Walnut Liquorette

Walnut LiquoretteWalnut Liquorette
Walnut LiquoretteWalnut Liquorette
Store

154 Pierre Rd
Walnut, California, 91789-2531
United States

(909) 595-5412 | map
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.58
Reviews:
48
Ratings:
63
pDev:
7.86%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by shahn:
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Reviewed by shahn from Maryland

4.87/5  rDev +6.3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.75
Traveling from the East Coast - was impressed with the variety of craft beer. Your usual Green Flash, Sone & Lagunitas plus the complete line of Dogfish Head. Also about 5-6 of the West coast breweries I've never seen. You will find something here. Tony was sympathetic to our plight for Pliney and pulled some strings so I could try! Over and above!
Apr 02, 2015
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 4.08 by Teen-o from California

Aug 29, 2015
 
Rated: 4.26 by dddddddd from Washington

Jul 30, 2015
 
Rated: 5 by Mroadhouse55 from California

Apr 17, 2015
 
Rated: 4.64 by beerinmybelly from California

Mar 21, 2015
 
Rated: 5 by BoozyCollins21 from California

Jan 06, 2015
 
Rated: 3.75 by ubiq3000 from California

Aug 20, 2014
 
Rated: 4.24 by jaeone from California

Jul 10, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by fthegiants from California

Jul 09, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by Rollzroyce21 from California

Jun 25, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by greenspointexas from Texas

Apr 30, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by yeaprolly from Washington

Mar 18, 2014
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Reviewed by Consuela from California

4.79/5  rDev +4.6%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 5 | selection: 4.75
Keep in mind this is a liquor store; not a volume discounter like Bevmo and Total Wine. Thus, prices will always be marginally higher; but I don't think it's significantly higher to dissuade me from coming here. Usually, we're talking about a buck extra for a sixer. I will also open with a caveat that I went to high school down the street, but I don't really think it affects my judgment since I didn't step in the place until I was 22. I guess you could say it was my introduction to craft beer. When I was 24 I moved up to SF for a few years, learned a bit more about beer, and when I moved back down after school I noticed that a Bevmo had opened up down the street.

I was initially scared for Joe and the liquorette because of the competition, but as my beer knowledge and palette began to grow, I realized that Bevmo's offering were sub-par, particularly when I started to visit the liquorette more frequently since they had a better selection of quality beer. Whenever I walk into Bevmo now (or used to walk into Bevmo), I don't find anything that is particularly astounding like I do when I visit the liquorette. So, I'm not so afraid anymore for this store that's been in my hometown forever; it is hands down better than Bevmo, particularly for the amount of high quality craft beer available:

Bruery? They were one of the first accounts ever, and when I last visited they had at least 10 different bottles. I routinely find gems that I think are underpriced. Joe says it's because he likes to do that for the knowledgeable beer-dude. I half believe him, and the other half believes that it might just be a simple price-marking mistake, but in any case, look hard enough and you will find a steal! In any case, Joe has more of a selection of Bruery beer than Total Wine! Not to mention, you can find some aged bottles too!

Hair of the Dog!
Pliny! If you ask nicely and are a consistent customer known to the Joe.
Lagunitas Sucks! Great selection of Lagunitas beers, including Sucks; currently has about 9 different 6-packs and about 9 different bombers.
Ten Fidy!
Vast selection of Stone - including some vintage bottles like a 2011 RIS that I've been eyeballing!
Alesmith Old Numbskull & other good stuff!
Sculpin!

Only desire: Weihenstephaner! But I don't know the subtleties of that beer's particular distribution so I can't judge.

