Andover Liquors

Andover LiquorsAndover Liquors
Andover LiquorsAndover Liquors
Store

209 N Main St
Andover, Massachusetts, 01810-3116
United States

(978) 470-0500 | map
andoverliquors.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
4
Reviews:
22
Ratings:
35
pDev:
10.5%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by mklisz:
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Rated by mklisz from New Hampshire

3.75/5  rDev -6.3%

Sep 08, 2014
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 4.22 by scxcrunner from Massachusetts

Apr 17, 2016
 
Rated: 4.68 by JakerLou from New Hampshire

Mar 25, 2015
 
Rated: 4.85 by BBugsyy from Massachusetts

Jan 14, 2015
 
Rated: 3.41 by lambpasty from New Hampshire

Jan 04, 2015
 
Rated: 3.75 by rjp217 from Massachusetts

Dec 21, 2014
 
Rated: 3.51 by rogacks from Massachusetts

Dec 03, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by ScotNH from New Hampshire

Nov 28, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by JackNip from Delaware

Oct 26, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by emottram from Massachusetts

Jul 23, 2014
 
Rated: 3 by hockeypuck from Maine

Jun 20, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by REVZEB from Illinois

May 23, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by powerlaces from California

Apr 15, 2014
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Reviewed by SunDevilBeer from Massachusetts

3.06/5  rDev -23.5%
vibe: 3 | quality: 2.75 | service: 3 | selection: 3.5
This store is located near where I work. I sometimes stroll through to window shop. Lots of geek-approved large format bottles gathering dust & growing stale, though.

What really bothers me about this place is the pricing. Prices are a good 10-15% higher than what you'll pay elsewhere, even in Boston. Employees are generally friendly enough but not terribly knowledgeable.
Apr 10, 2014
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Reviewed by Dope from Massachusetts

4.28/5  rDev +7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 4
Stopped by this store after it was recommended to me by a friend.

First off, the best part of this place is definitely the service. Lindsey, the beer manager is extremely friendly, extremely knowledgeable and very helpful in general.

Selection wise it is pretty good. Some of the stuff seemed a little older, it seems like this store is losing popularity a bit (the closed supermarket next door probably doesn't help). It seems special items and rarities are going to be harder to come by here due to the declining popularity unfortunately. Hopefully it can bounce back, it is quite a nice place and I would hate for it to decline.

Web presence is good, Lindsey responds to emails and has her own Twitter feed as well. This goes along with the great service rating.

Given the location I give it extra points. I don't think there are any comparable places within a 20-30 minute drive.

Overall quite a nice joint. They seem to be focused heavily on their wines but if you look past that and seek out Lindsey you are sure to have an enjoyable experience.
May 18, 2011
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Reviewed by neophilus from Massachusetts

4.31/5  rDev +7.7%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 5
From the unassuming name I didn't expect to find such a great beer selection, but they had a lot of signage in the windows for good prices on local craft breweries so I decided to take a chance. When I went to the back to see their beer selection I was blown away. One of the best selections north of Boston that I've found so far, had every major craft brewery and a wide selection of each.

What I really loved was that everything was clearly priced so there was no question about how much any beer cost. They were very clean and organized and browsing was an enjoyable experience. Also carried Ipswich, Opa Opa and BBC growlers at a reasonable price
Mar 03, 2011
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Reviewed by Wamesit from Massachusetts

4.4/5  rDev +10%
Unreal selection of lesser known craft beers as well as the normal selection of bigger microbrews. Belgian selection is unparalleled for the Merrimack Valley. Lots of singles and they promote creating your own loose six pack. (At a 15% discount) Prices are reasonable, and by comparison of what they could get away with charging, they are excellent. For those looking for advice or suggestions you might have to approach the counter yourself but for those who don't like to be bothered by sales people this spot is the perfect vibe.
Dec 17, 2010
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Reviewed by rowingbrewer from Massachusetts

4.5/5  rDev +12.5%
This store has a good selection of craft beers, and the prices are on par with many of the other stores in the general area. The first time I went to the store while I was looking through the 22s an employee came over and offered up assistance if i needed help finding anything. they also have tastings on occasion, and last friday when I went in Opa Opa was there doing a tasting of several of their beers. They also have a 15% discount when you bay any 6 loose bottles of beer. and when checking out The person at the counter has recommended other beers based on my selection. They are also willing to hold bottles of harder to find beers for you.
Dec 14, 2010
Photo of seh410
Reviewed by seh410 from Massachusetts

3.55/5  rDev -11.3%
I live in Andover, so this is the most convenient place for me to do my beer shopping. They have a very large selection of beers, including growlers from Berkshire Brewery and Opa Opa. They don't typically carry anything that is rare or difficult to find, but they do have a great variety. My only problem with this store is the service. I can never get anyone to help me. Typically there is only one or two people at the counter and I've never come across any employee that knows anything about beer. It's frustrating and kind of disappointing, because with their massive selection, I'd like some guidance on what I should buy. Without anyone to ask for advice, it is kind of overwhelming.

