Canal's Discount Liquors

Canal's Discount LiquorsCanal's Discount Liquors
Canal's Discount LiquorsCanal's Discount Liquors
Store

2004 Mount Holly Rd
Burlington, New Jersey, 08016-4706
United States

(609) 387-1541 | map
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.12
Reviews:
22
Ratings:
27
pDev:
16.75%
View: Place Reviews
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Ratings by AgeOfQuarrel:
Photo of AgeOfQuarrel
Reviewed by AgeOfQuarrel from Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev -2.9%
Out of all the Canal's, this location has the best harder to find beers. The selection isn't huge, but it doesn't need to be. The back area by the register is dedicated to craft beer and seems to be well stocked for the shelf space they have to work with. The guy who works the counter seems to know his stuff, and he even let me break into a case of beer to grab something before it hit the shelves and was in the system. The prices are good, pretty much what you'd expect. If you're in the area be sure to check out the Canal's on rt 38 for a bigger selection, as it's only a ten minute drive.
Aug 13, 2009
More User Ratings:
Photo of Bouleboubier
Reviewed by Bouleboubier from New Jersey

2.86/5  rDev -30.6%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3 | service: 2 | selection: 3.5
Some employee, sometime in the past, had an eye for cutting-edge European (and domestic craft) beer. Most of those bottles, 750s and other ml sizes, some of which date back to 2010/11, continue to sit to this day, with no one to sell them. The variety of shelf turds, most ranging between 2010-2015, with a few more recent items - several bottles (Scandinavian, Belgian, et al) which I haven't seen in years. Tempting, but...

Maybe a dozen or so fridges, of which 2 held craft beer, mostly canned. The rest of the craft selection sits on: 1) a long 3-tier shelf parallel to the fridges, dotted with said dusty old bottles, 2) a wider industrial shelf island holding canned sixers and cases, etc. Most of the selection is local, some German.

Of the singles selection, I jotted down a list for future reference of 10+ bottles I considering picking up. Then again, I'm not sure I'll ever feel compelled to revisit this joint. Suspect quality. Did not pick up a vibe of a 'beer person' being on staff.
Sep 27, 2019
 
Rated: 3.24 by Urk1127 from New Jersey

Apr 08, 2016
 
Rated: 3.5 by FightinIrish88 from New Jersey

Nov 27, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by tkdchampxi from New Jersey

Jul 28, 2014
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Reviewed by Gavage from Nevada

3.36/5  rDev -18.4%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.25 | service: 3 | selection: 4
Easy to spot this place on Route 541 as there is a large Canal's sign. Plenty of parking. Typical warehouse store with plenty of boxes on the floor for wines and beers. The beers are on the left side when entering, and there is a warm aisle with a good selection of Belgian, German, American, and other international beers. There are several refridgerators filled with beers, about 70% of them are macros.

There is also a warm case aisle along the front of the store, and boxes seemed to be ripped open for someone that wanted a six pack instead of the case. The warm cases seemed to be stacked up hap hazardly. I also saw some old beers here so beware what you pick up.

Prices are expensive, as I saw sixer of Sculpin for $16.99 where other places have it for 2-4 dollars less. Even Stone sixers were $1-2 more than other places. They seem to have all the typical NJ beers that are distributed to the area.
Mar 16, 2014
 
Rated: 3 by IAMTEAMPONY from Pennsylvania

Jan 31, 2014
 
Rated: 3 by NYR_Rob from Pennsylvania

Jan 20, 2014
Photo of potownbill
Reviewed by potownbill from New York

3.45/5  rDev -16.3%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.75 | service: 2.5 | selection: 4.25
I made a special trip to visit Canal"s based on the reviews, hoping to find some unique beers that I couldn't find in my local beer store (Halftime). I wasn't expecting to find Pliny the Elder or Parabola, but I did expect to find a great selection of NJ/PA beers. Walked out with one bottle, and even that one wasn't great. This is a large liquor store on a main road, with an aisle dedicated to beer. There was nobody even close to the beer aisle to help on a Saturday afternoon. Prices were in line with Oak Tree, which I still consider the best beer store in NJ. Yes, for the neophyte beer geek, this store is a great place to stock up, or to gab a few bottles of quality beers, but it left me disappointed and bummed that I wasted the gas. I then went to the Foodery in Philly and walked out with a mixed case of beer.
May 05, 2013
Photo of JustinMatthew
Reviewed by JustinMatthew from Pennsylvania

