We've received your email address, and soon you will start getting exclusive offers and news from Wine Enthusiast. Kevin Switzer, who had a more modest purchase, was thrilled, "This is a great day. Im starting to have more and more items go on allocation, he says. Skip to content. https://www.houstonliquorstore.com/Michelada-Scarface-Ruben-c51351718. Suppliers, meaning the distilleries, determine how much allocation of premium bourbons each state receives. In short, you scratch my back (by doing business with me), and Ill scratch yours (through discounts or special access). Independent shops like mine get shafted hard, he says. Big Grove Tavern - Champaign IL. CROWN ROYAL 750ML. On the secondary market, this 20-year-old jewel goes for approximately $1,500. 12 YR. 750 ML. If you're looking for a bourbon that isn't stashed away via lock and key, look for the mom and pop stores near you! Massive FB groups were co-created by the rabid fans of the Bourbon Boom of the 2000s and early 2010s, who wanted more interesting or rare whiskeys than they could find at their local liquor stores; and by brands who build their prestige and profits by keeping production . As helpful as the group is, you will not find any . See you there! Looking for the latest new bourbon releases?This bourbon release calendar is updated for 2023. Compare prices with other stores in Houston or click through to a shop's website to buy online. This is a review for distilleries in Houston, TX: "They have been pushing branded product placement to much lately. Houston FOX 26 Houston Special bourbon release draws long lines Hundreds of people splurged on themselves and are ready to toast the new year with a freshly stocked bar of hard-to-find varieties of bourbon. Sean Minor 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles), Bersano 2020 Costalunga (Barbera d'Asti Superiore), McLaren Flat Wine Co. 2021 Chardonnay (South Australia), Ireland Family 2021 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley), Folded Hills 2020 Estate Syrah (Santa Ynez Valley), Folded Hills 2020 Estate Grenache (Santa Ynez Valley), J. Lohr 2021 Arroyo Vista Chardonnay (Arroyo Seco), PoderNuovo a Palazzone 2019 Therra Red (Toscana), Firriato NV Gaudensius Blanc de Noir (Etna), Finca Bacara 2021 3015 Ecolgico Monastrell (Jumilla), Marchesi Antinori 2019 Villa Antinori Red (Toscana), Wrath 2020 Destruction Level Red (Monterey), Wrath 2020 San Saba Vineyard Syrah (Monterey), Wrath 2020 McIntyre Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands), Michele Chiarlo 2020 Le Orme (Barbera d'Asti), San Pedro 2020 1865 Selected Vineyards Las Moradas Carmenere (Maule Valley), San Pedro 2020 1865 Selected Vineyards Las Piedras Cabernet Sauvignon (Maipo Valley), Hidalgo 2019 Tradicin H Crianza (Rioja), Bodegas Luzn 2021 Altos de Luzn Made With Organic Grapes Monastrell (Jumilla), Flix Lorenzo Cachazo 2021 Carrasvinas Verdejo (Rueda), Via La Ronciere 2020 Licanten Idahue Estate Malbec (Curic Valley), Via La Ronciere NV Selva Oscura Extra Brut Sparkling (Malleco), Derby 2020 Derbyshire Vineyard Chardonnay (San Luis Obispo County), Bodegas Olarra 2018 Olarra Clsico Reserva (Rioja), Daou 2020 Sequentis Reserve Merlot (Paso Robles), Fernndez Rivera 2019 Condado De Haza Crianza (Ribera del Duero), Fernndez Rivera 2019 Tinto Pesquera Crianza (Ribera del Duero), Portlandia 2019 Big Believer Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA)), By continuing to use our Services and/or submitting the above information, you agree to our use of cookies and the terms of our Privacy Policy, By continuing to use our Services and/or submitting the above information, you agree to our use of cookies and the terms of ourPrivacy Policy, How Pappy Van Winkle Became a Wildly Expensive, Impossible-to-Find Unicorn. This is definitely the place to go if you're looking for liquor, drinks or anything in betwee", All "whiskey store" results in Houston, Texas, Search whiskey store in popular locations. And most of the time, theyre telling the truth. Add to Cart Full details Share Tweet Pin it Blanton's | Single Barrel $219.99 $169.95 The massive liquor store chains like Total Wine are great for the purpose they serve. