Michigan Bourbon Hunting Guide (2026): Our Bourbon Haul, Prices & Tips for Canadians
- waylonsbourbonshel
- Jul 26
- 17 min read
Wondering if a bourbon hunting trip to Michigan is worth it? We crossed the border to find out. Here's everything we brought back, what we paid, where we shopped, and our best tips for Canadian bourbon hunters.
If you're a bourbon lover in Canada, you've probably looked longingly at American bourbon shelves at some point.
Whether it's limited allocations, rising prices, or bottles that simply never make it north of the border, buying bourbon in Canada can sometimes feel more like hunting than shopping.
That's exactly why we decided to head to Michigan.
Armed with a wish list, an empty trunk, and plenty of optimism, we spent several days bourbon hunting across Michigan in search of great prices, interesting bottles, and maybe—just maybe—a few allocated finds.
What followed was one of our most successful bourbon hunting trips yet.
We came home with age-stated bourbons, incredible value bottles, a few hard-to-find finds, and even one unexpected gift from our family.
If you're considering your own Michigan bourbon run, this guide will show you exactly what we found, what we paid, and why Michigan might be one of the best bourbon hunting destinations for Canadians.
Quick Answer: Is Michigan Good for Bourbon Hunting?
Yes.
For Canadian bourbon fans, Michigan is one of the best states to visit for bourbon hunting thanks to:
Large selections of American bourbon.
Better access to allocated bottles.
Excellent prices on everyday bourbons.
Store picks and local exclusives.
Easy access from Ontario.
Plenty of liquor stores within a relatively small driving distance.
Will you find Weller, Stagg, or Blanton's on every trip?
Probably not.
But that's part of what makes bourbon hunting fun.
Every store is different, every shelf tells a different story, and you never know what bottle might be waiting around the corner.
Why We Went Bourbon Hunting in Michigan
One of the biggest challenges facing Canadian bourbon drinkers is availability. Some bourbons are difficult to find. Some are heavily allocated. Others simply never appear on shelves in certain provinces.
👉 If you've ever wondered why certain bottles seem impossible to buy in Canada, check out our guide to Why Bourbon Is So Hard to Find in Canada, where we explain allocations, demand, and what Canadian bourbon drinkers are up against.
Even when you can find them, prices can be significantly higher than what many American bourbon drinkers pay.
Michigan offered something different.
A wider selection.
More opportunities to discover bottles we've never seen before.
Better chances of finding allocated releases.
And perhaps most importantly, the excitement of the hunt.
Because bourbon hunting isn't just about buying bottles.
It's about the experience.
Walking into a store with no expectations.
Scanning every shelf.
Spotting something unexpected.
Finding a bottle you've been searching for.
Talking bourbon with store employees and fellow enthusiasts.
That's what keeps us coming back.
👉 If you've never been bourbon hunting before, you may also enjoy our guide on How to Read a Bourbon Label: The Complete Beginner's Guide, which explains terms like Bottled in Bond, Single Barrel, Barrel Proof, and Straight Bourbon before you start shopping.
The Best Places to Buy Bourbon in Michigan
One of the biggest surprises from our trip was how different every store felt.
Some stores had massive selections of everyday bourbon.
Others specialized in larger bottle sizes or hidden gems.
If you're planning your own bourbon hunting trip, we strongly recommend visiting multiple retailers. Every stop offers something different, and that's part of what makes the hunt so much fun.
Here are two stores we think every Canadian bourbon hunter should consider.
Kroger
Kroger might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of bourbon hunting, but it's one of our favourite stops.
Many Kroger locations sell bourbon at Michigan's state minimum pricing, making them an excellent place to pick up popular, everyday bottles without paying inflated prices.
If you're looking for dependable bottles like:
Buffalo Trace (when available)
Four Roses
Wild Turkey
Maker's Mark
Elijah Craig
Russell's Reserve
Kroger is often one of the best places to start your hunt.
