Boston Wine Exchange

Boston Wine ExchangeBoston Wine Exchange
Boston Wine ExchangeBoston Wine Exchange
Store

181 Devonshire St
Boston, Massachusetts, 02110-1402
United States

(617) 422-0100 | map
bostonwineexchange.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.37
Reviews:
28
Ratings:
45
pDev:
8.92%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
 
Rated: 4.39 by KensWorld from Florida

Jun 10, 2023
 
Rated: 5 by Davit from California

Sep 05, 2018
Photo of brewme
Reviewed by brewme from Massachusetts

4/5  rDev -8.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4
Went here once a couple of years ago after running the Marathon. Pretty good craft beer selection. Space is pretty tight. The prices were very high.
Aug 25, 2018
 
Rated: 4 by Gkruszewski from New York

Jun 03, 2017
 
Rated: 4.17 by jtk21351 from California

Mar 15, 2017
 
Rated: 4.33 by Squire from Mississippi

Jun 27, 2016
 
Rated: 4.4 by zimm421 from Ohio

Jun 25, 2016
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Reviewed by INWarner413 from Texas

3.13/5  rDev -28.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3 | service: 3 | selection: 3
Loved the location and organization of the shelves. That being said, nothing "world-class" here at all. Unimpressive selection, service that more so seemed like they were following me to ensure I wasn't putting beer in the bags I brought in rather than asking me what I was looking for. Pass.
Jun 18, 2016
 
Rated: 4.55 by StoutElk_92 from Massachusetts

Nov 08, 2015
 
Rated: 4.42 by Resuin from Massachusetts

Apr 27, 2015
 
Rated: 4.33 by kjkinsey from Texas

Apr 15, 2015
 
Rated: 4.72 by American_Hawk from Massachusetts

Mar 20, 2015
 
Rated: 4.44 by benzalman from California

Feb 18, 2015
 
Rated: 4 by AirBob from Massachusetts

Oct 20, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by ivyman from Massachusetts

Jul 14, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by Ant4711 from South Carolina

Jul 08, 2014
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Reviewed by slarrage from Massachusetts

5/5  rDev +14.4%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
This is an awesome spot. Knowledgable/friendly staff, welcoming atmosphere, nice store (clean and well organized), cool vibe and great beer selection.
Jun 08, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by Davepoolesque from Massachusetts

May 23, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by jpcamp from Massachusetts

Mar 22, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by Bilco from Pennsylvania

Nov 28, 2013
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Reviewed by msubulldog25 from Oregon

4.17/5  rDev -4.6%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4
Visited 16 November, 15-20 minutes at around 6:00pm. Due to the quality reviews here on BA and the proximity to my hotel, I made a point to stop in to buy a few bottles to take home with me.

The store was pretty quiet after dark on a Saturday night; in fact I was the only customer for most of my time in the store. I found BWX easily enough on my walk back from the Convention Center (ASLA Expo) and a short stop at Trillium for growler fills; a classy wine/liquor shop with good ambient light, attractive finishes and (most importantly) a nice selection of craft beers. I went to the counter and set down my bags and was greeted by a friendly employee (who was not the owner, as he was busy browsing his laptop). I failed to get the guy's name, but he was very helpful. I told him I was visiting from Oregon and asked for help picking out some area beers. With that in mind and a few of my stated "likes", he took me around the corner to a wall of beers.

I've had relatively little from the New England area, so he helped me winnow down the options; a few breweries didn't get high enough praise, so I opted for ones that did. Maine Brewing's Titus and Pretty Things Babayaga both went onto the counter immediately (I love strong stouts/porters). The Mystic Three Cranes sounded intriguing, as did the Enlightenment Brut Bière De Champagne. I also picked out a Clown Shoes that showed a bottling date of December 2012, but it's a strong stout that I'm willing to gamble on. I bypassed the glass coolers (although I wished later I'd have looked them over more thoroughly and grabbed something for later that night). All in all, the tab was $58 - not cheap (bombers $8-10 for instance), but somewhat reasonable for the quality and the shop's Financial District location.