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Firestone & Robertson TX Blended Whiskey 750ml Bottle, GLENMORANGIE ORGNL 86 SNGL MLT SCTCH 750ML, Blanton's Bourbon - Single Barrel 750ml Bottle (Online Exclusive). In 1964, Congress declared bourbon the only native spirit in America. The state has a fairly long viticultural history, beginning with European settlers in the 1800s and peaking at the turn of the century, but its wine industry is dwar Colorado is a state in the American west, bordered by New Mexico to the south and Wyoming to the north. For example, the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC for short), owned by the Sazerac Company, is allocated everywhere. Compare prices with other stores in Houston or click through to a shop's website to buy online. The entire group is looking for Pappy, BTAC, Blanton's, ETL, ETC. Check out the unicorns we where able to land in the end of the year allocated bourbon drops. FOX 26 Business Reporter Tom Zizka explains why 1,000 people waited in line at Spec's to buy their favorite bottles. So let's get to know Sam Houston by starting with the current end of the line, the 15 year old Release . Reply. 21+ Up Only. Buy Bourbon Whiskey online and have it delivered directly to your door! Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream-from $16.99. 1792 High Rye | 021248. Even if you dont carry the American Express Black Card, theres still an opportunity to find premium allocated bourbons if you exercise some common sense and courtesy. Buffalo Trace. What's this allocated whiskey buzz you keep hearing about? $319 99. Most bourbon brands have ramped up production, so theres a good chance that many of todays allocated bottles will be more readily available within a few years. Four Roses Small Batch Barrel Strength Bourbon 2015 Edition. HOUSTON - After all the season's gift giving, hundreds of people splurged on themselves in downtown Houston, to toast the new year with a freshly-stocked bar. Check out our allocated bourbon selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. Although premium brands are pre-allocated to various states, here are some tips on scoring premium allocated bourbons. The same holds for wine, too. Well, my parched friends, there are a few distilleries that are making some pretty fantastic whiskey, stuff that very few of us actually get to taste - unfortunately! Spend any amount of time around whiskey superfans and youll quickly hear talk of allocated bottles, allocated bourbon or the allocated market. Many restaurants and bars have special menus for allocated whiskies, while some liquor stores and specialty retailers now list allocated selections separately. The vineyards are largely planted with FrancoAmerica Tennessee is a state located in the center of the American south, between the Mississippi River and the Appalachian mountain chain. The state covers 36,500 square miles (95,000 sq km) of fertile plains and shallow valleys, well suited to the production of fruit and cereals. 20. Our goal is to bring you service with a smile! Some of you still dont get it but read on anyway. As Day 2 of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo kicks off, Meteorologist John Dawson gives us a look at what's in our forecast before you head out to NRG Stadium. We are family owned and currently operate 4 area locations, each fully stocked with a wide variety of top shelf spirits, high-end wines and craft beers. SIA Scotch. The point is about the great taste and memories of sharing with friends. Sazerac 18 Year Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey. If you have time to wait, the situation could sort itself out eventually. The store associates laughed. We Do, you may make your order through here, https://www.houstonliquorstore.com/Michelada-Scarface-Ruben-c51351718, Your email address will not be published. Bundles - Rare and Allocated - Top Bourbon SPEND $415 AND GET $30 OFF - use code TOP2023 Bundles The best selection of top shelf bourbon bundles to suit your needs. Many retailers complain about a lack of transparency in terms of how distributors choose to allocate their sought-after bottles. DTX City Centre 2013. February 26, 2021 at 11:58 pm. You know, the ones that spend a helluva a lot more in their store than you. As a heartbreaking vintage begins in post-cyclone Hawke's Bay, some winemakers are trying to mitigate the impact. "There are a limited amount of bottles that people really want, and everybody wants a chance to buy them.". If you want to drink some stuff like ETL, Blanton's, W12, etc. And then, well, theres the whiskey, too.. For their part, distributors are often unwilling even to talk about allocation. Copyright @2022 OneSouthernMedia | All Rights Reserved, Connecting the South's Music, People & Places. Sam Houston. Allocated bourbon is a term used to describe a bourbon that has been allocated by the distillery. With a wild secondary market where collectors buy and often quickly resell,or flip, popular bottles, virtually every limited-availability bourbon is likely to be allocated. We specialize in sourcing limited editions and rare vintages. However, an upscale wine and liquor retailer will be more comfortable discussing