Friday 29th of October 2010 02:07:59 PM

link
2010: I've tried going here a few times and never really find much of interest. It's nice that they offer cask ale at their bar, but i've never found it a place to linger very long.

Spring 2009: Beer seemed to be languishing here. Smattering of craft stuff but not much new to be found. Gorch Fock & Broodoo from last year, old label Dreadnaught probably also from last season. The register guy says they don't carry Goose Island since they aren't "local" anymore after "signing a deal with the devil" for partial distro through AB. Whatever...can't really say i'd return after giving it a few tries. Beer is maybe 1/15th of the selection here, it's a wine shop.

There's a new bar/lounge that opened next door in April 2008. It opens at 4pm daily, with a small food menu that included cheese and charcuterie plates. Current cask offering is 3F Robert the Bruce, and about 20 handpicked craft and import beers, plus Old Style for the cheapos. The menu is very detailed with tasting notes, style, origin, and abv info on each beer. The shop selection remains focused on a handful of select breweries, such as Three Floyds, Unibroue, Coney Is., Rogue, New Holland, Arcadia, DFH, and random quality imports. The lounge would be a nice respite from the Hopleaf when it's room reaches critical mass...

EDIT 12/2007: In the area for xmas shopping, decided to check it out again. They encourage mixing singles and offer a 10% discount for a mixed six-pack. Their cellar had some extras, like Alpha Kong, La Merle Saison, Maredsous, Founders Harvest, and a few other notable ones. The US craft singles I grabbed were under $2 for the most part, DFH 90 min. was close to $3. Not as bad as my 1st impression...but the shelves in the shop have the potential to have at least 1/3 more stock. Service was more helpful too, it's usually 1-on-1 if there aren't many customers there.

10-19-2007:
Stopped in here randomly while in Andersonville looking for Swedish stuff.

There were a few customers while I was there, and the staff were busy holding their hands while buying expensive wine. The beer shelves held some quality goods, such as 3 Floyds Behemoth, and Anchor OSA. This place had the air of a fancy boutique shop, where you might find a gift for a beer or wine connoisseur. Prices were higher than average, prompting me to make an exit after surveying the scene. I may return to check out the "cellar", but won't be making a special trip.