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Valley Beverage Company
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by JerseyHopHead:
Reviewed by JerseyHopHead from California
4.44/5 rDev +4.5%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.5
4.44/5 rDev +4.5%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.5
I've been in search of a good bottle shop in the LA area for quite some time and the search has finally ended. For starters, Valley Beverage has one of the biggest selections in the area. While still heavier on the California selection (for obvious reasons), they still boast one of the more regionally diverse selections. They also really just carry the best beers from the many breweries they have in stock. I walked in today and they had Simtra and Pliny in stock along with a great selection from Boulevard Brewing. The staff are also very helpful and really know their beer. They haven't given me a bad recommendation yet and they have even steered me away from more expensive beers. As far as prices, this place is pretty typical. It's not overpriced but the hard to get stuff is going to run you as much as you'd expect. Anyway, definitely worth checking out if you're in the area, especially if you're trying to track down some hard to find brews.
Apr 30, 2014More User Ratings:
Reviewed by ipa2014 from California
4.9/5 rDev +15.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 5
4.9/5 rDev +15.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 5
Came here for 12 days of Christmas to pick up cantillon and found lots of other Belgians I've been looking for. Hands down best selection I've ever seen in LA and their employees know their stuff. Peter was a really big help"I can't believe the even have Israelian Beer
May 21, 2014Reviewed by teraflx from Arizona
5/5 rDev +17.6%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
5/5 rDev +17.6%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
This place is the best in town! Huge selection, great prices and lots of harder to find beers. They are located right of the 405 and the 101 so it is a nice convenient location as well. Peter the owner is as nice as they come. I highly recommend getting your craft beer fix from Valley Beverage.
May 30, 2013Reviewed by ficklenicholas from California
4.66/5 rDev +9.6%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 5 | selection: 4.75
4.66/5 rDev +9.6%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 5 | selection: 4.75
On Ventura Blvd. in Sherman Oaks.
They are constantly doing improvements so things can be a little disorganized at times. Which doesn't really bother me because i enjoy taking my time and checking the shelves out, plus I have found some gems on the shelves.
Recently added a new double sided cooler multi-deck that really expanded whats kept cold.
Peter and Grant know their stuff and are very helpful. They know their stock and are both beer geeks not to mention very nice.
Pricing is consistent with most other places in the Valley.
Great for Wine and Booze as well.
Highly recommended. I have gotten some great bottles here when my timing is right(i.e. Fou Foune, Parabola, Peche Mortel, Pliny, Russian River, Bruery Beers)
May 21, 2013They are constantly doing improvements so things can be a little disorganized at times. Which doesn't really bother me because i enjoy taking my time and checking the shelves out, plus I have found some gems on the shelves.
Recently added a new double sided cooler multi-deck that really expanded whats kept cold.
Peter and Grant know their stuff and are very helpful. They know their stock and are both beer geeks not to mention very nice.
Pricing is consistent with most other places in the Valley.
Great for Wine and Booze as well.
Highly recommended. I have gotten some great bottles here when my timing is right(i.e. Fou Foune, Parabola, Peche Mortel, Pliny, Russian River, Bruery Beers)
Reviewed by mrbubbler from California
3.94/5 rDev -7.3%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.25
3.94/5 rDev -7.3%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.25
I have visited this store a half dozen times. From the looks of this place you would never know they had craft beer. They are usually $1-2 more expensive then totalwine/greenjug. I would say their pricing is on par with wades wines. Usually they will still have bottles of limited release stuff due to this. They also have some random older bottles placed around the store that have a substantial mark up. The selection is quite vast though so if your looking for a one stop shop and don't mind paying a couple more dollars... This is your place.
The beer buyer seems very knowledgeable about craft beer and is willing to help you make your selection.
All in all this is decent stop for craft beer if you are in the area.
Jan 23, 2013The beer buyer seems very knowledgeable about craft beer and is willing to help you make your selection.
All in all this is decent stop for craft beer if you are in the area.