3.79/5  rDev -8%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
I Stumbled upon this place a few years ago while trying to track down some limited release. super dingy and dirty, employees are most likely on crack and weird but the beer guy does know his shit and they have an incredible selection of dusty old gems, I can't think of a time where I haven't gone in looking for something particular and left with several bottles. Im not local to this place but its worth the drive, Be sure to check it out. also CHECK YOUR RECEIPT before you leave, I been there plenty of times and haven't been rung up correctly yet.
Nov 13, 2012
Photo of IdrinkGas
Reviewed by IdrinkGas from Pennsylvania

3.28/5  rDev -20.4%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3 | service: 3 | selection: 4
They have brews that are hard to find or not available near me. Lots of DFH, Urthel, Oscar Blues, Souther Tier, Mikkeller. They offer a 5% discount if you buy 6 or more beers.
A lot of their older stuff is noticeably dusty and dirty but I have found some great stuff in there.
2 out of the 3 times I've been there I was waited on by crackheads. When I say crackheads I don't mean strange people with quirky personalities. I mean people who I actually thought were on drugs. Both of those times I was rung up incorrectly but didn't look at my receipt until I got home. While they are annoying it doesn't stop me from shopping there.

Ok so lets make it 3 out of the 4 times I've been there I was wrong up incorrectly.
Jun 29, 2011
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Reviewed by YaKnowBrady from New Jersey

4.64/5  rDev +12.6%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
Being my local bottle shop, it should be no surprise that I love this place. For a shop in New Jersey, that has limitations left and right as to what can and cannot come into our state, this place has an incredible selection.

Mike, the beer manager, is one of the most knowledgeable "Beer Geeks" in the state. I always look to him to see what just came in, what to look for, and where to find something new. I can name any singular type of beer style, and he will rattle off at least 5 different examples he has in stock, and can recommend his favorite, as well as what he thinks might suit my tastes best. And he's never wrong.

I will continue to be a loyal patron to Burlington Canals, and if stop anywhere on my way home, it's usually here, chatting beer with Mike.
Apr 27, 2011
Photo of TheSupremeAJ
Reviewed by TheSupremeAJ from Pennsylvania

5/5  rDev +21.4%
Very nice place. My wife is learning about lambics and she had a few questions. She actually asked the employee man at the lottery counter standing near the lambics and he went into a half an hour discussion on her likes and dislikes to find exactly what he thought she'd like. We took home 5 kinds of lambics she's never heard of (shes not quite a beer girl yet... Lindeman's framboise started all this at the bar one night.) He actually pledged his life mission to find her higher quality and to find something better than the Lindeman's for her.
Oct 10, 2010
Photo of beerthulhu
Reviewed by beerthulhu from New Jersey

4.15/5  rDev +0.7%
Quality: Generous sized back room dedicated to craft beer. Beer quality is very good, Achel ( a rare trappist find), rochefort, the Bruery, Mikkeller, and Haandbryggeriet along with your usual suspects familiar to the local area.

Service: Got to utilize service here and have to say its pretty darn good. Helped look for a 6pack that they didn't carry at that time but helped with suggestions for alternatives and pointed me towards newer releases. Offered to help several customers find what they needed and answered questions while being busy tending to customers upfront with keg and case orders. Have to say they are very knowledgable, dedicated to craft beer, and earn their keep in a busy atmosphere where they always seemed hustling and bustling.

Selection: As stated Achel, a pretty rare trappist find even in places where the others are amply stocked (rochefort, orval etc) and their were several different varieties as well. Mikkeller, the Bruery, & Haandbryggeriet were stocked along with some Midwest favorites such as Great Divide and Founders. Their stock is 60-40 split bombers vs 12oz singles providing for a good mixture and opportunity to try before spurging on that six-pack. Estimated about 350-400 different varieties maybe a bit more, lining 3 sections of shelves. Their six pack selection was probably their only disappointment here, small offering 40 offerings or so and mostly of local and favorites (Stone, Victory, Yards, Slyfox etc). Nectar and Ed hardy beers which I haven't seen elsewhere were present along with a small handful of more obscure Belgian offerings top things off. Some seasonals, things seem to move just be sure to check on exp. Date. All in all their quality equals that of Hainsport, but they may be a bit more limited quantity wise in both six pack and singles.

