How to Spot Fake Bourbon Online: A Collector’s Guide to Safe Buying
Key Takeaways:
- Verify the retailer is a licensed business with a physical address and a long operating history.
- Check for laser codes on the bottle; counterfeits often have mismatched or scrubbed codes.
The bourbon boom has a dark side. As prices for bottles like Pappy Van Winkle and Weller have skyrocketed, a shadow market of counterfeiters and scammers has emerged to take advantage of eager buyers.
At Wooden Cork, we have been in this business since 1975. We’ve seen it all. Here is our expert guide on how to protect yourself and ensure the premium bottle you’re buying is the real deal.
Rule #1: Check the Retailer's Credentials
Before you drop $500 on a website, do your homework.
- Do they have a physical address? (Wooden Cork is based in San Diego with a real warehouse).
- How long have they been in business? (We’ve operated brick-and-mortar stores since 1975).
- Do they have a real phone number? (Scam sites rarely want you to call them).
Rule #2: The Laser Code Test
Most modern distilleries laser-etch a unique code onto the glass of their bottles. This code often includes the date and time of bottling. Counterfeiters rarely get this right. They will re-fill an old, empty bottle that has an old code, or they will try to scrub the code off entirely. If a "new" bottle has a laser code from 2018, or no code at all, walk away.
Why You Can Trust Wooden Cork
We don’t deal in the gray market. Every bottle in our 16,000+ SKU inventory is sourced directly from official importers and distributors. We guarantee the authenticity of every drop we sell, because our 50-year reputation depends on it.