Reviewed by UCLABrewN84 from California
3.88/5 rDev -8.7%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 5
3.88/5 rDev -8.7%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 5
I visited Valley Beverage Co. today. Housed in a very dingy, nondescript place on Ventura Blvd. in Sherman Oaks. I had to watch the address numbers to find the right place.
Walked in and it feels like an average liquor store (a bit shady, a bit dingy). Wine, liquor, sodas/snacks, and of course the beer. There are about 8 cooler doors full of beer with a section of shelving dedicated to more bottles. There was a single cashier behind the register who greeted me when I came in.
The beers consist of the usual BMC brands, US craft beer, and international beers. They have a lot of older, vintage beers (Stone 12th Anniversary) with some hard to find rarities for the LA area (Chocolate Oak Aged Yeti, Cantillon Classic Gueuze). Lots of good European brews too.
Overall, the prices were a bit much for certain beers but decent for others (with the majority of beers being a little more expensive compared to other places).
I would recommend a stop in if you're in the area, just for the fun of finding some vintage/hard to find beers.
Oh, and they had a Westy 12 for the low price of only $64.99. I was shocked.
Apr 03, 2011Walked in and it feels like an average liquor store (a bit shady, a bit dingy). Wine, liquor, sodas/snacks, and of course the beer. There are about 8 cooler doors full of beer with a section of shelving dedicated to more bottles. There was a single cashier behind the register who greeted me when I came in.
The beers consist of the usual BMC brands, US craft beer, and international beers. They have a lot of older, vintage beers (Stone 12th Anniversary) with some hard to find rarities for the LA area (Chocolate Oak Aged Yeti, Cantillon Classic Gueuze). Lots of good European brews too.
Overall, the prices were a bit much for certain beers but decent for others (with the majority of beers being a little more expensive compared to other places).
I would recommend a stop in if you're in the area, just for the fun of finding some vintage/hard to find beers.
Oh, and they had a Westy 12 for the low price of only $64.99. I was shocked.
Reviewed by BucBasil from Rwanda
4.06/5 rDev -4.5%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
4.06/5 rDev -4.5%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
As many have said before this is an interesting place to say the least. An unassuming dingy building on Ventura with a burnt out sign, it's easy to pass, multiple times. Once inside, you might think you're in some crappy convenience store... until you get to the beer section.
Unorganized and dusty, the beer selection is nevertheless incredible. There were a ton of rare beers here that I had never seen before in any other store - and all right across from an aisle of doritos and gatorade. Some highlights were most of the beers from the Stone (Incl. vertical Epic) and Alesmith lineups, a lot of Russian River bottles, a big chunk of Mikkeller beers, and a hodgepodge of Belgians from all over.
As I checked out I discussed the merits of Mikkeller and Russian River with the clerk while a douchebag behind me impatiently waited to check out his Sparxx or 4Loko or whatever.
I left the store with a Beer Geek Breakfast, Blind Pig IPA, Sanctification, and a Stone collab Scottish Ale. 3 of those 4 (all except the blind pig) I had not seen in any other local beer store. And most of the selection was like this also.
If you're looking for something rare or unique this is the place to go. I'll be heading back here again soon.
Feb 27, 2011Unorganized and dusty, the beer selection is nevertheless incredible. There were a ton of rare beers here that I had never seen before in any other store - and all right across from an aisle of doritos and gatorade. Some highlights were most of the beers from the Stone (Incl. vertical Epic) and Alesmith lineups, a lot of Russian River bottles, a big chunk of Mikkeller beers, and a hodgepodge of Belgians from all over.
As I checked out I discussed the merits of Mikkeller and Russian River with the clerk while a douchebag behind me impatiently waited to check out his Sparxx or 4Loko or whatever.
I left the store with a Beer Geek Breakfast, Blind Pig IPA, Sanctification, and a Stone collab Scottish Ale. 3 of those 4 (all except the blind pig) I had not seen in any other local beer store. And most of the selection was like this also.
If you're looking for something rare or unique this is the place to go. I'll be heading back here again soon.
Reviewed by TheJollyHop from California
3.45/5 rDev -18.8%
3.45/5 rDev -18.8%
Valley BEVERAGE Co. is an interesting establishment to say the least.