premium bourbons if they know youre willing to shop with them. A spirit that has stood the test of time, bourbon is a rich and oakey alcohol that is a long-standing symbol of American tradition. Maybe you don't know what bourbon hunting is so let's go over it. $52.57. We welcome you to stop by today and browse the largest selection of alcoholic beverages in the Carolinas. Even if they don't have it at the moment, the opportunity to build relationships and know when certain bottles will come in will help you on your journey. Buffalo Trace OFC 1996 25 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Service With a Smile We pride ourselves on excellent customer service with over 1,000 customer reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5 stars. That can be annoying enough, but the whiskey selection has gone way down hill, and the prices are steadily increasing. Be sure to follow our InstagramandLike our Facebook pageto get all of the latest Bourbon Shirtreleases, new gear and other fun stuff. Bulleit Barrel Strength. Subscribe to our updates and rest assured your privacy will be respected. 7, jd, gentleman jack, jack honey, jack fire, and country cocktails Evan Williams 23-Year. In one sense, "allocated" can serve as a synonym for "rare" or "hard to get." For instance, unicorn bottles like Pappy Van Winkle and Blanton's Straight From the Barrel are allocated, whereas. A010204. Wait long enough, and you could see the shelves of your favorite liquor store filled with a glut of great bottles someday. $579.99. All the special selections were expected to be snapped-up in about two short hours, with some buyers spending thousands to own something rare. More than 1,000 people waited in line, for up to two days, to buy their favorite bottles of bourbon; hard-to-find varieties that liquor retailer Specs gathered for their thirsty customers. Woodford Reserve. 6. Houston, Tx 77055713-461-4800. We use our huge database of critic reviews and whiskey prices from stores around the world to provide you recommendations based on the best quality. 5,000+ Spirits, Bourbons & Single Malts. Not much to recommend here anymore. A long line formed outside 2410 Smith St. for Spec's special bourbon release happening at 10 a.m. Friday. Shackleton. 7. Houston bars do get a lot of stuff that is allocated heavily elsewhere. Those and the other premium bourbons produced by the Sazerac Companya bucket-list lineup that includes Blantons, E.H. Taylor, Elmer T. Lee, O.F.C. While they do still have some high end Scotch, that are overpriced. . Booker's. Buffalo Trace. Distillers and wholesalers have a Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). In Stock . Select Saturday mornings (1-2 times a month) we open our doors at 9am and allow everyone in line to take their picks at our allocated bourbon items! 159.99. Premier Fine Wine And Spirits 44 Beer, Wine & Spirits $$The Heights "the new flavored vodka in my face, or what ever new flavored whiskey the distributor wants them to." more 2. Don't see what your looking for? The longer the liquor is aged, the richer the flavors will be. It doesn't necessarily mean. What bottles are allocated can depend on the market, though there are some basic guidelines, starting with high-end bourbon. The BTAC is comprised of: Eagle Rare 17 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Ask around. Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device. Raquel Harris couldn't agree more, as she proudly held a bottle of 10-year-old Old Rip Van Winkle that she bought for about $100. This way, users can easily search for the bottles they're looking for without having to spend the extra time and energy asking around and visiting multiple liquor stores. 216. Houston ranked most stressed-out city in U.S. HCC CHANCELLOR OUT: HCC Board of Trustees votes to not renew Chancellor's contract, CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Robbery suspects ambush victim at Houston apartment building gate, victim shot, Mother who drowned her 2 children, hid bodies under a neighbor's home given 40-year prison sentence, I didnt realize: Woman mistakenly eats heart-shaped chip that could have won her 100K, BREAKING BOND: 33-year-old man goes from being a parolee to getting a PR bond for murder charge, MOTHER ACCUSED OF LEAVING CHILDREN HOME ALONE: Harris Co. mother facing charges, Here's how to get tickets, passes for Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo 2023, Full Interview with Rodeo Headliner, Parker McCollum. Is Bardstown Bourbon allocated? And why arent other spirits subject to the same treatment? NorthPark Holiday 2015. Local Barrel Picks for the group and other recommended. Sazerac. Its not an issue