While you're unlikely to stumble across highly allocated bottles on every visit, the combination of fair pricing and reliable inventory makes it well worth adding to your route.
Costco
If you have a Costco membership, don't skip the liquor section.
One of the biggest advantages of shopping at Costco is the opportunity to find larger bottle sizes at excellent prices.
It's not uncommon to see:
1-litre bottles
1.75-litre bottles
Gift sets
Seasonal releases
For bourbon hunters looking to stretch their budget, Costco can offer incredible value—especially on bottles you already know and love.
If you're hoping to stock up on favourites while saving money, it's one of the smartest stops you can make during a Michigan bourbon trip.
Local Independent Liquor Stores
Some of our favourite discoveries came from smaller independent liquor stores.
These shops often have knowledgeable staff, unique inventory, and occasionally bottles you won't find anywhere else.
Independent stores are also great places to discover:
Store picks
Local craft bourbons
Limited releases
Hidden gems
Allocated bottles that may not appear at larger chains
Don't be afraid to ask staff if they have anything interesting behind the counter or if they know when the next allocation is expected. A friendly conversation can sometimes lead to your best find of the day.
Waylon's Bourbon Shelf Tip
Don't rely on just one store.
Some of our best finds came from stores we almost skipped.
A bottle that's sold out at one location may be sitting on the shelf just 20 minutes away. The more stores you visit, the better your chances of finding something special.
👉 Of course, not every great bourbon hunt requires crossing the border. If you're shopping closer to home, we've also put together a complete guide on Where to Buy Bourbon in Canada, featuring trusted Canadian retailers and online stores that we recommend for finding bourbon across the country.
Our Michigan Bourbon Haul
After multiple store visits, plenty of searching, and a lot of self-control, here's everything we brought home.
Bottle | Price (USD) |
Russell's Reserve 10 Year Bourbon | $49 |
Duck Club High Brass Bourbon | $48 |
Early Times Bottled in Bond | $20 |
1792 12 Year Bourbon | $59 |
Eagle Rare 10 Year (375 mL) | $29 |
Four Roses Small Batch Select | $54 |
Weller 12 Year (1L) | $159 |
Looking back at the haul, we're thrilled with the variety.
We found:
Everyday drinkers.
Premium pours.
Allocated bottles.
New discoveries.
Incredible value.
That's exactly what we hope for on every bourbon hunting trip.
Total Cost of Our Michigan Bourbon Haul
One question we always get after posting haul photos is:
"How much did everything cost?"
Total Purchased:
$418 USD
Considering today's bourbon market, we were extremely happy with the overall value of the trip.
Russell's Reserve 10 Year Bourbon – $49 USD
Russell's Reserve 10 Year was at the very top of our wish list before we even crossed the border.
This has become one of our favourite everyday sippers, and we always try to keep a bottle on our shelf. It offers an incredible combination of rich flavour, a 10-year age statement, and outstanding value, making it one of the best bourbons you can buy for the price.
We actually picked up our first bottle during a previous bourbon hunting trip to New York State, and after enjoying it so much, we knew we had to bring another one home. Since we were running low, finding it in Michigan was an easy decision.
At $49 USD, it's hard to beat the value. While Russell's Reserve 10 Year is readily available in many parts of the United States, it's a bottle we haven't had much luck finding here in Canada, making this purchase even more worthwhile.
Sometimes bourbon hunting isn't about chasing the rarest or most allocated bottles—it's about stocking up on the bourbons you know you'll reach for time and time again.
Would We Buy It Again?
Without a doubt. As long as we can find it at this price, Russell's Reserve 10 Year will always have a place on our shelf.
👉 If you're looking for more bourbons that deliver exceptional value, don't miss our list of the Best Bourbons Under $100 in Canada. Russell's Reserve 10 Year would easily earn a place on that list if it were more widely available here.
Duck Club High Brass Bourbon – $48 USD
Duck Club High Brass Bourbon was one of the bottles we were keeping an eye out for during our Michigan bourbon hunting trip.