Value: All and all have to say a decent value. Bought 2 sixers of slyfox, and about 12 loosies for about $55. 5% off coupons are available most of the time in local papers. A six pack of stone ruination was going for $17 which did seem a bit high but never seen or bought this before in sixpack form, only bombers. Definitly worth a trip.
Aug 12, 2010
Photo of cMonkey
Reviewed by cMonkey from Pennsylvania

4.65/5  rDev +12.9%
I found this place by accident. I entered to buy a bottle of vodka for a party nearby and was about to check out when the beer area opened before my eyes. I recently went for my second visit, and was again amazed at the selection. I consider myself one that has had quite nearly every beer I have wanted to try, but this store was filled with brands I have not ever come across before. The owner is very knowledgeable and will tell you about each beer.
Great place & great value for some rarer beers I haven't found before.
Jul 08, 2010
Photo of Joeynocturnum
Reviewed by Joeynocturnum from New Jersey

5/5  rDev +21.4%
This is the first Saturday in over a month that I haven't drop by to see what was new. Gets all of the rare finds from every Brewery they carry, DFH, Brooklyn, Founders, Troegs, Smuttynose, etc. Selection and pricing of Belgians are good, seems to always have a great selection of Cantillion and Lambics. I picked up some Black OPS, 2009 & 2010 Big Foot, 2008 & 2009 Celebration last Saturday. In the past I have puchased Pannepot, Black Albert, etc. Staff is also very helpful. I am looking forward to the KBS coming in early March.
Feb 06, 2010
Photo of jmalex
Reviewed by jmalex from Pennsylvania

3.95/5  rDev -4.1%
A gem that I didn't know about until recently. Now it's one of my favorite places to shop when I just need to get a certain bottle.

QUALITY: The beers are all set in an alcove all the way to the left of the store. 3 full walls worth plus tons of stacked cases in the middle. The organization is pretty good, but there are definitely a lot of out-of-place stragglers scattered across the shelves. The stock rotates pretty well but I've seen some pretty old and dusty bottles lying about. 90% of everything is great though. Just use common sense when picking out a bottle.

SERVICE: Mike, the beer guy, is insanely helpful and always is quick to offer up suggestions or good info. He's even pulled some special stuff out of the back for me without me even asking. The rest of the staff will do what they can to take care of you but can't really offer anything up as far as beer knowledge goes.

SELECTION: One of the finest in New Jersey from what I've seen. On the shelves I've spotted some special stuff from Captain Lawrence and Schlafly and can always find the latest stuff from Southern Tier before anyone else seems to have it. The German and English sections could certainly use some help, but the domestic stuff is right on point.

If Monster Beverage is too far south and Oak Tree is too far north, I'd definitely say that this Canal's location is the place to shop. It's easy to get to, and you're sure to find what you're looking for.
May 06, 2009
Photo of BWH3
Reviewed by BWH3 from Pennsylvania

4.2/5  rDev +1.9%
Stopped here on the way home to Philly. The selection of beer is pretty good. Again, mainly limited to the domestics and imports you can find at any NJ liquor store worth going into especially a Canal's. The number number of individual bottles was actually on the disappointing side. I thought the biggest advantage of this store over others was friendly service and they were well stocked in the varieties they had. As always the prices in NJ seem quite reasonable compared to Philly. If you are on your way through, it is worth a stop but certainly not a destination in itself.
Feb 01, 2009
Photo of RAdragna
Reviewed by RAdragna from Pennsylvania

5/5  rDev +21.4%
I am a frequent customer at the Canals in Hamilton Marketplace, which is next door to the ShopRite I work at.

I would say the best characteristic of this store is the very wide variety of beers sold. Along with the usual suspects served in any other beer/liquor store, Canals also has beers that I have not heard of before, as well as those that I like but don't see sold very often (i.e. Blue Point beers and Stone IPAs). Also, the people are very helpful in which beer to take (not that I have trouble selecting which one to buy) and the prices range from inexpensive to reasonable.

Like I said, I usually go to the Canals at the Hamilton Marketplace because it's next door to where I work. But any location will do when buying a beverage.
Nov 25, 2008
Photo of gpcollen1
Reviewed by gpcollen1 from Connecticut

4.15/5  rDev +0.7%
Gave this a swing on the way home from South of Philly. Getting off 295 x47B and head west on 541[??] - just a hop skip and a jump on the left with a huge sign so you cannot miss it.