Anyway, I'd definitely go there if you are looking to buy your typically line up of beers or beers that your typical package store doesn't carry. Just make sure to know what you are looking for or plan to spend all afternoon sitting on the floor trying to decide what to buy
Jun 04, 2010
Photo of gatorhophead
Reviewed by gatorhophead from Massachusetts

4.55/5  rDev +13.8%
I happen to be lucky enough to live right down the road from this place and their selection is the best in the area. They have beers from all over the world, but I stick mostly to American crafts and they have a great selection. Lagunitas, southern tier, dogfish head, victory, stone, sierra nevada, founders. They also have the best variety of Regional crafts I have seen on the north shore, smuttynose, long trail, otter creek, red hook, wachusetts... Some of their beers are on the pricey side but others are very reasonable??
Dec 03, 2009
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Reviewed by JTWILDOATS from Massachusetts

4.2/5  rDev +5%
Interestingly enough, I live right around the corner from this spot, and it took me a while to venture in there.

It's hard to tell from the outside, but this liquor store has a ton of space and with that, a huge selection of standard and craft beers. This spans several sections and isles of both cold and floor stored brews, as well as a plethora of single bottles and a vast, quality Belgian selection.

The prices are normal.
The service at the counter is fine--they don't seem to have a large staff for helping customers throughout the store though. I'm sure that they would be very knowledgable at the counter.
Oct 20, 2009
Photo of gameface23
Reviewed by gameface23 from Massachusetts

3.85/5  rDev -3.8%
Andover Liquors has the best selection that I've seen in the Greater Lawrence Area. All areas of the world are well represented. Standouts for me include Alesmith (just the Wee Heavy at the moment, but I've seen others there a few months ago), Lost Abbey, Stone, Unibroue, Southern Tier, all of the Trappist beers except for Westy and La Trappe, and tons of German and English beers. Local/regional are well represented as well. Their prices are a bit high, but it's worth going there for the selection alone. I've called a few times to see if they had certain beers in stock and it really depends on who is working if the customer service is courteous or not.
Nov 30, 2008
Photo of gciccarelli
Reviewed by gciccarelli from Pennsylvania

4.15/5  rDev +3.8%
This is coming from someone out of state...used to the stingy PA scene.

Great store with a very impressive selection. There are a few cold cases in the back, but the main highlight is an entire aisle of single bottles and bombers. Found a lot of Belgians and a lot of stuff that I had never seen for sale before...very impressed by the selection.

Prices were very good, at least compared to PA...can't honestly say how it compares to other local stores.

Service seemed pretty good. A couple people asked if I needed help with anything, and the cashier was friendly enough.

Definitely worth checking out!
Nov 29, 2008
Photo of Randori
Reviewed by Randori from Massachusetts

3.85/5  rDev -3.8%
So I have to start out with a confession....this place is so close to my home that I probably want it to be slightly better than it really is. That's not to say it's not great in comparison to the average package store because is is. This is my "go to" place for my growing love affair with Belgians and Saisons. It just means that I'm probably a bit too willing to overlook some potentially stale inventory and/or a store staff that does not seem all that interested in their own selection. (Clearly somebody cares given the variety on their long shelf, but I've yet to find a cashier who expresses any interest in craft beer or one willing to take custom order request....if they don't have it it would seem they can't get it. Alas...)

The selection of Belgian, German, and general imports is great all along the warm shelf. The coolers in back are mainly reserved for American Craft brews of the Sams, Dogfish Head, Flying Dog, Magic Hat variety.)

Nice selection overall and possibly the best place for overall variety in the Merrimack Valley. It's one of those places that seems good bordering on great.
Sep 08, 2008
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Reviewed by NEhophead from Massachusetts

4.35/5  rDev +8.7%
In the quest of finding a 'decent' beer store in the Lowell-Lawerence-Southern New Hampshire area, I was more than pleasantly surprised with my visit to Andover Liquors today.

Located in a shopping plaza a mile off of I-495, the beer section is housed in a much larger area than your typical liquor store. From the entrance, a long row of shelving houses the warm singles selection (Belgians, other imports, and craft). On the end of the shelving is the warm six pack section, opposite of four cooler doors housing six packs.

The large selection should not be out-done by the quality of beers that Andover Liquors offers. Craft offerings include a variety of Southern Tier, Avery, DFH, Rogue, Ommegang, Stone, Middle Ages, Hoppin' Frog, Allagash, etc. The specific bombers are too extensive to list, but more than worth checking out, as is the Belgian selection.

Six packs include a variety of the typical New England suspects, unique Victory offerings, Ft. Collins Brewing, Flying Dog (Gonzo), and many others.

