Two limited-release systems. Two different ways to buy.
DABS distinguishes between allocated products and Rare High Demand Products, commonly abbreviated RHDP. Both involve limited supply, but they are not sold the same way.
Last verified September 22, 2026.
The Back Shelf is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or operated by the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services. Rules, hours, inventory and procedures can change. Verify current information before purchasing or traveling.
Allocated products
Allocated products are sold first-come, first-served at selected state stores on the third Saturday of each month.
DABS publishes the participating products, beginning quantities and store locations during the week leading up to the sale. Store employees are not permitted to disclose allocation details before the public notice.
Purchase rules published by DABS
- Sales take place at selected stores on the third Saturday.
- Products are sold first-come, first-served.
- A customer may purchase one allocated product per transaction.
- A customer seeking another allocated product may line up again, subject to remaining availability.
- DABS says allocated releases are generally distributed among 5–10 stores serving larger populations statewide, although the actual published list controls for each event.
Quantities are starting inventory
The quantities published for an allocation are the beginning amounts available at each store. They are not updated as bottles sell. Breakage or another unusual event can also change what is available.
This is why The Back Shelf describes allocation quantities as starting inventory, never live inventory.
How to prepare
- Check the official DABS allocation page during the week before the third Saturday.
- Review the exact product, price, quantity and store—not just the statewide total.
- Choose backup bottles and locations before sale morning.
- Confirm the location and any public store instructions.
- Expect first-come, first-served demand and do not treat a published quantity as a reservation.
Rare High Demand Products
RHDP items are distributed through a drawing intended to provide an equal opportunity to purchase highly sought, limited-production products. Customers enter through the official DABS drawing page during the published registration window.
Drawing schedules, eligible products, entry rules, purchase deadlines and pickup requirements can change by event. Read the official terms for the active drawing before entering. State of Utah and DABS employees are not eligible to participate.
Allocated versus RHDP
| Question | Allocated product | Rare High Demand Product |
|---|---|---|
| How is access determined? | First-come, first-served | Drawing |
| Where do you participate? | Selected state stores | Official online drawing process, followed by required purchase/pickup steps |
| When? | Third Saturday of each month | During separately announced drawing windows |
| Is published quantity live? | No; it is beginning inventory | Follow the terms of the specific drawing |
The Back Shelf allocation coverage
For each monthly release, The Back Shelf aims to preserve the dated public list, organize bottles by store and provide direct links to matching bottle records where the identity is confirmed. We do not invent matches for ambiguous names, and we do not present beginning quantities as current shelf inventory.
Current coverage: Utah Allocated Bottles — September 19, 2026
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