@embolini9: "You can also just switch where you shop - like gas prices, liquor prices go up and down DRAMATICALLY depending on the location of the liquor store."
While this is generally a decent suggestion, some states have regulated liquor prices via the Liquor Control Commission (Dept of Labor & Economic Growth). Many readers do not have the luxury of simply "shopping around" for better prices. Good article.
Sometimes you can find a good deal on your favorite spirit by checking listed sales at liquorliker.com. It might be worth a stop at a store that's a bit out of your way, if you've got several bottles to buy, and you're saving $5-6 on each bottle.
nickinc & AHolland: good points. As wookie pointed out, my intent wasn't to say that Glenfiddich is just like Laphroaig, just cheaper, but that at a time when you're tightening your belt, sometimes it's necessary to shift off the favorite tastes and onto something still pleasing, but cheaper. AHolland's recommendation of Bowmore as a more appropriate substitution for Laphroaig is better than my Glenfiddich example; thanks for suggesting that.
I had several nice crystal decanters for years, but never used them. Four years ago we moved and I set up a self service bar in the dining room. I used my decanters on a cart with a mirrored top. They look great! I got some very nice pewter nameplates to hang around them and I filled them up. I have bourbon, scotch, gin, vodka, rum and cognac. When company comes over I direct them to the bar. I also use a crystal ice bucket with silver tongs and a small crystal water pitcher. People make their own drinks in my heavy bottom crystal glasses and only ask me for whatever mix they need. I don't deceive them about the brands; if asked I answer.
Bourbon, Jim Beam Black; Scotch, Famous Grouse; Gin, Bombay Sapphire; Vodka, Sirmnoff Triple Filtered; Rum, Bacardi Select Dark; Cognac, Hennessey. I'm rarely asked about the brands and when I am it's usually to offer a positive comment. This approach allows me to purchase the larger containers which generally offer a better price per ounce. I figure I save at least $600 a year on liquor; more than enough to buy a few decanters if my friends hadn't given me any. By the way I drink all the brands on the rocks or with a splash except the rum. That's with coke or tonic.
I'd like to return to the Glenfiddich v. Laphroaig debate. To say that Glenfiddich (a smooth highland malt) is a possible subsititute for Laphroaig (a smokey, strong island malt) is wrong. That doesn't mean, though, that there are now cheaper substitutes to look for. Probably your best bet for a cheaper substitute would be Bowmore (which also hails from Islay). It goes for around $40.
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