Besides beer, the selection of wine and liquor was very strong. There was also a nice flat screen TV opposite the sales counter (tuned to college football) to keep patrons and bored staffers entertained. Nice beer choices and excellent service would lead me back here whenever there's a "next time" in downtown Boston.
Nov 19, 2013
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Reviewed by VictorWisc from Massachusetts

4.68/5  rDev +7.1%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.75
An excellent store downtown Boston that is open late, unlike most of its snobbish neighbors. Given the location, especially being next to a couple of ritzy hotels and a bunch of law-office buildings, it should not be surprising that the prices are $1-3 higher than average per (big) bottle or per multi-pack. Even 12s are priced high--where others charge $17 and under, this store had $18.50 and $19.99. But that's only part of the story, of course. The selection is better than most within I-95 ring. Found some rarities on the shelves, a large Belgian section and well-stocked local section, highlighted by Mystic and NightShift, although both of those were represented by less than stellar brews. Of course, by Saturday night, the recent shipment has been stripped of all the good stuff. True story--while I was picking over the beer section, at least three customers came in asking for the wine equivalent of BMC or even Lemon Shandy. The store is nicely cooled, which is more than I can say about 8 other stores I visited on the same day (I suppose, in their defense, it was 94F outside, but if BWX can do it, why can't everyone else?).

Staff is knowledgeable--well, at least the ones I interacted with. They are aware not only of what they have but also of what they don't and may or may not get. But when it comes to recommendations, I suspect they try more wines than beers (perhaps also scotch--well, with so many lawyers on the same block, I can't blame them). A very nice and well-stocked store. It's better to pay an extra buck for something you can't find at all elsewhere or when price is no object. I'm putting it on my itinerary, although will time the visit a bit closer to deliveries.
Jul 21, 2013
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Reviewed by freefallinmissy from Massachusetts

5/5  rDev +14.4%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 5
Atmosphere- Very welcoming and inviting.
Quality- Top Notch
Selection-This is the best craft beer selection I have seen in Boston. And I go to a lot of liquor stores!
Service-Friendly staff. They always help me find exactly what I am looking for
Food-They have a very nice selection of cheeses and snacks.
Jun 10, 2013
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Reviewed by afi4lifer from Massachusetts

4.44/5  rDev +1.6%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
Eamon and his staff are great, awesome selection and you really cant beat the location. As good a selection as you'll find in the city. IMHO the best in the city (sorry Charles St!). Lots of rare stuff in pretty regularly and good everyday selections of tough to find brews. I love that he gets so much stuff from Maine Brewing, don't see that nearly enough.
Jun 10, 2013
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Reviewed by SHCC from Massachusetts

4.08/5  rDev -6.6%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.25 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4.25
One of the two shops I visit in downtown Boston. The beer selection is very good. The prices are pretty normal for downtown. The staff are helpful. The one drawback here is that there is a pretty large population nearby and some things go pretty quickly, but you aren't going to find a beer shop in Boston where that isn't a problem.
Jun 09, 2013
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Reviewed by JohnGymnast

5/5  rDev +14.4%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
What is this place?
A. Beer Nirvana
B. Beer Heaven
C. A Great wine store
D. All of the above.

The answer is absolutely D !
If you're looking for that obscure beer or wine these guys will have it. If they don't they'll get it for you and usually within a day or two.

I was lucky enough to score some Lunch and DFH 120 the last tim I was there. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. I usually just buy beer here because the selection is tremendous but a few weeks ago I needed a bottle of red for my brother in-laws birthday, he's a big California wine lover. BWX has a section in their side room with some pricey upscale wines but they were able to work within my $100 budget and my brother in-law was impressed with my selection.

You probably pass this store every day if you work downtown and don't even notice it...well stop texting and GO IN! Keep up the great work!
Jul 13, 2012
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Reviewed by jmlewisjr from Massachusetts

5/5  rDev +14.4%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
Great place downtown that has a surprisingly vast selection of Craft brews. The staff is awesome, know their beer, and have always been willing to special order something or suggest something new. I think they were one of the first places in MA to get Maine Beer Co., and I've been fortunate enough to grab several bottles of Lunch (when they have it). Does enough volume that most if what they have is pretty fresh. I picked up a bottle of Peeper that was bottled the day before! Also picked up some Flower Power on another trip that was bottled that week.

They have a craft beer only email list that keeps you updated on what they have that's new. All told, a great little outpost downtown with a great selection.
Dec 29, 2011
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Reviewed by messrock from Massachusetts

4.3/5  rDev -1.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4
Aaaahhh BWX. The savior for the beer geek downtown. After work kicks my ass all week I can pick something up before hitting the train, saving myself an extra trip before hunkering down for the evening.

Te selection here is great - not vast, but extremely well picked. American craft and a good chunk of Belgian. Stock definitely moves in this place, no worries with getting something old.

Price wise, a touch higher, but this is a location/convenience bump. Not outrageously higher than outside of the city. Most prices are within $1, if not the same.
Nov 29, 2011
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Reviewed by seanwhite from Massachusetts

3.28/5  rDev -24.9%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3 | service: 3 | selection: 4
Downtown has a severe lack of liquor stores, especially ones that actually have GOOD craft beer. BWE trumps them all - and are pretty much open all the time.