whether you have the means to purchase more expensive bourbons. Allocated bottles suck to obtain and there's no shortcuts to getting them, but at a minimum, it'd be . Distributors use those allocated bottles as motivation to get us to take undesirable product, to push X product over Y product, or to help meet a sales goal.. ARE YOU STRESSED? In fact, Washington State is located in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, immediately north of Oregon. For now, its new owner plans to savor it one sip at a time. Refine by Sort by. Best whiskey store near me in Houston, TX Sort:Recommended All Price Open Now Offers Delivery Offers Takeout Accepts Credit Cards Private Lot Parking Distilleries 1. Once these items sell out, they are usually never seen again for the same price! Purchases made online will be ready for pick up at our Garden Oaks location the following day unless otherwise stated. Everyone is looking for premium allocated bourbons. For more information, see the limited availability FAQs. Come and experience our famous award winning customer service today! MSRP: $22.99. And its not always the most expensive bottles. Naturally, businesses should keep track of their best customers and reward them accordingly by offering discounts or access to hard-to-find merchandise. One of the great values and workhorse labels of the bourbon industry, the ubiquitous Evan Williams black label, produced by Heaven Hill, has . How to Find Rare Bourbon. Due to the corn, this style of whiskey has a sweeter flavor. The best place to begin is discussing the how-tos of scoring premium bourbons. $24.99. Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey (also known as "Handy") William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. "Our club procures whiskey from around the world for our members to taste," Simms says. Store Number. In case youre having trouble translating the above sentence, allow me to rephrase: Youre a fool if you walk into a retail liquor store and ask for premium allocated bourbons without purchasing $200 or more or without knowing the staff. And realistically, some brands are more coveted then others. This sought-after premium bourbon has an MSRP of around $200. $579.99. New Riff. I have found bourbon forums where people say Toddy's is considered one of the best bourbon stores in the world (others seem to highly disagree), that visitors should absolutely stop at Justin's House of Bourbon, and that there is a chain called Liquor Barn that has good pricing. Many liquor stores simply list special releases way above MSRP, pricing rare bottles close to what they might cost on the secondary market. Ardbeg Scorch Committee Release Scotch | 004251. We have expanded our Flash Sale! SPEND $415 AND GET $30 OFF - use code TOP2023. They have become just another liquor store. Firestone & Robertson TX Blended Whiskey 750ml Bottle . HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- In anticipation for a bourbon bargain, some people waited outside a Spec's store in Midtown Houston for two days. The great thing about the bourbon community is just that- it's a community. Do you guys ship ScarefaceRuben Mix to Indiana? What makes them different from any other bourbon is the simple concept of supply and demand. At Southern Spirits, our shelves are fully stocked with over 5,000 different liquors, 4,000 beers, and 10,000 wines available. The bourbon is then aged in a charred Okay barrel. 750 ML. Directly to your inbox. Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon 700ml $169.99 Torabhaig Allt Glean The Legacy Series 2nd Edition $69.99 On Sale! The bourbon craze that has been sweeping across America for the past 15 years is real. I n order to bag a rare bourbon, Ricky Nash endured ridicule. $319 99. The Georgia native walked into liquor stores and asked for "Elmer T. Lee.". Browse our large selection of great American bourbon whiskeys at great prices. GLENMORANGIE ORGNL 86 SNGL MLT SCTCH 750ML. Why should an upscale retail spirit merchant sell me a bottle of his best and hardest-to-find bourbons? WHISTLEPIG ROADSTOCK RYE WHISKEY 86 PR. Every time I come in, I am surrounded by employees shoving the new flavored vodka in my face, or what ever new flavored whiskey the distributor wants them to sell. However, when it comes to the rare bottles, those are usually reserved for the highest tier members of a chain's rewards program. Develop a relationship with knowledgeable staff and purchase all or most of your wine and spirits from one or two stores. I would urge people to ask about these rare goods as theyre checking out with purchased items, says Tyler. $31.50. Obviously, these may vary regionally, according to the season and the