Some of their spirits are very reasonable but their beers are above average when it comes to price. They have a fairly large stockpile of vintage Stone beers as well.
It seems their beer purchases were aimed at the beer connoisseurs (geeks) yet most geeks don't frequent this establishment. A lot of their beers have been stored above cellar temp and judging by the sheer volume of older beers they obviously don't move their inventory that well.
All in all this place has some interesting finds, but it isn't worthy of being a regular stop for craft beer enthusiasts.
Aug 23, 2010Some of their spirits are very reasonable but their beers are above average when it comes to price. They have a fairly large stockpile of vintage Stone beers as well.
It seems their beer purchases were aimed at the beer connoisseurs (geeks) yet most geeks don't frequent this establishment. A lot of their beers have been stored above cellar temp and judging by the sheer volume of older beers they obviously don't move their inventory that well.
All in all this place has some interesting finds, but it isn't worthy of being a regular stop for craft beer enthusiasts.
Reviewed by rxdrewthejew from California
3/5 rDev -29.4%
3/5 rDev -29.4%
Stopped by here Saturday night to see what they had to offer. I've lived in Sherman Oaks for almost two years and never bothered to stop here because it looks so ratty from the outside. Looks pretty ratty on the inside too, to be perfectly honest. Seems like mostly booze here, as well as a little wine. Beer selection is about 3 rows in the coolers and maybe two shelves. Not particularly well organized.
Selection is small and really I would only come here to get the few items they carry that I can't find anywhere else. They have some DFH brews, which makes them unique for these parts, and I picked up a Rodenbach as well. Aside from the DFH I wasn't really blown away. They had Chimay, I remember seeing some Lost Abbey stuff as well. The selection seemed pretty random.
Not sure what to say about prices...it was 5 bucks for each bottle of DFH stuff, which isn't great for 12 ounces. But again, that's tough to find around here. The Rodenbach was like 8 or 9 which is pretty similar to what you'd pay at say BevMo for an import bomber. Seems like they were basically the going rate.
Service was eh. The guy behind the counter was friendly but didn't offer help either. The other guy working spent the whole time I was there on his cell phone ranting about anti-smoking laws or something. It was amusing I guess, but that's about it.
Bottom line-I would stop here to get the DFH but if it weren't like 5 minutes from my house, I doubt I would ever go.
Aug 13, 2008Selection is small and really I would only come here to get the few items they carry that I can't find anywhere else. They have some DFH brews, which makes them unique for these parts, and I picked up a Rodenbach as well. Aside from the DFH I wasn't really blown away. They had Chimay, I remember seeing some Lost Abbey stuff as well. The selection seemed pretty random.
Not sure what to say about prices...it was 5 bucks for each bottle of DFH stuff, which isn't great for 12 ounces. But again, that's tough to find around here. The Rodenbach was like 8 or 9 which is pretty similar to what you'd pay at say BevMo for an import bomber. Seems like they were basically the going rate.
Service was eh. The guy behind the counter was friendly but didn't offer help either. The other guy working spent the whole time I was there on his cell phone ranting about anti-smoking laws or something. It was amusing I guess, but that's about it.
Bottom line-I would stop here to get the DFH but if it weren't like 5 minutes from my house, I doubt I would ever go.