Staff was friendly and obviously versed enough in good beer to be bringing in such a wide selection of quality stuff.

The problem of stagnant, boring package stores in this area of MA is now over. Thank you Andover Liquors.
Aug 28, 2008
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Reviewed by fitzy84 from Massachusetts

4/5  rDev 0%
Headed home to the see the parents so I stopped by local stores. This place was a pleasant surprise, making me wish I was 21 when I lived back home.

Upon entering, the space was mostly dedicated to liquor and mainly wines. However the center row had some great imports (22 ounces to single bottles) lined up for many feet. By the end of the same row, domestic brands like Stone, Avery and Rogue were displayed. The freezer had some more local stuff like BBC but mainly Buds and Coors were stored in there. In front of the same row and on the side were six packs of things like Otter Creek and Wachusett.

Service seemed nice. The man who rang me up started a conversation with me about if I knew a person with the same last name as me. About 4 people were working there (two at the counters) so I imagine they would be more than helpful with their friendly attitude.

Overall, a great stop in Andover.
Jul 25, 2008
Photo of muffguy4beer
Reviewed by muffguy4beer from Massachusetts

3.8/5  rDev -5%
This place is THE PLACE if you live in the valley.

Their warm shelf is pretty nice. Varied belgians, nice locals, etc, etc. But beware the aged stock for you are bound to get a shite bottle every once and a while.

I try and stick to the cold shelf or to stuff I know is rather new. I recently went and saw stuff sitting out on the warm shelf that was 2-3 years old right out in the light. I still like to visit this place once a month or so because it really is the best selection within a reasonable distance.

Some people hype this place up too much. If I am dropping $10+ on a bottle of beer I want to make sure it has been handled properly throughout its tenure on the shelf. Stick to the seasonals, new releases, stuff that ages well and the cold shelf and you should be in good shape.
Mar 20, 2007
Photo of Franchise
Reviewed by Franchise from Oregon

4.3/5  rDev +7.5%
Andover liqours is located right of 495 in a plaza with Market Basket and a Citizens bank. As you walk upon the store it doesn't look promising but once your in the excitment begins. It is a medium sized store. As you enter it is all wine upfront, as you walk to the back there is a small redemption center which is always key.

All the room temp beers are in a long "L" shaped aisle with any spill overs adjacent to the redemption center. Most of the back refrigerators are beer and dedicated to craft brews. The selection is tops though, as good as any selection I've seen. Moylan's, BBC, Unibroue, Six Point, Oskar Blues, lot's of Belgian's, etc.

The only problem is that there is dust on some of their products although the dates seemed fine on the ones I could check, it could be once they hit the shelves there is little "up keep" but I will check in a few weeks for an update. Overall this is a great store and it is now one of my new places.
Jun 06, 2006
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Reviewed by brewandbbq from New Hampshire

3.52/5  rDev -12%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.75 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.5
Andover Liquors is located in a shopping plaza on Rt 28 off of 495, and not far off 93.
Decent selection, not mind-blowing, but there are some treasures there.
A good mix of domestic micros and imports being well represented, especially Belgians..
The imports are mostly cream of the crop, and it is evident that PHD has been attentive to Andover.
When I was there yesterday, the store was a bit dishoveled.
There were cases of beer (opened and unopened) along the back left wall. Several Stone Cat varieties, Anchor OSA '05, Celebration, etc, that had not made it on the shelf yet.
There were also some beers way out back on some metal shelving that weren't stocked in the usual spots.
Take your time and scope out the whole area or you may miss a true gem.
Prices are pretty right on, maybe on the high side in some cases.
They don't give any extra discount on 6 or more singles, which hurt them yesterday. If I'm going to stock up on Alesmith, Belgian 750's, and Panil, I'll make the trek to Julio's.
Oddly no Great Divide, though?
I'll be back.

Edit: 2/2/06
New finds at Andover:
Peche Mortel ($25?)
2 Brothers Weiss wine 2005
2 Brothers Imperial Stout
Newport Storm Chloe
Last bottle of Alesmith Decadence

The store was more organized this time around, with those cases against the wall appearing to be overstock.
The shelves were excellently full and faced, although no Great Divide still or Allagash Interlude.
The clerk also informed me that they have no problem selling singles.

Update 2/23/06
New beers on the shelves include the full line Moylan's, including Hopsickle.

