Sam's is easily the best beer store I have been to in North Carolina. It is also one of the best beer stores I have visited anywhere.

Most of the stock is warm and sold in six-packs. They do allow you to split sixers and there are two really large coolers where you can find some cold beer to buy.

The focus seems to be on American Microbrews, but they have a really solid selection of Imports too (including some rare and hard to find selections).

Almost the whole interior of the building is focused on beer which is impressive considering this place appears like a small family owned gas station/car wash.

If you want beer in NC, do not pass up a chance to visit Sam's.

reviewed on: 2007-12-30 20:17:02

Don't let the exterior fool you, this place is a goldmine for good beer. Close to an hour away from me, it doesn't keep me from enjoying a trip now and then to fill up the Jeep with all sorts of goodies to bring home.

A change post-NC-cap-popping squeezed out quite a bit of wine in favor of a definitely more beercentric inventory. Fantastic arrangement sorted with beers by country on room temp shelving. Three coolers house others. Rare gems and hard to find treats await you here. Outstanding Belgian selection.

Prices are quite comparable to other non-chain stores I frequent. The staff is knowledgeable and quite ready to shoot the sh*t about beer. Their passion shines. Their sarcasm is sharp. The tunes rock out.

I always go in with a budget in mind....and end up absolutely blowing it out of the water in no time flat. I love Sam's, and only wish it were closer to me.

reviewed on: 2007-10-02 23:37:20

If you live in the Triangle, or are traveling through with plans to take some local stuff home, Sam's is the place to go.

They have the best beer selection in the area. The staff is knowledgeable, and they care about beer. Other stores with lesser selection can't boast all three of those. It's run by good people, and that's how I like to spend my money.

They do tastings, and bring in all the new stuff, without failing. Is there a drawback? It looks very much like the convenience store that it is. Do I care? I like cool surroundings, yes. But I also think it's cool that these guys don't look like they know or care about beer in an environment that doesn't look like it knows or cares about beer. The irony is beautiful, and so is Sam's. Go there.

Sam's has certainly stepped up to the plate in regard to beer selection for the Triangle area. There is no establishment with more selection. At heart Sam's is a convenience store, but over the past few years has transformed into a Beer Mecca.

The only real downside is the windows in the back room should be covered with some blinds to protect the beer. The shelves are well organized and well stocked and this should be a destination for all who hit the Triangle area and are searching for great beer!

EDIT -
Sams has redone the back room and the entire beer layout. The room is more protected from light and the beers are so much happier as a result!

reviewed on: 2007-03-15 14:35:09