Reviewed by Floydster from California
3.45/5 rDev -18.8%
3.45/5 rDev -18.8%
Stopped here after going to Camarillo on my way back to Los Angeles, near all the big malls and food stops in Sherman Oaks on Ventura, saw the shelve with beers at room temperature first, I browsed those and saw Marin Stinson Beach Peach, 2006 Thomas Hardy's, Alesmith Horny Devil, Rodenbach Grand Cru, 2006 Private Reserve from Anheuser-Busch, Piraat, Double Bastard, Petrus, Bornem, and many more, then I made it over the fridges and there was about five, macros took up two, saw Lost Abbey Avant Garde and Lost & Found, St. Peter's stuff, Moylan's Moylander double IPA, a bunch of Belgians, Stone products were stocked fully as well, lots of SoCal stuff like I expected, there was also a shelf for just Chimay stuff that was fully stocked and had glassware too, the guy working behind the counter was pretty cool but did not go out of his way to help or let alone move, he told me that all their older Thomas Hardy's had been cleared out by a single hoarder about a month ago, which was my main reason for going to check this place out, prices were good, place was a little on the skuzzy side as far as appearance goes but not a bad stop if you are in the area, might be worth checking out
Jul 12, 2008Reviewed by gwood from California
3.85/5 rDev -9.4%
3.85/5 rDev -9.4%
This is a good local go to for me. A corner shop with what can be a hit or miss selection at times still beats the hell out of most other liquor stores in the area. It's under new ownership now (for those who recall) but things are somewhat the same. The cooler is a bit all over the place and the warm shelves are unorganized as mentioned, kind of reminds me of my cellared beers at home so it fits for me. I like to look and take my time. Sixers are a bit underepresented and there are some corked bottles that should really be upright but you just really can't fault the place as the selection is admirable at one visit and underwhelming the next but when it comes down to it, they tend to carry things that some of the "specialty" shops don't even bother with. I like making a find here every once in a while as well, good fun to stop in and see what's up. If you're in the area, this place is worth a stop. Service is attentive and while the value isn't all that great, US craft bomber prices are almost always right in line.
Jun 07, 2008Reviewed by beace from California
3.85/5 rDev -9.4%
3.85/5 rDev -9.4%
The beer selection was interesting here. Organization seems to be not too much of a concern. To be honest I enjoyed the haphazard nature of the warm beer section. I had the anxious feeling that I was going to stumble upon some dusty gem. No gems were found but there were some great belgians, california brews, Alagash, and many others. The cold beer selection was fairly disappointing because it lacked good craft sixers although their were a good amount of bombers (alesmith, bear republic, alaskan, avery).
Worth checking out especially if you live/ work by.
May 28, 2008Worth checking out especially if you live/ work by.
Reviewed by charlzm from California
4.15/5 rDev -2.4%
4.15/5 rDev -2.4%
Been frequenting Valley Liquors for years now. I used to live just a few blocks from there; I've since moved, but now I work less than a mile away so I still visit several times a year.
When I was in the other day, I was impressed (as always) by the interest in their beer by the staff. I picked up an Allagash Black, a Nogne Imperial Stout, an O'Hanlon's Ruby Stout and a few other off-the-wall choices. When presented at the counter, I not only spoke to the clerk about beer for a minute, but some of the other guys there (owners?) verbally praised selections from across the store.
I bought a bottle of Sam Adams Utopias from them once and, during the transaction, mentioned that I had seen some Sam Adams Triple Bock on the shelf at a nearby place. A few days later, I came in again and saw the Triple Bock behind the counter. They had actually gone to the other store and bought it all!
At one time they were talking about opening a beer and wine tasting room next door to their current location, but the flower shop next door didn't go out of business as planned. Or something like that.
Anyway, they have a good selection of refrigerated craft beers with decent representation of both US and international brews. They also have a large wine and spirit selection that I am not qualified to judge.
Overall, one of the better liquor stores I have found in the "The Valley" and much more convenient for me than The Green Jug, which is a long haul down a congested freeway from here.
May 05, 2008When I was in the other day, I was impressed (as always) by the interest in their beer by the staff. I picked up an Allagash Black, a Nogne Imperial Stout, an O'Hanlon's Ruby Stout and a few other off-the-wall choices. When presented at the counter, I not only spoke to the clerk about beer for a minute, but some of the other guys there (owners?) verbally praised selections from across the store.
I bought a bottle of Sam Adams Utopias from them once and, during the transaction, mentioned that I had seen some Sam Adams Triple Bock on the shelf at a nearby place. A few days later, I came in again and saw the Triple Bock behind the counter. They had actually gone to the other store and bought it all!
At one time they were talking about opening a beer and wine tasting room next door to their current location, but the flower shop next door didn't go out of business as planned. Or something like that.
Anyway, they have a good selection of refrigerated craft beers with decent representation of both US and international brews. They also have a large wine and spirit selection that I am not qualified to judge.