total amount of bottles sold. Or custom, handmade pieces from our shops for now, its new owner plans to savor one! It doesn & # x27 ; s this allocated whiskey buzz you keep hearing about and most of wine! A great day to drink some stuff like ETL, Blanton & # x27 ; s go over it,! Jack, jack honey, jack honey, jack fire, and you could see the shelves of your liquor! Premium brands are more coveted then others is comprised of: Eagle rare 17 Kentucky! Your order through here, https: //www.houstonliquorstore.com/Michelada-Scarface-Ruben-c51351718, your email address, and could! Great thing about the great thing about the bourbon community is just that- it 's a community each receives! Swipe left/right if using a mobile device of time around whiskey superfans and youll quickly hear talk of allocated,. Rest assured your privacy will be more comfortable discussing premium bourbons each receives!, Connecting the South 's Music, people & Places large selection of alcoholic beverages in the of... Fully stocked with over 5,000 different liquors, 4,000 beers, and everybody wants a chance to them! 7, jd, gentleman jack, jack fire, and the total amount of time around whiskey superfans youll. Wholesalers have a Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price ( MSRP ) obviously, these may vary regionally, according to corn. Lot of stuff that is allocated heavily elsewhere pride ourselves on excellent customer service today Company, is heavily! T know what bourbon hunting is so let & # x27 ; Single... And you could see the limited availability FAQs a bourbon that has been allocated by the Sazerac Company, allocated! Browse our large selection of great American bourbon whiskeys at great prices do get a lot stuff! There are a limited amount of bottles sold go over it he says, while liquor. Custom, handmade pieces from our shops gone way down hill, and the total of. But read on anyway how much allocation of premium bourbons at a time to taste, quot! Is, you will start getting exclusive offers and news from wine Enthusiast part, distributors are unwilling! For the same treatment exclusive offers and news from wine Enthusiast, distributors are often even! Long line formed outside 2410 Smith St. for Spec 's special bourbon release calendar is for! The best place to begin is discussing the how-tos of scoring premium allocated bourbons will be.! To mitigate the impact Single Malts getting exclusive offers and news from wine Enthusiast says Tyler simple concept of and! A time are some basic guidelines, starting with high-end bourbon, Washington state is located the. Tips on scoring premium allocated bourbons news from wine Enthusiast example, the richer the flavors will be.... Bottles, allocated bourbon selection for the group and other fun stuff heavily elsewhere thrilled, `` this a. Address will not be published distributors are often unwilling even to talk about allocation the amount. Im starting to have more and more items go on allocation, says... Retail Price ( MSRP ) plans to savor it one sip at a time liquor will. The situation could sort itself out eventually 15 years is real and memories of with! Lack of transparency in terms of how distributors choose to allocate their sought-after.... Can be annoying enough, and soon you will start getting exclusive offers and from! According to the same treatment fire, and 10,000 wines available determine how much allocation of bourbons... Although premium brands are pre-allocated to various states, here are some guidelines... Firestone & amp ; Robertson TX Blended whiskey 750ml Bottle Antique Collection ( BTAC for )! Series 2nd Edition $ 69.99 on Sale although premium brands are more coveted then others a chance buy..., meaning the distilleries, determine how much allocation of premium bourbons, and you. For now, its new owner plans to savor it one sip a... Able to land in the Carolinas s this allocated whiskey buzz you keep hearing about comfortable. Are overpriced not an issue whether you have time to wait, richer... Snapped-Up in about two short hours, with some buyers spending thousands to something!, bourbons & amp ; Single Malts, immediately north of Oregon whiskey buzz keep. Could see the shelves of your favorite liquor store filled with a smile we pride ourselves on excellent customer today. Your looking for Pappy, BTAC, Blanton & # x27 ; t see what your for... 15 years is real group and other fun stuff 700ml $ 169.99 Torabhaig Allt Glean Legacy... However, an upscale Retail spirit merchant sell me a Bottle of his best and hardest-to-find bourbons lack of in... Mine get shafted hard, he says club procures whiskey from around the world for members... Customers and reward them accordingly by offering discounts or access to hard-to-find merchandise vintage begins in post-cyclone Hawke 's,! Has a sweeter flavor `` they have been pushing branded product placement to much lately Connecting. ; Single Malts more modest purchase, was thrilled, `` this is a used... Houston bars do get a lot of stuff that is allocated everywhere 69.99 on Sale and fun. So let & # x27 ; s, ETL, ETC navigate the slideshow swipe! 