Sunday 8th of August 2010 08:14:58 PM

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What would be the best way for me to describe this place? Okay, I got it. You know how there is that one special old world import store/deli that gives you that guilty pleasure? That’s this place but with a major difference. This place claims to have 750 beers.

Upon entering this place I was surprised at its size. It was actually much smaller than it appeared to be in the TV commercials I have seen. The second thing I noticed was the amazing scents wafting on the air. Smoked meats, sausages, garlic and freshly baked artisan breads.

To the right of the entrance are the cash register and a selection of wines. Directly in from the door is an incredible selection of hot sauces. I’m not talking Louisiana or Frank’s Red Hot, but crafted gourmet specialty sauces.

To get anywhere in this place you have to walk in front of the huge deli/meat market counter. This was my first time here so I was caught sort of by surprise by what happened next. As I was strolling toward the beer section an employee’s hand shoots out toward me, “here, try this”, she said. I asked what it was and was told that it was the hummus they make on site. I tried it and it was very good and I told her so.

I took maybe two more steps toward the beer and another hand shot out at me, “here, try this”, he said. This time it was their smoked turkey salad with black currants. Again it was amazingly good and I said so.

So I am now trying not to make eye contact and slink away toward the beer. I made it to the beer. Stone, Flying Dog, Oskar Blues, Rogue, Choc, Abita, Dogfish Head, Brooklyn, and too many more from across the country to mention.
Regional beers included Abita, Lazy Magnolia, Sweet Water, Holy Mackerel and many others.

On the way to the imports I had to pass in front of the deli counter again. This time I was asked what kind of meats & cheeses I liked. I admitted that I have a weakness for good imported Genoa salami and Fontanella cheese.

I made my way to the imported beers and had just started to browse when a man with a wheel of cheese and a sharp knife walked up to me. “Here, try this”. I did and was told it was their imported aged Asiago. It was fantastic!

I got back to browsing through the impressive selection of imports. German, Belgian, Dutch, Italian beer and a smattering of beers from Asia. I spoke to Mike their ‘beer guy’. I was already quite impressed with the selection of micro, craft and imports. Mike seemed to be somewhat embarrassed at how little beer he had on the shelves. Are you kidding me? This place has the best selection I have seen the entire time I have been on the Gulf coast.

I promised to come back after he had the place fully stocked. Then I headed back to the deli counter. “Try this” was repeated through Genoa Salami, Italian Dry Salami, Prosciutto, several cheeses and mixes of hummus with a pasta salad.

Then I got a small tour with the owner/manager James. The store has been open for 28 years. James is quite a character; I mean this in the most positive sense of the word. He is very much a hands-on kind of guy. He will greet you as you walk in, he will have you sample stuff from behind the deli counter, he will point out other items you might like and he will be ringing you up at the register.

On this particular visit I left with several bombers of Stone, some Ten Fidy and some Ola Dubh…and Genoa salami, Asiago cheese, peirogy, hummus, Calamata olives, smoked turkey salad w/black currants and a stack of Pita bread.

The world could use more people like James and more businesses like Four Winds. I would say that place is a must stop if you are in the area. Do not stop here if you are in a hurry. This place needs to be fully experienced when you have the time…and make sure you have a good sized cooler in your vehicle. I promise you will be leaving with more than just great beer and pleasant
memories.
Tell them Evil Keith sent you, though I’m not sure if this would help or hurt you…