Merchant's Fine Wine

Store

146 N Main St
Royal Oak, Michigan, 48067-1809
United States

// CLOSED //
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.35
Reviews:
5
Ratings:
5
pDev:
6.67%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews.
Ratings by marburg:
Photo of marburg
Reviewed by marburg from Michigan

4.15/5  rDev -4.6%
What can I say? This is the spot to find something that can't be found in southeast Michigan. Vintage versions of your favorites, obscure Belgians, and shelves upon shelves of micros. I mean, what more can you really ask for?

I don't think I've ever been asked for help once while browsing for beer though I certainly have been asked while shopping for wine. So I think that might shed a little light on some of their priorities.

Anyhow, they *do* keep most of their brews out on the floor rather in coolers like they should. But aside from that, there isn't a whole lot bad to say. Cheaper than some lesser places in Ann Arbor and with twice the selection of anyone else. Merchant's (either of them) is SE Michigan's best beer stop; no question.
Jun 17, 2003
More User Ratings:
Photo of CRJMellor
Reviewed by CRJMellor from Arkansas

4.5/5  rDev +3.4%
Rather non-descript building on the outside. Retail establishment seems to be at the end of the entertainment district in Royal Oak. Beer selection is outstanding with lots of unique imports and micro brews. All the Michigan micros (Bell's, Dark Horse, Arcadia, New Holland, Stoney Creek, Dragonmead, etc.) are here along with other good Midwest regional and national micros. Excellent array of Belgium beers and Germany seems very well represented too. I'd say they needed some more English ales but they have Fuller's and some other good breweries so I'll give them a break on this point. Wine selection is equal to or better than the beer selection.
Best place in Michigan that I've found.
Jan 19, 2004
Photo of mjohn27603
Reviewed by mjohn27603 from Michigan

3.9/5  rDev -10.3%
I'm deeply torn about writing this review. I have been shopping at this location for months and waited to review. I have spent a lot of money at Merchant's Fine Wine. I will probably spend a lot more there. Their selection is among the best in the state. I would like to support this continued selection. Their selection of Belgian beers is unequaled.

Now for the bad side. I believe they have discontinued any homebrewing products. I've recently noticed a large tilt towards macroswill selections. However, the worst thing about this store is the freshness of their product. I just purchased a Sam Adams Winter Variety Pack and I have a strong suspicion it is from last year's holiday. I have noticed beers that sat out for months placed in coolers at later dates. A lot of their stock is not refrigerated. I have got beers that aren't fresh more than once. The wine side is very well served and has plenty of experts to help you out. The beer side is ignored a lot more.

It is heartbreaking that I have to write this review. I still will go there to buy. However, I will think twice about buying something just because they have it.
Nov 25, 2002
Photo of putnam
Reviewed by putnam from Michigan

4.7/5  rDev +8%
Frank Retell is the man! This store has it all. 6-liter of Rogue Honey. Countless magnums and 3-liters. Odd, unheard of things. Lots of Belgians. Brew supplies. Glassware. Great prices.

I came of age shopping in this store. Bought my first brew supplies here. I once got hop cuttings here which I buried in the backyard and watched as they grew into abundantly fruited vines. Aisles and aisles. Stacks and stacks.
Nov 02, 2002
Photo of inebrius
Reviewed by inebrius from Michigan

4.5/5  rDev +3.4%
Excellent selection in the Southeast Oakland County area. Plenty of Imports and Micros to choose from as well as a nicely stocked cooler. If your into beverages--beer, wine, coffee, soda, even bottled water--this is the place to go. Pick up some imported candy or choose from the dozens of hot sauces available. A gourmet's delight!
Sep 06, 2002
Merchant's Fine Wine in Royal Oak, MI
Place rating: 4.35 out of 5 with 5 ratings