Overall, one of the better liquor stores I have found in the "The Valley" and much more convenient for me than The Green Jug, which is a long haul down a congested freeway from here.
Reviewed by mynie from Maryland
4/5 rDev -5.9%
4/5 rDev -5.9%
This is my second trip to a California liquor store and I still can't believe how friggin' cheap the beer is, especially considering how much more expensive groceries and meals are.
Selection is not as wide as I'm used to finding in midwest beer shops, especially in regards in imports, but it's ecletic enough to warrant a visit. And, as I said, the prices are so low that it's just craziness.
The clerk was nice, and the clerks have been everywhere else in the valley, the atmosphere was nice and laid back but not dirty, and the selection of rare, cheap beers was wonderful.
Aug 01, 2007Selection is not as wide as I'm used to finding in midwest beer shops, especially in regards in imports, but it's ecletic enough to warrant a visit. And, as I said, the prices are so low that it's just craziness.
The clerk was nice, and the clerks have been everywhere else in the valley, the atmosphere was nice and laid back but not dirty, and the selection of rare, cheap beers was wonderful.
Reviewed by uberabr from California
4.65/5 rDev +9.4%
4.65/5 rDev +9.4%
This is my local beer store and I'm glad to have it. So far it has the largest and most reliable selection of good quality beers in the valley, with an emphasis on California and western microbrews (as opposed to Belgians, which they also have, and East coast brews, which are definitely lacking). They stock about 5 refrigerators and 2 medium sized isles full of beer. There is almost always a good selection of Rogues, Lagunitas, Alesmith (750ml stuff too), Stone, Anderson Valley, and Bear Republic, amongst others. The selection is constantly added to and replaced with new releases, so it's fun to stop in and see what's just arrived. The owner is very friendly and appreciates fine beer just as much as wine, which is great. The rest of the staff is somewhat "sleepy," but they are all very friendly and eager to make suggestions. All of them like good beer and some are fairly knowledgable. Like most beer stores run by beer drinkers, there tends to be a large "we have some of that in the back" factor here (I won't tell you what they have in the back, hehe)..so don't be afraid to be assertive, they are happy to share rare stuff with people who appreciate it. I wouldn't drive all over LA to get here, but it's a great store if you're in the Valley.
Feb 21, 2007Reviewed by jeffjfindley from California
4.55/5 rDev +7.1%
4.55/5 rDev +7.1%
Great place. I'm really excited about this store right now because I found some 2005 Vertical Epic there. Don't go there looking, because you won't find anymore.
A hearty selecton of Belgians and micros, some of which are very difficult to find. Full line of Stone (including a few more 10th anniversaries), Alesmith, and Anderson Valley picks are notable.
The guys behind the counter are very helpful, for the most part, and the prices are very competitive. I highly recommend stopping by this store if you get the chance. Given the clusterphuck that is the 101/405 interchange right now, they're a little tricky to get to sometimes, but worth it. Good wine selection, too.
Dec 07, 2006A hearty selecton of Belgians and micros, some of which are very difficult to find. Full line of Stone (including a few more 10th anniversaries), Alesmith, and Anderson Valley picks are notable.
The guys behind the counter are very helpful, for the most part, and the prices are very competitive. I highly recommend stopping by this store if you get the chance. Given the clusterphuck that is the 101/405 interchange right now, they're a little tricky to get to sometimes, but worth it. Good wine selection, too.
Reviewed by Boolshot from California
4.65/5 rDev +9.4%
4.65/5 rDev +9.4%
I found this store while searching online for some Dogfish Head. The website said they had it, but when I called they did not, no one in California has it anymore. Wasn't too far from me, so I went to check it out. I walked in, straight back to beer section. Very nice! Plenty of Stone and Alesmith. Even some of the hard to find brews, like Wee Heavy and Speedway Stout. All the current Stones, plus, if you can believe it, Stone 8th Anniversary! That is almost 2 years old. The first time I was there was in March of this year. They even had some 04, and 05 Russian Imperial Stout.
