Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/205467
Both on-premise and off, Bird Dog Whiskey is fetching new fans to the flavored whiskey category. Bird Dog Off-Premise: Goody Goody, Dallas–Forth Worth, TX PHOTO: JASON KINDIG Wendy S. Ware of Western Spirits at the Goody Goody Liquor Store in The Colony, TX. Owner Joe Jansen's original store, purchased in 1964, was named (of all things) Goo Goo. "The previous owner felt that this would be easy to remember since he did a large part of his business in neighborhood delivery. He wanted people to be able to find the telephone number. Jansen bought Goo Goo six " months after graduation from college. "Since it took all the money I could raise, I didn't have anything extra to buy a new sign. By adding a 'dy' to Goo Goo, I was able to change the name and save $600 on new signs. I had every intention of eventually revamping it, but as time passed Goody Goody built a reputation and became a brand. There are now 20 " retail locations in Texas, most in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, with a few in Longview under the name Harley's and three new stores in Houston. The average size is around 25,000 square feet, but some are over 40,000 square feet. General Manager Jay Long says that Bird Dog's success at Goody Goody is mainly due to its unique- ness. "It was the first in its class of flavored whiskeys, and the quality really shows in every flavor. I was amazed how good they are. Peach is his favorite. "It " is very true to the fruit and I especially like the finish. " Long says that the Maple expression is also a winner, "not too sweet, just the perfect maple taste with a bourbon back. One of the reasons Goody Goody has been successful with Bird Dog is because we give it multiple facings in all of our stores, sometimes displayed in cases, and we demo it on our tasting tables. Another way we drive sales is through our monthly mailers, where we offer the line at greatly reduced prices. You always know when a brand will be successful because you have repeat customers buying it. " Bird Dog is fairly new to the Texas market, and Long is pleased to have sold 80 bottles last month. "A question we get a lot is 'What are the next flavors going to be?' My answer is 'I don't know —you'll just have to keep coming in to find out!'" 68 / the tasting panel / november 2013 TP1113_066-107.indd 68 10/24/13 9:23 AM