First time to the Wine Exchange. AWESOME store. Full of great choices and options for the wine and beer enthusiast. If you're looking for good quality craft beer - look no further. The staff was very helpful and knowledgeable when it came to making my selection! I'd recommend these guys anytime.

They are very helpful, and will let you reserve bottles you are aware of being released. If you are staying in Boston, check it out.
Nov 21, 2011
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Reviewed by Fclfcs from Massachusetts

4.14/5  rDev -5.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4
If you need to grab a good craft beer on your way home from work, BWX is the place to stop. It's located right in the middle of the Financial District on Devonshire Street. Their selection is very good - they have an entire room and a wall of fridge space devoted to craft beer. They also usually get a small number of the big release bottles - recently Parabola and Dogfish 120 Minute IPA, although they did not get the Canadian Breakfast Stout. They also have frequent wine and spirits tastings by local businesses (90+, Bully Boy, etc).

The only thing I would knock them on is price - their prices are often $1-2 more than other places around Boston. If you don't mind paying a little extra for the convenience and selection downtown, it's a great place to stop by.
Oct 18, 2011
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Reviewed by mbanchick from Massachusetts

4.55/5  rDev +4.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 5
I stumbled across this shop in the Financial District after work, and called them the next day to see if they could deliver beer locally. They deliver in Boston and have a minimum order of $100, so I'll probably do that sometime soon. They have an impressive variety of regional, national and import beers. The fridge is full of larger brands, and mostly 22oz smaller brands on display. They will throw 22s in the fridge if you call ahead for pick up. I picked up a small order for a beer tasting downtown (Hennepin, Jack D'Or, and Notch Session Saison) and they offered me a discount for buying in bulk.
Jul 15, 2011
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Reviewed by WanderingFool from Massachusetts

4.14/5  rDev -5.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4
I walk past Boston Wine Exchange twice a day getting to work. When it opened, I figured I'd check out their beer selection and was surprised at what they carried. Most wine centric stores I've visited typically have a standard craft beer line up, but BWX has the beers craft enthusiast look for.

BWX has local favorites like Harpoon, Pretty Things, Sam Adams and Smuttynose. However, they are the only store convenient to me that carries Element beers, Maine Brewing Peeper and Zoe, plus hard to find Goose Island brews and Ballast Point Sculpin. I've also signed up for the weekly email list and always know when something new comes in.

Prices are average for Boston. Maybe a dollar or two higher than outside of the city. Service is great. The guys know their beers and can answer questions about new releases and what's in stock.

Recently they expanded the store into the space next door. This will almost double the size of their floor space and I'm curious to see how they'll expand their beer selection. The displays are clean and orderly. It's pretty easy to see what's in stock and find what you're looking for.

They are located about a 5 minute walk from Fanieul Hall, right next to the Elephant and Castle. Parking could be a problem in the area, but the orange line is just 1 block away. Definitely stop by BWX if you're in the area.
May 08, 2011
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Reviewed by potownbill from New York

3.73/5  rDev -14.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3
I was looking forward to checking this place out on a recent visit to Boston. I can understand that the selection may be as good as you can get in downtown Boston, but it doesn't even come close to some of the beer superstores (Julios, State Line, Halftime, etc....) There was a decent selection of Southern Tier, a few Pretty Things, some Allagash, Pizza Port, and one variety of Clown Shoes. Yes, there were other varieties, but I walked out wit 4 bottles, when I expected to walk out with a case. Yes, it is worth visiting if you are downtown and need some good beer, but not worth a special trip. Save that for Julio's.
Mar 18, 2011
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Reviewed by Duhast500 from Rhode Island

4.5/5  rDev +3%
Wow, I was really impressed with this place. When I first saw the name and the wine racks at the front of the store I was going to pass it off as just a wine store. I saw the glass cooler in the back and decided to peak at what was to be had for the beer selection. There is a side room in the back that is filled with great imports and some really great American craft beer. I felt like a kid in a candy store then realized I was short money and now have to go back. The prices seem just a little more then other places I have shopped. I was in the shop more then two minuets before some volunteered to help me out. I'm going to be coming here often.
Dec 01, 2010
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Reviewed by rowingbrewer from Massachusetts