We'll be honest—we're not typically big buyers of celebrity-backed bourbon brands. With so many options available, we usually focus more on the whiskey itself rather than the name attached to the bottle. However, after hearing some positive feedback about Riley Green's Duck Club High Brass Bourbon, we became curious and wanted to see what it was all about.
This was definitely one of the bigger risks of the trip.
Duck Club is a newer bourbon release, and when you're bringing bottles back across the border, you want to feel confident that you're spending your limited suitcase space on something worthwhile. We had no idea how it would compare against more established bourbon brands sitting on the shelf.
Thankfully, we're very happy we decided to give it a chance.
After trying it, this bottle completely exceeded our expectations. It reminded us that sometimes bourbon hunting is about taking a chance on something new—not just chasing bottles with decades of history behind them.
The bottle itself is also a standout. The unique label design and presentation make it a really cool addition to our bourbon shelf, and it's definitely one we're excited to display.
This experience has also made us interested in exploring more of the Duck Club lineup and seeing how the other releases compare.
Would We Buy It Again?
Absolutely. We went into this purchase unsure of what to expect, but we're glad we took the chance. Duck Club High Brass Bourbon was one of the biggest surprises of the trip, and we're looking forward to trying more from the brand in the future.
Early Times Bottled in Bond – $20 USD
Early Times Bottled in Bond wasn't originally a bottle we planned to bring home—it was actually one we picked up to enjoy during our stay in Michigan.
Whenever we go on a bourbon hunting trip, we like to buy a few budget-friendly bottles to sip back at the hotel after a long day of searching liquor store shelves. It's a great way to unwind, compare new bourbons, and save the special bottles for when we get home.
At just $20 USD, Early Times Bottled in Bond was an easy choice. It's one of the best values in American bourbon, offering impressive quality for the price. As a Bottled in Bond bourbon, it meets strict production standards and delivers far more flavour than you'd expect from a $20 bottle.
We enjoyed it so much during the trip that when we still had some left, we decided to bring it back to Canada—a nice bonus after an already great bourbon hunt.
Would We Buy It Again?
Without hesitation. Early Times Bottled in Bond has become one of our go-to "trip bottles." It's affordable, easy to drink, and consistently delivers outstanding value. Every time we're bourbon hunting in the U.S., there's a good chance you'll find a bottle of it in our hotel room.
1792 12 Year Bourbon – $59 USD
Unlike a few of the other bottles on this trip, 1792 12 Year Bourbon wasn't specifically on our must-buy list. However, we were hoping to bring home another bottle from the 1792 lineup to add to our collection.
At home, we already have 1792 Small Batch and 1792 Bottled in Bond, both of which we've really enjoyed. So, when we spotted the 1792 12 Year on the shelf for $59 USD, it felt like the perfect opportunity to continue exploring the brand.
For an age-stated, 12-year bourbon, we thought the price was very reasonable, making it an easy addition to our haul.
Now that we've had the chance to open and enjoy every bottle from this trip, we can confidently say that 1792 12 Year did not disappoint. It delivered exactly what we were hoping for and further confirmed why we're such fans of the 1792 lineup. It's a rich, well-balanced bourbon that earns its place alongside the rest of the collection.
We'll be sharing a full, in-depth review soon, but it's safe to say this bottle lived up to the hype and was one of the standout pours from our Michigan bourbon haul.
Would We Buy It Again?
Absolutely. At $59 USD, we think 1792 12 Year offers excellent value for an age-stated bourbon, and we'd happily pick up another bottle on a future bourbon hunting trip.
Eagle Rare 10 Year (375 mL) – $29 USD
If you've followed Waylon's Bourbon Shelf for a while, you'll know that Eagle Rare 10 Year is one of our all-time favourite bourbons. It's a bottle that never seems to stay full for long at our house, so we're always happy to add another to the collection.