Selection and organization pretty good. Plenty of Stone, Southampton, this and that. Belgian section relatively complete with what is available. In general, maybe a bit messy. Not enough six packs around - just did not seem to have a big stock of some stuff while an abundance of others. That is how it goes sometimes. relatively small selection of cold ones to go. Maybe just piking nits here.

Overall pretty nice on the selection end and prices not too bad.
Aug 15, 2008
Photo of Donnie2112
Reviewed by Donnie2112 from Alaska

4.6/5  rDev +11.7%
I've been here a time or two and I always end up buying more beer then I intended to. Their selection kicks ass. The rotate well and are very knowledgable about beer. This is a place that ships all over the country. They ship all over the country because they care about beer. However, despite their own efforts to put out kickass beer they still are trying to sell some out of code beer. I keep going in there to find seriously expired Brooklyn Lager. Despite all of the obvious virtues of this place I find that unacceptable in of it's self. These guys are great and they've hooked me up time and time again. They are awesome and I understand that there are distribution problems in this area when it comes to certain things. I get it I just can't max them out with 5's because of it.
May 23, 2008
Photo of OKCNittany
Reviewed by OKCNittany from Oklahoma

5/5  rDev +21.4%
Easily the best selection I've experienced. Granted, I see far more places in OK than in NEPA or south-central NJ, so I've been somewhat sheltered, but I've now stopped visiting other liquor stores in NJ. There's no point.

The selection (besides a healthy dose of macros that I couldn't give a rip about) begins with a bundle of mostly northeastern micros like Victory, Weyerbacher, Troegs, Legacy, Southern Tier, Smuttynose, DFH, and so on - with plenty of good ones from the rest of the country as well: Anchor, Sierra, Great Divide, Flying Dog, Avery, etc. There's a tremendous import section, including plenty I had never seen before, like Nogne, Uerige, Olfabrikken, Plank, Ettal, and Samichlaus. Even better, there are loads of big beers, seasonals, & limited distribution beers as well: Stone (AB, OA-AB, DB, Anniversary, RIS), Bear Republic, Capt Lawrence, Oscar Blues, etc - plus the big beers & seasonals from the breweries listed earlier: like Flying Dog's Wild Dog series, Victory Hop Wallop, DFH Worldwide & 120, and so forth. Even a vintage brew here and there.

The service is every bit as tremendous as the selection. The staff is friendly & full of good suggestions, but when Mike (the manager) is available (and he usually is) I can count on spending at least an hour running down what's new, what's coming, what's good - even what's not so good. On my first trip, he looked in my cart, saw my initial selections, discussed my preferred styles, and began pointing out great beer after great beer that I had never had before.

It's hard to judge prices here since I usually buy beers I can't get in OK and/or only see in PA bars. Prices seem reasonable to me - but then I would have gladly paid double for the Stone 11th Anniversary and Imperial Russian. The big problem (if you can call it that) is that despite the 5% mix-a-six discount, I always spend more than I intend to and drink more than I should the rest of the week.

Canal's is now a must stop for me every time I travel east and is such a high point it almost makes up for the prostate-exam-like torture United Airlines unleashes on me at the start of each trip.
Mar 31, 2008
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Reviewed by AltBock from Ohio

4.85/5  rDev +17.7%
This is one Liquor store that I truly hate! Is it because of bad service? location? slection? No, No, and HELL NO! The real reason I hate this place is because their selection is too big! You just can't walk in here with a reasonable beer budget. You are always go to go over your buget and walk out of there with a cart full of beer. There's just no way around it. There will always be something new and something vintage.

This great place is located directly off I-295 on 541. It's down the road from the Burlington Mall and almost next door to a Wal-Mart. You can miss their big yellow sign that says Wine, Scotch, and Rare Beers. All of their beer is located on the left side of the store. The first thing you're going to see is their aisle of case macros and a refridgerator wall. This is where they keep the six pack macros and the occasional craft beer like Sam Adams, Magic Hat and Paulaner. The last 2 doors (the ones closest to the exit) of the refridgerator is where they might keep 6 packs of Stone, Brooklyn, Southampton, Flying Fish, etc. They also keep in there a limited selection of bombers and 750's of Belgians, more Stone, Southern Tier, DFH, and a few others. Don't make your beer decision just yet. Turn around the corner and you'll find a big room with 3 big walls with at least 5 long shelves down and every inch of space is taking up by beer. There's so much beer in there that it's confusing.