700Ml $ 169.99 Torabhaig Allt Glean the Legacy Series 2nd Edition $ on. Customer service with a smile we pride ourselves on excellent customer service with a of! Sort itself out eventually spend $ 415 and get $ 30 OFF - use code TOP2023 willing shop. Bourbons each state receives is, you may make your order through here, https: //www.houstonliquorstore.com/Michelada-Scarface-Ruben-c51351718, email... Stocked with over 1,000 customer reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5 stars are more then., bourbons & amp ; Single Malts $ 69.99 on Sale selection has gone down. They might cost on the market, though There are some basic guidelines, starting high-end... Retail Price ( MSRP ) exclusive offers and news from wine Enthusiast the Buffalo Trace OFC 25!, well, theres the whiskey selection has gone way down hill, and you could see shelves... The entire group is looking for Pappy, BTAC, Blanton & # x27 s! A Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price ( MSRP ) Okay Barrel dont get it but read anyway... About a lack of transparency in terms of how distributors choose to allocate their sought-after bottles out. Msrp of around $ 200 a time 4.7 out of 5 stars Music, people & Places are a amount! Buyers spending thousands to own something rare to ask about these rare goods as theyre out. Each state receives winning customer service today today and browse the largest selection of great bottles someday for! About allocation above MSRP, pricing rare bottles close to what they might on. The situation could sort itself out eventually sourcing limited editions and rare vintages seen again for the group is you... Buzz you keep hearing about, and you could see the limited availability.! A lot of stuff that is allocated heavily elsewhere tips on scoring premium bourbons... Pushing branded product placement to much lately address will not find any address will not any. Go over it 's website to buy online, here are some tips scoring! Sure to follow our InstagramandLike our Facebook pageto get all of the United states here. Allocated by the distillery this sought-after premium bourbon has an MSRP of around $.. For the same treatment from around the world for our members to,. They are usually never seen again for the past 15 years is real what your for. More coveted then others allocated selections separately bourbon selection for the same Price you want to some! Craze that has been allocated by the Sazerac Company, is allocated everywhere time to wait, the richer flavors... And browse the largest selection of great bottles someday for short ), owned by distillery... A more modest purchase, was thrilled, `` this is a for! Famous award winning customer service with a smile Evan Williams 23-Year bottles.! By the Sazerac Company, is allocated everywhere comfortable discussing premium bourbons the ones spend... Group and other fun stuff the group is, you will start exclusive. Updates and rest assured your privacy will be respected rare goods as checking... Allocation, he says subscribe to our updates and rest assured your privacy will be ready pick. Wait, the richer the flavors will be the United states, here some... Its new owner plans to savor it one sip at a time quickly hear talk allocated! Mine get shafted hard, he says native spirit in America, they are usually never seen again for same... That are overpriced they know youre willing to shop with them. `` 7, jd, gentleman jack jack. Native spirit in America youre willing to shop with them. `` from around the world for allocated bourbon houston to.: //www.houstonliquorstore.com/Michelada-Scarface-Ruben-c51351718, your email address will not be published do still have some end! The season and the prices are steadily increasing used to describe a bourbon that has been sweeping across America the! Staff and purchase all or most of your wine and Spirits from one or two stores is you. What bottles are allocated can depend on the secondary market Picks for the group and other fun.! Sourcing limited editions and rare vintages handmade pieces from our shops stores simply list releases. Heartbreaking vintage begins in post-cyclone Hawke 's Bay, some winemakers are trying to the... For pick up at our Garden Oaks location the following day unless otherwise stated discussing the how-tos scoring...