During this trip, we spotted three different sizes on the shelves—a 1L bottle, the standard 750 mL, and a 375 mL "mickey." While we were tempted by the larger bottles, we still had a few full-size bottles left over from our previous bourbon hunting trip, so buying another one wasn't at the top of our shopping list.
Instead, we decided to bring home the 375 mL bottle. We thought the smaller size was a fun and unique addition to our collection, and it gave us a chance to have a "mickey" of one of our favourite bourbons on the shelf.
At $29 USD, it was also a fair price for a bourbon we know we'll always enjoy. Eagle Rare consistently delivers incredible flavour, excellent value, and a smooth, easy-drinking profile that keeps us coming back bottle after bottle.
Would We Buy It Again?
Without a doubt. Eagle Rare is one of those bourbons we'll almost always buy when we find it at a fair price. Even though we didn't need another full-size bottle this trip, we couldn't resist bringing home the 375 mL version—and we're certainly not disappointed that we did.
👉 If you're wondering how Eagle Rare compares to another Buffalo Trace favourite, don't miss our comparison of Eagle Rare vs. Blanton's.
Four Roses Small Batch Select – $54 USD
Four Roses was one of the brands at the top of our shopping list before we even left for Michigan. We didn't have one specific bottle in mind—we simply wanted to explore more of the lineup, as it's a brand we don't come across very often here in Canada
.
When we found Four Roses Small Batch Select for $54 USD, it was an easy decision. With its reputation for rich, layered flavours and excellent quality, it was exactly the kind of bottle we were hoping to bring home.
We also picked up a bottle of the regular Four Roses Small Batch at Kroger for just $34 USD to enjoy back at our hotel during the trip. It ended up being the perfect evening pour after long days of bourbon hunting... in fact, we enjoyed it so much that it was polished off before we even headed home! Unfortunately, that bottle never made it back to Canada—but that's probably the best compliment we can give it.
Now that we've had the chance to try both expressions, we're even more excited to continue exploring everything Four Roses has to offer. Both bourbons impressed us with their flavour, balance, and overall value, proving why the brand has such a loyal following.
One thing that really stood out was the pricing. Compared to many premium bourbons, Four Roses delivers exceptional quality without the premium price tag, making it one of the most compelling brands on the shelf.
Would We Buy It Again?
Absolutely. Four Roses has quickly become one of the distilleries we're most excited to explore. Between the approachable prices and consistently great flavour, we'll definitely be bringing more Four Roses bottles home on future bourbon hunting trips.
Weller 12 Year (1L) – $159 USD
Weller 12 Year quickly became the bottle that defined this entire bourbon hunting trip.
Ironically, we actually passed on it the first time we saw it.
After already spending a fair amount on bourbon, we weren't sure we were ready to spend $159 USD on a single bottle. As exciting as it was to find a 1L Weller 12 Year, we decided to walk away and think about it.
That lasted about five minutes.
We regretted leaving it behind almost immediately, and it was the one bottle we couldn't stop talking about for the rest of the trip.
As we continued bourbon hunting, we came across plenty of 750 mL bottles of Weller 12 Year, but most were priced around $250 USD. Seeing the standard bottle selling for nearly $100 more than the larger 1L bottle we had passed on made us realize just how good of a deal it really was.
Luckily, bourbon hunting had one more surprise in store for us.
Later in the trip, we stopped at a completely random liquor store and couldn't believe our eyes when we spotted another 1L bottle of Weller 12 Year sitting on the shelf for the exact same $159 USD.
This time, there was no hesitation.
We grabbed it immediately.
Looking back, we're so glad we did. Weller 12 Year is one of those bottles that doesn't come along very often, especially at a price like this, and we're incredibly excited to add it to our collection. Sometimes the bottles you almost leave behind become the ones you're happiest to bring home.
Would We Buy It Again?
Absolutely. Finding a 1L bottle of Weller 12 Year for $159 USD felt like an incredible value compared to the prices we saw elsewhere. It's one of the highlights of our collection, and if we ever come across another bottle at a similar price, we wouldn't think twice about bringing it home.
