This photo was taken in 2010. Back then, it usually was my job to bring the bourbon. If memory serves me correctly, Pappy 15 retailed for around $65. Because it already was difficult to find Pappy on the retail shelves, if you wanted to get your hands on some, you had to search eBay where the going price was $85. (In the old days, you could purchase liquor on eBay.) We all agreed it was worth the upcharge. Fast forward a couple of years and secondary prices had escalated to $120. Way too expensive, we thought. Yeah, it was good but $120? Forget it.

How quaint.

Here’s a toast to quality, affordable bourbon. Enjoy it now because there is a good chance it won’t be around – or affordable – tomorrow. Cheers.

—Cory