: Focus your spending on one local, independent retailer rather than jumping between big-box stores.

: Store owners need to move everyday inventory like rum and gin to keep the lights on. If you buy your "everyday" bottles there, they are far more likely to "peel off" a rare bottle from the back for you.

While everyone else is lining up at the major liquor barns, veteran hunters often find gems in overlooked locations.

: Chains like Walgreens , CVS , or Walmart occasionally receive allocations that sit unnoticed on the shelf.

If you aren't into the physical "hunt," several reputable platforms curate rare collections. How to Find Rare Bourbon - Whisky Advocate

: Liquor stores in less-frequented or higher-crime areas may have rare bottles collecting dust in the back simply because their local clientele isn't looking for $100+ bourbon.