Update 12/31/13
This place is going downhill. Lots of bare shelves, dusty beers, and selection is severely lacking by todays standards of a craft beer store. No Bruery or De Dolle beers? They have gone to 6 or more 15% discount but apparently just jacked up the price of the per each bottle to compensate. Quite high prices and dissapointing selection.
Nov 26, 2005
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Reviewed by UnionMade from New York

3.8/5  rDev -5%
This is a fairly small, local-type liquor store located in the smallish Shawsheen plaza, which also hosts a Marshall's or T. J. Maxx, one of those places. It's pretty easy to get to and conveniently right on the way to The Tap in Haverhill. (It's off exit 41 on 495, which is Rt. 28. Just follow 28 south until you see the plaza.)
Walking inside, the beer is at the far end of the store. A fairly average selection in the coolers, with your Victory, Dogfish Head, Cisco, etc. The real gems are on the outside aisle, which you walk past to get to the coolers. Various old treasures on the shelves, from all over the world. I don't thnk I'd trust anything un-ageable off this shelf, with all the dust settled on the bottles. If you're looking for some hard-to-find/old brews, this is the place to check. I finally found the Westvleteren 8 and 12 here, along with several bottles of New Haven Brewing's Belle Dock Barleywine, circa mid-nineties. Woo hoo! Quite a find, considering that I found classic beer from my home state...out of state. There were a few other goodies I'd love to bring home, but funds were limited.
The service is good. I'm rarely asked if I need assistance, so I usually go off the check out experience. I'm sure if I asked they'd try to help. Prices were about average, although I could have stood to pay less than $5 a 12oz bottle for the Belle Dock. The girl at the register was nice enough, no hassle for out of state ID and a friendly "enjoy your beers!" on the way out. Good enough for me.
If you're on the way to the Tap driving north and like vintage stuff, make a stop here.
Aug 14, 2004
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Reviewed by ViveLaChouffe from Georgia

3.95/5  rDev -1.3%
I have a buddy whose girlfriend's parents live in Andover. So when he shuttles between Belfast and Andover, we'll go half and half and he brings us back a stash of Mass. and imported beer. Now that I've been there, I see why he always goes over budget.

First, the quality may be the only negative about the place. The beer is well-handled but some of it is quite old and way past its freshness date. A great majority is well within specs though.

Service is friendly and genuinely interested in beer (well, spirits of all kinds.) The place is very wine heavy but the clerk was interested to know how the Brooklyn Monster was this year.

A great selection of Mass. beer - Concord, Cisco, Ipswich, Rapscallion, Berkshire, Harpoon, Stone Cat and others. Other micros include alot of my favorites like Long Trail, Brooklyn, Geary's, Sierra Nevada, Magic Hat, Rogue, Stone, Anchor. Too many imports to mention. Aventinus, La Chouffe, Unibroue and lots of Belgians.

Lots of hidden gems if you look closely. Some vintage Anchor OSA when I was there. Cool place.
May 02, 2004
Photo of JamesBerry
Reviewed by JamesBerry from Massachusetts

4.05/5  rDev +1.3%
I dropped in here on a lark, hoping to be able to find one or two interesting beers. To say the least, I was not disappointed. At first, I was surprised by the selection of regional brands in the coolers. Then I turned a corner and saw the imports. There was no short supply of good beer (including a lot of brands that I'd never seen in a liquor store before). The service was a bit spotty, but then again, I wasn't exactly looking for any assistance, so it didn't make too much of a difference to me. Prices are fairly average, though some of the local brands were a bit more expensive than expected.
Jan 28, 2004
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Reviewed by yankeeheel from Maine

3.55/5  rDev -11.3%
Not a bad little store. Mainly geared towards wine, but a decent selection of craft brews to sample. Prices seem to be about average. The service was sub-par to say the least. If you have a question you need to seek out help and then wait, wait, and wait. I'd hit it again if back that way simply because they have a solid range to choose from.
Sep 29, 2003
Photo of Admiraldinty
Reviewed by Admiraldinty from Massachusetts

4.2/5  rDev +5%
Really nice store. More wine than beer, but still quite good. I was surprised to see just how much good stuff this store has. Big selection for a store of this size. Has a whole aisle of imports. I've only been in here once thusfar, but I was quite happy with my first visit, and I'll definitely be returning time and again.
Aug 25, 2003
Photo of UncleJimbo
Reviewed by UncleJimbo from Massachusetts

4.35/5  rDev +8.7%
Andover liquors is located in Shawsheen Plaza on North Main St. in Andover. It is known for its extensive wine selection, but they also stock quite a decent beer selection, and beers may be purchased in individual bottles. They stock several Rogue Ales, 2 or 3 Victory Brewing Co. beers (incl. Storm King Stout), many local and regional micros (incl. several Ipswich Ales in growlers), as well as dozens of interesting imports. The number of beers stocked is quite impressive. Some of the more unusual beers tend to sit on the shelves a while. The service is very good: they allow you to purchase singles of anything, and the manager is helpful and customer oriented (and has been willing to give refunds for off bottles). Overall this is a very good liquor store for BA's.

Updated 03-19-04
Dec 18, 2002
Andover Liquors in Andover, MA
Place rating: 4 out of 5 with 35 ratings