The first shelf in this room, you will find out that this is where they keep bombers and 750's of American micros like Smuttynose, Sly Fox, Southern Tier, DFH, Rogue, Stone, Captain Lawerence, Jolly Pumpkin, and many others like those. Move a little bit to the left and you'll find 750ml, 500ml, and sometimes even larger bottles of Belgians, Italian, German and English beers that you've probably never heard of or haven't seen in a long time. The next wall after that has out season beers that will age, 12 oz. imports, and a few 12 oz singles and six packs of American micros. The next wall is entirely lined with 12 oz. singles, 6 packs, and the occasional bomber of American micros. Every American micro that you can possibly find on the east coast is sitting on that wall. If that wasn't enough, the middle of this room is filled with American micro cases and some the stuff they just got in. There is only a small path in between the shelves and cases that you can walk through.

I do have a minor problem with Canals, their service. I've been in here at least 5 times and every time I've been in here was for at least 30 minutes and only once did I get someone from their staff ask if I needed any help. The last time I was here, is when I had someone ask if I neede any help. I didn't catch a name, but this man was extremely knowledgeable about the beer they sell and what they're going to sell in the upcoming months. He even said he reviewed beer. I wish I got that service every time I went in there.

If you're in the area, you need to stop at this place. You won't be dissapointed! Every time I've been here, I've always been happy with what I get to take home. I wish I had more money to spend here, but that's a different story.
Feb 17, 2008
Photo of RichThatchr
Reviewed by RichThatchr from Florida

4.5/5  rDev +9.2%
I found this while on my way to visit a friend for New Year's Eve 2008 and was knocked out by this venerable warehouse packed with customers and a tremendous selection. While the place stocked a huge assortment of wine and spirits, the beer section was on the far side, both cold and not. As I made my way through the volumes of domestics and imports, my first thought was to grab a shopping cart to help myself with. It reminded me of my local beverage place, Shoreline, but with twice the selection and about 30% less on the price. I also was taken by the variety from Fantome, which I had not seen before and I made a point a capturing one for the New Year's party I was going to. In addition to the beer selection, I also enjoyed walking through the Whiskey selection.

My hat is off to this great place, which was about 4 miles West of the NJ Turnpike exit 5, on the edge of Burlington, NJ.
Jan 02, 2008
Photo of jimbomill
Reviewed by jimbomill from New Jersey

4.8/5  rDev +16.5%
I've been frequenting this place for over a year now. Mike, the Beer Guy there, knows his stuff, and is energetic about making the place a standard among beer-buying establishments in South Jersey.
Cases, 4-packs, singles, 6-packs - he has them in all styles (Belgians, barleywines, micro-brews, lambics, special releases ...). Build your own 6-pack and they probably will qualify for a 5% discount. Need a Kasteel Blonde? Its there, want EKU 28? I saw a couple of 6-packs. Want a DFH IPA 120? - one to buy (shelf) or one to get cold (fridge)? Join their Club and get to take advantage of monthly specials - I bought up all their Koningshoeven Quad on special back in July, only to find he had 6 more cases in the back!
Aug 30, 2007
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Reviewed by gkatsoris

4.8/5  rDev +16.5%
I love going to this place and can easily spend over an hour in there. I drive over 30 min to get there, and pass a half a dozen other distributers on the way. And it is well worth it! There selection is awesome. They have the biggest selection I have come across, including just about everything in singles (which is nice if you want to try something new).

The beer manager there is thee man (and if you can get on his email list, you're golden). He has a great knowledge of EVERYTHING he sells. He really does his homework. He is always bringing in new beer. Even if you have a question it's worth it to stop in and ask him.

Make sure you bring a shopping cart in with you! You'll be glad you did.
Jul 27, 2007
Photo of thetachibro
Reviewed by thetachibro from New Jersey

4.35/5  rDev +5.6%
I'm pretty surprised that there's not any more reviews for this place. Stopped by here after work the other day to see what they had and boy was it worth it. Really easy to find right off of 295. They had a really nice selection of singles as well as bombers. Lots of stuff from Lagunitas, Left Handed, Great Divide and many others. The belgian selection could of used some work but it was still pretty decents. The only knock that i have on the place is that there really aren't any cold six packs to choose from, pretty much everything is warm. They had a coupld of bombers in the cooler and a couple of victory six packs but besides that they were all BMC stuff. Overall it's a damn good spot. I'll be back
Jul 19, 2007
Canal's Discount Liquors in Burlington, NJ
Place rating: 4.12 out of 5 with 27 ratings