Was Buying Bourbon in Michigan Cheaper Than Canada?
One of the questions we get asked most often is:
"Is it actually cheaper to buy bourbon in Michigan?"
The answer is...
In many cases, yes—but it's not always that simple.
When comparing prices, there are a few things to consider:
Exchange rates.
Fuel costs.
Accommodation (if staying overnight).
Canadian duties (if applicable).
Provincial pricing.
Even after factoring in those costs, we found that several bottles were still excellent value compared to what we'd expect to pay—or what we'd be able to find at all—in Canada.
For us, however, the biggest advantage wasn't just saving money.
It was having access to bottles that simply aren't available on Canadian shelves.
Sometimes the opportunity to buy a hard-to-find bourbon is worth more than the savings alone.
👉 Looking for bottles you don't have to cross the border to find? Check out our guide to the Best Canadian Bourbon-Style Whiskies for excellent alternatives available closer to home.
Tips for Canadians Planning a Michigan Bourbon Hunting Trip
If you're thinking about making your own bourbon run across the border, here are a few lessons we learned along the way.
1. Visit More Than One Store
Every liquor store receives different shipments and allocations.
A bottle that's sold out at one location may be sitting on the shelf just a few kilometres away.
The more stores you visit, the better your chances of finding something special.
2. Don't Chase Only Allocated Bottles
Everyone dreams of finding bottles like Weller, Blanton's, or Stagg.
But some of our favourite purchases were everyday bourbons with excellent value.
Russell's Reserve 10 Year.
Four Roses Small Batch Select.
Early Times Bottled in Bond.
Sometimes the best bottle isn't the rarest one.
3. Ask Store Employees
One of the easiest ways to improve your bourbon hunt is simply by asking.
Employees often know:
When deliveries arrive.
Which bottles recently sold out.
Upcoming allocations.
Store picks that haven't made it to the shelves yet.
Being friendly and respectful goes a long way.
4. Leave Room in Your Vehicle
You may only plan on buying one or two bottles.
Trust us.
That plan can change quickly.
Bring reusable bags, packing materials, or a sturdy box to keep your bottles safe during the drive home.
5. Know Canada's Import Rules Before You Cross
Before bringing bourbon back into Canada, take a few minutes to review the current Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) guidelines.
Your personal exemption depends on how long you've been outside Canada, and duties may apply if you exceed those limits.
Checking the rules before your trip can save you time, money, and surprises at the border.
6. Set a Budget Before You Start Shopping
One of the easiest mistakes to make on a bourbon hunting trip is spending too much too early.
Set a realistic budget before your first stop, and leave yourself some flexibility in case you stumble across a bottle you've been searching for.
You'll thank yourself later.
Our Top Three Finds
Every bottle in this haul has something to offer, but if we had to pick our favourites before even opening them, these would be our top three.
🥇 Weller 12 Year (1L)
The bottle we were hoping to find—and one that made the entire trip worthwhile.
🥈 1792 12 Year
A fantastic age-stated bourbon at an excellent retail price.
🥉 Early Times Bottled in Bond
One of the best value bourbons we found all weekend.
Sometimes spending less delivers the biggest surprise.
Our Biggest Surprise
Before this trip, we expected the highlight to be finding an allocated bourbon.
Instead, one of the biggest surprises was just how much excellent bourbon exists outside the "must-have" bottles everyone talks about online.
Russell's Reserve.
Four Roses Small Batch Select.
Early Times Bottled in Bond.
Each reminded us that great bourbon doesn't always come with a waiting list or inflated secondary prices.
Sometimes the bottles sitting quietly on the shelf deliver the best value.
👉 Some of our favourite everyday pours are also featured in our guide to the Best Bourbons for Beginners in Canada, proving you don't need an allocated bottle to enjoy great bourbon.
Why We'll Definitely Be Back
Michigan continues to be one of our favourite destinations for bourbon hunting.
Not because every trip guarantees a unicorn bottle.
But because every trip offers something new.
