It doesn't surprise me you have people hunting whiskeys with technology these days. Sounds similar to the sporting event and concert ticket market. Lots of people buying up stock before it really hits the shelves or consumer market. That's too bad and a little sad. But not much you can do about it.
The best bit of advice I can give to whiskey appreciators is to shop local if you can. And try not to be a demanding jerk. But that's not as easy as you think.
Most of the best bottles I've gotten have been right in my back yard.
Had a great experience in January. There's a special place in my heart for the owner of my local liquor store. He doesn't get a ton of rare bottles. So we are often stuck with the same things. There are some bottles that are more prolific down south, that we just don't see very often in NE MD. One that I'm partial to is Weller. You can find it pretty easily south of MD, but I haven't been travelling too much lately with Covid.
Anyway, I was browsing my local store the other day and some guy comes in, asks to see the owner, and asks if he has any Weller Full Proof. Adds that he'd "settle" for any Antique that he has. Owner told him sorry, he never gets it in. Guy leaves in a slightly disappointed huff.
After he walks out, the owner laughs, sees me still browsing and asks, "You want any Weller? That guy comes in here every couple weeks asking for exotic whiskeys but never buys anything else. I see you in here every week." He sold me a bottle of Weller Antique he had in the back for $50.
Made me and my Dad's day. It was a nice treat.
I don't know if I should be proud of that story...or go to a meeting.