4.5/5  rDev +3%
This place is about 1 block from where I work. On fridays we are allowed to have a few in the office after 4, and we take turns buying. I was unimpressed by the beer selection and warm coolers at the place on washington street, so I googled liquor stores in the finnancial district and saw this one pop up. they had apparently only been open a month when I first went in. They always greet you when you walk in, and for a small shop in downtown boston they have a pretty good all around selection of beer, wine and liquors. I have pretty much become a regular at the place for my friday pick ups and the last time I went in I was looking for a few specific brews. particularly pretty things february 1832. while they didn't have it, the manager did give me his card and told me if there was ever something I was looking for he would be more than happy in helping me locate it. That puts them up near the top in my books. They also have the best price on BBC bombers anywhere I have seen.
Nov 16, 2010
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Reviewed by Aaron420 from North Carolina

4.15/5  rDev -5%
I had found this place online before leaving for Boston, little did I know but it was right next door to my hotel. I made a couple stops in during my trip and every time I walked in who ever was behind the counter was great. They always pointed me in the direction of a beer that I couldn't get back home. Not once did they convince me to get a bad beer. The selection was small but what do you expect from a wine store with a couple shelf's of bombers in the back and a couple of fridges. I would absolutely point this one out to someone who was in the area.
Sep 26, 2010
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Reviewed by TommyW from Massachusetts

4.5/5  rDev +3%
I work about a block away from this place, so its an convenient place for me to grab a few beers before going home. That said, even though this place is so convenient for me, I'd still try to make it here every so often even if it weren't.

The selection here is pretty nice. They have all the stuff that you'll find in most decent beer store in the area plus a lot of stuff that I don't see anywhere else. Quality of the beer seems pretty good (you don't see old bottles of beer that should be drank fresh). They get in shipments pretty regularly so there is always something new on the shelves. Plus, they also do beer tasting every so often, which were very nice. I attended a Brooklyn tasting on 9/16/2010.

The staff is very friendly, and always ask if I need help finding something. I haven't asked any questions, so I can't say for sure how knowledgeable they are.

The prices seem about right to me. Most stuff is right on par with other places in the Boston area; a few are over and a few are under.
Sep 17, 2010
Photo of asabreed
Reviewed by asabreed from New York

4.35/5  rDev -0.5%
This is a pretty cool place nestled between a bunch of places in downtown Boston. Took a while to find it as my wife and I were wandering through the city, but once you spot Devonshire it's fairly easy to spot.

The wine selection is insane, which makes sense, since beer isn't even mentioned in the store name. That said, once you make your way to the back of the store, there's a large selection of cold six-packs and bombers. And if you keep going, you get to the bombers and specialty stuff. A lot of good Massachusetts and surrounding microbreweries and craft stuff, and I was pleased to see Goose Island's Night Stalked and Bourbon County Stout. Prices are definitely reasonable to anything else in the area also.

And it's probably the cleanest store I've ever seen in my life.

It took about ten minutes for someone to ask if I wanted any help. Though I didn't, it would've been nice a little earlier for someone to ask if I had any questions. But, after working at a beer and wine store for about a year, I know it's also something of a questionable act to immediately bother folks when they're browsing, so it works both ways. Everyone was friendly when we checked out, though.

This is a pretty great place, though, whether you're looking for beer or wine. I'd give a high recommendation for folks who are in the city, as they seem to have some stuff that not a lot of other places may have.
Aug 19, 2010
Photo of skylark012
Reviewed by skylark012 from Massachusetts

4.35/5  rDev -0.5%
Great little package store in downtown Boston!

Their beer selection isn't vast because the place isn't huge, but it's definitely big enough, and what it lacks in quantity it makes up for in variety and quality.

Prices are pretty reasonable depending on what beer you get. Some things are a buck or 2 more than I could get them at home, while I've found other things for cheaper which is impressive for an establishment located in an area where you usually pay a premium for everything.

Also although I've only bought beer here, they have a nice looking selection of wines and quality liquors as well.

Only complaint- damn them for tempting my with Nugget Nectar still on their shelves in August!
Aug 06, 2010
Photo of morebeergood
Reviewed by morebeergood from Massachusetts

4.2/5  rDev -3.9%
Stopped in here to check this new store out. Located a short walk from Downtown Crossing. Really nice looking place when you walk in, with rich wood and nice shelving and displays. The beer coolers are straight to the back, and the beer shelves are to the left. Six pack selection was very good, but the single bottle selection was way better than I expected. There are two full length shelves, one featuring all American brewers, and the other mostly German and Belgian. Huge variety, with multiple styles from all the major brewers represented. I picked up a collaboration beer Saison du Buff for $4. Prices were extremely reasonable for a downtown location in the Financial District. Service was also good, as I was greeted on the way in and out. This place may not be in a high traffic area, but BWE is worth taking a side route for a visit.
Jul 23, 2010
Boston Wine Exchange in Boston, MA
Place rating: 4.37 out of 5 with 45 ratings