Marshville

Nestled southeast of Charlotte, along Highway 74, lies the quaint town of Marshville. While this small town may not be everyone's cup of tea, it holds a hidden treasure for bourbon enthusiasts - the Marshville ABC store. The store is located in a converted bank, and the vault which once held cash and valuables, now often holds liquid treasures.

What sets this ABC store apart? It's their exceptional bourbon and whiskey selection. Every inch of this store's shelves, and then some, is adorned with a rich variety of bourbon and whiskey bottles. If you're a bourbon lover, Marshville's ABC store is a must-visit destination. Despite its small size, this store boasts a broader selection of products than any other store I've seen in the Charlotte area. But what truly makes it stand out are their truck release days. On these special occassions the store manager goes above and beyond to curate an enticing selection for collectors. We planned our trip around just such a day, to bring you a first hand account of what the release days look like, and whether it is worth your while to make the trip out. The releases are conducted in a fair and orderly manner, ensuring that every customer has a chance to snag something worth the wait, with your place in line determining just how special your purchase will be. Oh and just like every other store in the North Carolina ABC system, the price will be suggested retail, no more, no less.

In the days leading up to the release, I had conversations with the store staff who advised I temper my expectations, cautioning me not to expect anything too rare or highly desirable. I suspected what they would have on the shelves, based on The Tater Tracker Shipments Tab, nevertheless, anticipation ran high as I joined the line on Wednesday morning. Although the store opens at 9 AM, the line starts forming the night before. A dedicated group of bourbon hunters camps out overnight, while others, like myself, join the line in the early hours of the morning. Despite my intentions to arrive by 7 AM, I found myself in line closer to 8 AM, landing at the 39th spot.

As opening time approaches the line swells, and on this day despite the admonition that many in addition to myself had heard, over 75 customers lined the sidewalk in the cool morning air. As the tailgating wound down, customers began packing away the chairs and tents, conversations wrapped up, and eager eyes peered through the darkened windows behind the front door in anticipation. When the doors finally swung open, customers were admitted in small groups, and a table of allocated products was revealed behind the register.

On this particular day, the selection included coveted bottles such as 1792 12 year, 1792 Full Proof, Blanton's, Eagle Rare, and Buffalo Trace. Fortunately, there was enough stock to ensure that each of the 75+ customers in line received at least one bottle from the allocated selection.

While there may have been whispers of more elusive bottles than Weller among the early birds, the atmosphere remained relatively subdued. Conversations among buyers were hushed, and many departed quietly after making their selections. As noted the store has, in addition to the speciality allocated products, a fantastic selection of bourbon and whiskey, including some which are harder to find elsewhere, but exist here in greater quantity and regularity than any other ABC store in the area.

Despite the lack of fanfare, the experience offered a glimpse into the tight-knit community of bourbon enthusiasts and the camaraderie shared among fellow collectors. It's moments like these that make Marshville's ABC store a truly special place for bourbon aficionados.