All in all, great store, very helpful salespeople. One guy there loves to talk beer, and will offer his suggestions. Thank you for the Bottle of Alesmith Grand Cru (from 2000).Very good selection of Unibroue. Even had Russian River Tempation, and Supplication. If you are in the area, you must stop in. Prices are average, some items are cheaper than Bevmo, some are more. It balances out, and hard to find beers make it more than worth it.
May 09, 2006All in all, great store, very helpful salespeople. One guy there loves to talk beer, and will offer his suggestions. Thank you for the Bottle of Alesmith Grand Cru (from 2000).Very good selection of Unibroue. Even had Russian River Tempation, and Supplication. If you are in the area, you must stop in. Prices are average, some items are cheaper than Bevmo, some are more. It balances out, and hard to find beers make it more than worth it.
Reviewed by Rumrunner from California
4/5 rDev -5.9%
4/5 rDev -5.9%
A well kept store focusing on wine and spirits. They have wine and tequila tastings from time to time.
The service when I went was very good. We were asked if we needed any help and then talked to the salesman for a good while about beer. He knew what he was talking about and has a love for porters and stouts.
The beer selection is good. Some Rogue beers that I do not see at many other liquor stores. The Rogue IPA, Imperial pilsner and Mocha porter. They also had Moylan's barley wine. Plenty of Stone and Alesmith. They also carry Hoptown, Sierra Nevada, Marin, Wasatch and plenty of others. The import selection is weak. The usual suspects and not too many countries are represented They do get some Belgian beers and even had a couple of Belgian seasonals. Gouden Carolus was one. They carry a small but nice selection of ciders and meads.
All in all this is a quality establishment. Selection varies. This place is worth checking out if you are in the neighborhood.
Aug 15, 2004The service when I went was very good. We were asked if we needed any help and then talked to the salesman for a good while about beer. He knew what he was talking about and has a love for porters and stouts.
The beer selection is good. Some Rogue beers that I do not see at many other liquor stores. The Rogue IPA, Imperial pilsner and Mocha porter. They also had Moylan's barley wine. Plenty of Stone and Alesmith. They also carry Hoptown, Sierra Nevada, Marin, Wasatch and plenty of others. The import selection is weak. The usual suspects and not too many countries are represented They do get some Belgian beers and even had a couple of Belgian seasonals. Gouden Carolus was one. They carry a small but nice selection of ciders and meads.
All in all this is a quality establishment. Selection varies. This place is worth checking out if you are in the neighborhood.
Reviewed by DrewBeechum from California
3.85/5 rDev -9.4%
3.85/5 rDev -9.4%
Agree with mickey here. Valley has always flucuated in terms of beer selection. Right now seems to be a relative ebb. Like Mickey I've heard the same rumors of tastings and improved beer selection, but so far the biggest change I've seen is a long folding table in the back that's normally used for making gift baskets.
It's a good place to stop by and pick something up if you're in the neighborhood.
Best way to enjoy Valley's selection. Buy a brew, walk outside and go next door to the Weiner factory. Get a paper cup and a spicy polish dog. Hey.. who said you can't make your own beer bar?
Nov 27, 2003It's a good place to stop by and pick something up if you're in the neighborhood.
Best way to enjoy Valley's selection. Buy a brew, walk outside and go next door to the Weiner factory. Get a paper cup and a spicy polish dog. Hey.. who said you can't make your own beer bar?
Reviewed by mickeymac from California
3.85/5 rDev -9.4%
3.85/5 rDev -9.4%
This is a corner liquor store in walking distance to my house. Although it specializes primarily in wine, Valley Beverage has a good but not great selection of beer. It always has a good selection of bombers from Stone and Alesmith, as well as occasional surprises from the likes of Avery. Every now and then they get in a batch of some exotic Belgians to liven things up a bit. Every now and then, the shop get an employee who expresses the intention to turn it into a "full-on" beer shop with beer events, including tastings. However, nobody has been able to get it together yet. The staff is friendly but beer knowledge is hit and miss. A few are real afficianados; others seem a bit clueless. It's not worth a long trip but it's a nice place to have in the neighborhood.
Apr 25, 2003
Valley Beverage Company in Sherman Oaks, CA
Place rating:
4.25 out of
5 with
39 ratings
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