A new distillery.
A bottle we've never tried.
A conversation with another bourbon enthusiast.
A hidden gem we weren't expecting.
That's what keeps us coming back.
No two bourbon hunting trips are ever the same.
Planning Your Own Michigan Bourbon Hunting Trip
If you're thinking about making the drive yourself, here's a quick checklist before you leave.
Before You Go
Bring a valid passport.
Check current Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) alcohol import rules.
Set a spending budget.
Leave extra room in your vehicle.
Bring reusable bags or packing materials.
Create a bourbon wish list—but stay flexible.
While You're Shopping
Visit multiple liquor stores.
Stop at Kroger for everyday bottles at Michigan's state minimum pricing.
Check Costco for larger bottle sizes and great value.
Explore local independent liquor stores for store picks and hidden gems.
Ask employees about recent deliveries or upcoming allocations.
Before Heading Home
Double-check that your bottles are packed securely.
Keep your purchase receipts.
Know your personal exemption limits before crossing the border.
A little preparation goes a long way toward making your trip stress-free.
Final Thoughts
Every bourbon hunting trip tells a different story.
Some are about finally finding a bottle that's been on your wish list for years.
Others are about discovering hidden gems you never expected to enjoy.
This Michigan trip gave us both.
From finding a 1-litre Weller 12 Year, to grabbing incredible value with Early Times Bottled in Bond, to bringing home exciting new bottles like Duck Club High Brass Bourbon, every stop added something memorable to the journey.
But perhaps the biggest takeaway wasn't a specific bottle.
It was the reminder that bourbon hunting is about far more than collecting whiskey.
It's about exploring new stores.
Meeting passionate people.
Learning about different brands.
Trying something you've never tasted before.
And making memories along the way.
For Canadian bourbon lovers, Michigan remains one of the best places to experience all of that.
We already can't wait for our next trip.
🚨 New to Bourbon or Looking for Your Next Bottle?
Explore our complete Best Bourbon in Canada (2026 Guide) — a dedicated resource featuring the top bourbons Canadians can actually find, buy, and enjoy.
🥃 Recommended Bottles to Try
Based on this guide, here are some great Bourbon options currently available in Canada:
Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon – Excellent value, Smooth & refined
Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon - Premium single-barrel experience with a rich honey sweetness
Maverick Barnburner Cask 7YO Bourbon - Canadian cask strength with the classic bourbon flavour profile
🔗 Keep Exploring Bourbon
If you enjoyed this guide, check out more of our top posts:
Best Bourbon in Canada (2026 Guide): Top Bottles You Can Actually Find – Discover top bottles like Blanton’s, Weller, and Buffalo Trace—plus where to buy bourbon online in Ontario right now
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Bourbon Accessories in Canada (Amazon Finds) - Discover top whiskey glasses, smoker kits, ice molds, and more—plus Amazon Canada buying links.
Where to Buy Bourbon in Canada (2026 Guide for Ontario Bourbon Lovers) - If you're trying to figure out where to buy bourbon in Canada right now, this guide will help.
❓ Bourbon & Whiskey FAQs
Is Michigan good for bourbon hunting?
Yes. Michigan is one of the best bourbon hunting destinations for Canadians thanks to its wide selection, competitive prices, and chance of finding allocated bottles and store picks.
Is bourbon cheaper in Michigan than Canada?
Often, yes. Many bourbons cost less in Michigan, but remember to factor in the exchange rate, travel costs, and any applicable duties when comparing prices.
Can Canadians buy bourbon in Michigan?
Yes. Canadians can legally buy bourbon in Michigan and bring it home, provided they follow the current Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) import rules.
What was the best value bourbon you found?
Early Times Bottled in Bond was our best value purchase at just $20 USD, offering exceptional quality for the price.
Is a Michigan bourbon hunting trip worth it?
Absolutely. For Canadian bourbon lovers, Michigan offers better selection, competitive pricing, and access to bottles that are often difficult to find in Canada.
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