Sunday 12th of September 2010 03:27:51 PM

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I'm so overjoyed right now, I can't stop smiling.

Just when I thought my day couldn't possibly get any better, it did. I walked into Downtown Wine & Spirits in Davis Square and, behold, my eyes did see the glory of the brewing of the beer. Seriously, anyone who knows me, even remotely, knows I have an affinity for beer. But, as I stood in the middle of the gigantic beer selection, I felt myself buzzing with glee. And that's when I realized, wow, I have more than an affinity for beer. It's a true, bonafide, deep and unadulterated love for it. Especially, and friends can vouch for this, certain West coast breweries, who, up until now, had eluded by pint-tilting grasp.

Ok, Ok, Ok. I'll say one negative thing; then, be forewarned, this review is oozing with delight.

Negative: No Dogfishhead Chicory Stout. They had the customary IPAs, though, which is good. But still!

At the check out, I was beside myself. I would have reached over and kissed the girl behind the counter, but I think she would have liked it, even if I wasn't her type. She had huge, black plugs in her ears and half her head was shaved clean to the skull. But, in that moment, I was in love. I spewed un-Bostonian delight onto her, too, and, like a sport, she took it, expressing acknowledgment in none other than the standard monotone that is familiar around here. Whatever. Nothing could taint how I felt. Not even the brisk, post-rain sky as I walked, carrying my happy brown bag, toward the Davis Square T station.

What was in the brown bag you say? None other than my favorite Great Divide St. Bridgete's Porter. I hadn't found it anywhere in Boston, until now. They also had a HUGE selection of Rogue and had, as a far as I could tell, the best of the Left Hand Brewing Co. We're talking, this place was amazingly stocked. Sure, one guy complained that they were out of PBR, but I stood there, surrounded by six packs and single bottles of some of the most amazingly divine beer my tongue has ever tasted.

The aisle was wide enough I could have down a cartwheel. I thought about it. Really.

Wednesday 22nd of October 2008 07:15:44 PM

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The selection at this store is insane, but it comes at a price. I usually buy at least a case of bombers when I go to Downtown and almost always there is one that is suffering from poor treatment or old age. Like many have said, make sure to check for freshness.

The staff is very nice, but not always very knowledgeable. Some are willing to go into the cellar and pull you out some cool vintage stuff (which is usually very well cared for). I've gotten 05 and 06 Old Guardians, 05 Druid Fluid and 05 Double Bastard there that have all been spectacular and then I've gotten 07 Old Guardians that were moldy tasting and even fresher beers that were off.

Overall though, if you can't find it anywhere else, Downtown usually has it, even if you have to pay a little extra.

Sunday 8th of June 2008 03:54:48 PM

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Near Davis square on the corner. I've passed this place a few times but had no idea of the quality of the selection until I read about it then asked my sister (a resident of Somerville).

All the beer is toward the back. There are two rows of coolers that carry most of the beer selection: cases, 750s, bombers, six packs, and some individual 12oz bottles. There is also an area in the very back that has bombers and 750s of the rare/special varieties, and probably repeats of what's available in the cooler. There was also a special shelf dedicated to very rare beers that you would find for $15 or more. I'm sure just about any beer available in MA is in this store. More recently I found another row that occupies both sides at the back wall of the store as you head in, to the right of the aforementioned back section. There I found a lot more beer, all singles (mostly of 22oz or 750ml size).

The staffer in the back was happy to answer any questions. She was a little busy at the moment though stocking the shelves. She seemed very knowledgable as well. I've heard this place is pricey but I walked out with a full case of bombers for around $60, which seemed decent to me. The back of the store is a little dim but I don't mind that considering it's beer back there.

If you make a trip to this place make sure you have a dolly and a truck so you can handle all the beer they have here. If you live in Somerville or Cambridge, I can't imagine why this wouldn't be a regular stop. As it's within walking distance of my sister's place, it's perfect for me.

Wednesday 21st of March 2007 05:12:14 PM

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Ah Downtown. Like every other store in the area, the beer is located in the back. The largest selection of craft brew in the Boston area, hands down. Most every local label is in stock, either on the shelves at room temp or in the fridge chilled. Many, many brews from other places as well and they usually carry every style the brewery has. Large selection of bombers and six packs, but I haven't noticed any cases. They also allow customers to purchase single beers, which is nice if you'd like to just try one, however, there is no mixed 6pk discount.

I always end up coming here if I need to find something that's not at a normal store. Some highlights include Moylans, Two Brothers, Alesmith, Thomas Hooker, Southampton, HOTD, Founders, etc.

Macro crap is in a cooler on one side, craft on the other, while also taking up the middle section. Pretty large selection of german, english, belgian, and french brews also. It seems as though most of that inventory just sits around as it's not very well labeled--you kinda have to know it's there.

There are a couple of negatives to the store however.
First - The employees seem to know next to nothing and are not very helpful or attentive. They seem to care more about the music that's blaring than anything else.
Second - CHECK DATES FOR FRESHNESS. Things sit on the shelves for way too long leading to quality issues. For some brews, however, this may be a good thing as you could find a hidden gem, but just BEWARE.
Third - The prices are a bit outrageous. If you walk a mile down the road to a different store, the prices will be $1 to $2 cheaper. For the quality of stuff they sell, it doesn't make sense. They know their they have the biggest selection in the area so they price gouge.