liquor stores

Submitted by t3_zqt7lz in washingtondc

I’m hoping to get my dad some higher end/special/unusual whisk(e)y or tequila for Christmas. Looking for a liquor store that has a broader or more curated selection. I’m working in the $60-$115 bottle range.

(Also taking whiskey/tequila recs, if you know something good and where to buy it. I drink a lot less since marrying a sober person so I’m out of the loop.)

I’m in Mt Pleasant and don’t want to travel too far just for booze because I’m lazy and it is cold. Thanks, friends.

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t1_j0zs0f9 wrote

Grand cata in Shaw - great tequila and other agave spirit options. Whiskey selection rotates, there’s usually some more unique bottlings but not going to be the main focus.

Best part is that if you head there I might be the one to help ya!

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t1_j0zs2q9 wrote

Pauls Liquor on Wisconsin Ave has a good selection of single malts, whiskey, and tequilas.

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t1_j0ztc5p wrote

Schneider's on capitol hill has the best whiskey selections, including independent bottlings of cadenhead scotches that you usually have to go to Scotland for.

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t1_j0zusbn wrote

Sherry's is the closest one to you I can think of that has a surprisingly broad selection. It's more impersonal than Calvert Woodley so if you want a person to tell you what to get that's the better store even though their range won't be as interesting.

It's further, but I really like Ace Beverage. I'm more of a rum drinker and their selection is unparalleled within city limits. In general they have a surprisingly sophisticated selection given it's across from a big school (American University) and I've been impressed by the other stuff they carry in other categories. Bonus, they offer delivery (and do it themselves, not with some janky delivery service) within DC for a nominal fee which I use a lot because I live about as far from them as you can get.

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t1_j0zwlz5 wrote

While they do have a relatively small selection, Davines in Columbia Heights is good. Knowledgeable staff. I go there if I want to try something new.

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t1_j0zxrz6 wrote

Not to be rude or anything but the high end of whiskey and tequila starts way beyond $115.

There are absolutely solid bottles in your price range, but nothing "special." $60-$115 will get you a base offering single malt, or a 2nd-from-the-bottom tier premium label bourbon. I'm not super familiar with tequila but I'd be surprised if it was all that different.

I would focus more on the "unusual" side of things if I were you. Something like Jefferson's Ocean which is mid-tier bourbon but has the fun gimmick of being aged on a boat at sea. It'll run you $90 bottle or so. Or if your dad doesn't live in the area, something local (even though our local stuff isn't that good) like Catoctin Creek or Copper Fox would be unique to them but not break the bank.

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t1_j100e9t wrote

Closest place to you with a good selection is probably Metro Wine & Spirits on Columbia Rd.

Further afield, I agree with those who recommended Calvert Woodley, Sherry's, and Schneider's.

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t1_j104q0l wrote

Batch 13 has a decent whiskey and tequila/mezcal selection upstairs. Not sure how helpful the staff is but they have some rare rums and solid mezcals for reasonable prices. Semi close to Mt Pleasant also.

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t1_j106go0 wrote

Barmy’s on L St has an OK selection and you can order online, saving you a trip.

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t1_j1075xc wrote

Replying to Gumburcules (#984,613)

Most of the non-gimmicky higher end (and truly high quality) tequilas fit into that price range from my experience. Though I’m sure there is a whole world of “high-end” tequilas beyond that price range - but to my understanding the clase azules and don julio 1942s are expensive due to name/brand and not quality.

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t1_j1084j0 wrote

Check out the Bottle Collection at FL/VT/V NW. The owner (John?) has a really solid selection and happy to talk through what you're looking for and recommend options.

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t1_j108mdh wrote

Calvert, Schneider's or Wegman's. Each has certain things at higher or lower prices.

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OP t1_j10b968 wrote

Replying to No_Conversation_1566 (#985,256)

This was my understanding, as well. When I said “higher end” I guess what I meant was “worth spending money on.” Not, like some $450 super rare item.

Like I said, I don’t drink as much as I used to, and maybe I’m just a plebe, but I’ve had pretty good booze at that price point. I hesitate to share what I’ve enjoyed lest it be revealed I am a simpleton.

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t1_j10eg4p wrote

Look at Drizly if you're too lazy to go hunting.

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t1_j10frt0 wrote

Hop, Cask, and Barrel will bring it straight to your house since you're in NW and looking to spend over $50. They're overpriced IMO, but it definitely fits the bill for lazy and cold! haha

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t1_j10pkri wrote

Replying to frankie_fudgepop (#985,807)

https://cellar.com/

That's Schneiders' website if you wanna browse before you go in. Nothing on there right now excites me too much at $100 tbh.

Alternatively, Magruder's up in Connecticut Ave in friendship heights almost always have a private bottling of Whistle Pig 10year cask strength that is around $100. If your dad is into rye that hits the spot for me.

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t1_j10uoux wrote

They won’t have the broad selection of some of the other solid spots that have been mentioned, but since you’re in mt p I would check out Irving wine and liquor. He mixes it up. Similarly, I’ve picked up some great bottles at Domestique that you’re not going to find everywhere.

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t1_j10zw5u wrote

Metro liquors on Columbia Rd has a decent selection. Also Calvert Woodley in Van Ness.

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t1_j1172p7 wrote

Potomac Wine and Spirits in Georgetown is my favorite liquor store in DC. Very knowledgeable, wide selection. Can't recommend it enough.

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t1_j11sd4p wrote

Bourbon Concierge in Georgetown is worth a look.

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t1_j121a14 wrote

Replying to frankie_fudgepop (#985,807)

My favorite part about going there is walking in, finding an employee (my favorite guy is Andy), and telling them what you want, what you like, and what your price point is. I’ve been slowly working my way through their mezcal. I just grabbed a bottle of Mal Bien per an Andy rec, which is open fermented in cypress barrels. It is beautiful

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t1_j12aayw wrote

Replying to economizt (#986,619)

Yeah, the interesting stuff starts at $300. If they have a friend in Virginia, they can be on the lookout for one of their limited product drop notifications, and book it as soon as the email goes out. Seriously, people show up at ABC within 30 minutes of those.

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t1_j12kscs wrote

Jack Rose in Adam’s Morgan sells bottles and can give you a pretty good run down on everything they sell

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t1_j12y9pv wrote

I’m guessing you already checked Irving Wine & Spirits, but just in case - I always recommend them for excellent curation in a small space. Definitely more there than initially meets the eye!

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t1_j141bev wrote

Costco (if you have a membership) has the Nick Offerman Lagavulin for $79.99...

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