Originally Posted by gnaget
Imported liquor is cheaper from US duty free and the prices are lower than European duty free stores that price relative to the local market. With gin the stuff that's imported from the UK like Tanqueray and Beefeater is expensive domestically in the US but you can get Gordon's (made in USA) much cheaper than duty free. I used to pay ~$12 for a 1.75 liter Gordon's on sale in Boston or up in NH. In fact I am still working on the second of those purchased circa 2000.
Scotch is generally cheaper duty free.
With all due respect I don't think you have a clue as to liquor pricing in here in CA. Even with taxes, liquor is dirt cheap at the local supermarkets and drugstores, all of which have frequent sales on various sizes including the 1.75l. High priced imports such as Grey Goose, Absolut, and various single malt scotches are always discounted and can usually be found at prices that are cheaper than duty free at LHR, ZRH and other airports in Europe.
YOU may find that duty free imports are cheaper than the prices offered in your state. But in California, the duty free prices at SFO and LAX - at least as of 2 months ago - were no "deal" - more like a steal (for the store).
I'll say it again - personally I would not waste my time lugging around duty free bottles (whereever purchased) for import into California or Washington DC metro area. But I can't vouch for other states.