chef's kiss.
My first attempt? A local liquor store, naturally. Dude behind the counter looked at me like I'd asked for a unicorn horn. Strike one. Then I tried online retailers. Sold out everywhere. Except for eBay, where prices were higher than a giraffe's neck. Seriously, I saw bottles going for three, four times the original retail price. That's insane! I almost pulled the trigger on one, but something stopped me. It felt…wrong. Like paying a ransom for a glass of liquid gold.
Where to Actually Find McGregor's Whiskey
So, after months of fruitless searching (and a few near-meltdowns), I learned a few things. This is what I wish I'd known before I embarked on my whiskey quest:
1. Check Smaller, Independent Liquor Stores: Big box stores often sell out quickly. Smaller, local shops might still have some hidden gems. You'll have to do some legwork – call ahead if you can!
2. Expand Your Search Terms: Don't just search for "McGregor's Whiskey." Try variations like "Proper No. Twelve," "Proper Twelve Irish Whiskey," or even "Conor McGregor Whiskey" (because, let's face it, that's how some people know it). Those specific keywords can be helpful when searching online.
3. Be Patient (and Persistent): This isn't an easy hunt. Releases are often limited, and bottles disappear fast. Sign up for email alerts from liquor stores or online retailers that carry it – some places will notify you when new stock arrives.
4. Consider Alternatives: Okay, so you can't find that specific McGregor's. There are so many other amazing Irish whiskeys out there. Don't limit yourself. Explore! You might discover a new favorite.
5. Beware of Counterfeits: This is HUGE. With high demand comes the risk of fakes. Only buy from reputable sources, and if the price seems too good to be true...it probably is. Always be super careful and do your research.
Lessons Learned (the Hard Way)
Don't get emotionally attached to a bottle. This one hit me hard. I got so fixated on finding that specific bottle I’d seen online. It became an obsession that clouded my judgement.
My advice? Set a budget and stick to it. It’s easy to get caught up in the thrill of the hunt.
This journey has taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of researching things before jumping in. But hey, at least I learned a whole lot about whiskey along the way. And who knows, maybe one day, I'll finally snag that elusive bottle. Until then, I'll keep searching…and drinking other delicious Irish whiskey. Cheers to that!