Come to the liquorette, browse all the cabinets, and you WILL find something awesome; be it fresh, or some gem from a few years ago that no one has bought surprisingly. Found a couple year old Autumn Maple from the Bruery for a ridiculous price! In any case, Joe is one of the friendliest, knowledgeable, and honest guys in the local beer scene. Ask him for a recommendation and BOOM amazing beer.
Mar 14, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by SoCaliC8 from Idaho

Jan 16, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by Acrid from California

Dec 26, 2013
 
Rated: 5 by socalbrewlvr from California

Oct 29, 2013
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Reviewed by mrcraft from California

4.15/5  rDev -9.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4 | selection: 4.25
I visited Walnut Liquorette after reading reviews here and other sites.

This is a quality liquor store that is heads and shoulders above your typical liquor stores. They carry your local craft beers along with some harder to find ones.
Oct 15, 2013
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Reviewed by Javi_bobby from California

4.55/5  rDev -0.7%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.25 | service: 5 | selection: 4.25
Ive been here a few times and they have great service and a great selection. Joe knows his beer and will help you find what you need. Some of the beer is a bit over priced but yyoi can also find some great deals. If your in the area stop by and check them out
Aug 10, 2013
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Reviewed by Kranin from Minnesota

4.78/5  rDev +4.4%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
My parents were in SoCal and I did some research here on BA as to where (in the area they were visiting) they could stop and pick up a few things that aren't distributed in my state. They received EXCEPTIONALLY friendly and helpful service from Joe when they stopped at the Walnut Liquorette. Joe assisted them in grabbing me Victory at Sea, Pliny the Elder, Old Numbskull, Sculpin IPA and a few others.

A Dream Come True!!!
Mar 07, 2013
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Reviewed by ac419

4.86/5  rDev +6.1%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
I was recently introduced to Walnut Liquorette. I'm new to the craft beer world and fell in love with super HOPPY beers (IPA). I was referred to Joe, and he's been real helpful on which IPAs to try. Every week, I visit Joe and ask him what new IPAs to try. He'll then recommend me a few to try.

I went from a Stone Ruination lover, to newly discovered, Avery Maharaja, Ale Works Noble Nobility, Ballast Point El Dorado, Ale Smith Yule Smith, Port Brewery Mongo, and lastly Russian River Piney the Elder. Been going there once a week for the past 2 months. I love the selection, service, and everything about Walnut Liquorette. Joe has a customer for life!
Oct 12, 2012
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Reviewed by CEDAMA from California

4.61/5  rDev +0.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 5
man where and how can i start. first thing is walnut liquorette is a world class store and the selection is outrageous, but prices are to high i saw parabola for $26.99 when regular price is $15. second joe knows his beer he has all kinds of surprises in the back if he knows you are willing to spend money joe could hook you up. make sure joe is there cause the other staff dont know that much about craft beer. they have hard to get beer here and alot to choose from. good service if joe is there and clean store.
Jun 26, 2012
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Reviewed by TurdFurgison from Ohio

4.45/5  rDev -2.8%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
Finally I made it to Walnut Liquorette, after 5 years of intentions. Most often I don't drive this direction when in LA, luckily I had business in Pasadena this time.

First off, Joe is awesome. Very friendly and helpful in every way. I told him I was from OH and he made a point of asking what breweries I couldn't get back home. Reason being he has some good stuff in back that he has no problem offering to a beer geek.

All the beers are in coolers, separated by brewery. After stopping at a number of other places I was really happy to see several selections from Russian River. Prices were average on some beers and maybe a little high on others, nothing crazy though.

Next time I'm in the area I'll be sure to stop here again (although it might be another 5 yrs).
Feb 08, 2012
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Reviewed by Barchetta21 from California

4.39/5  rDev -4.1%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5
I have been visiting (and patronizing) Walnut Liquorette for the past couple years and have been consistently impressed by the quality and selection.

From the outside (and, frankly, from the inside) it looks like a fairly standard, albeit a bit dingy, liquor store. The beer, however, is all very well displayed and most importantly, is all in coolers in the back.

Selection is about as good as you can ask for. Not only are the standards there (Stone, Russian River, Lost Abbey, et al.), but if you're looking for something special, theres a good possibility that Joe has it hiding in the back.

Speaking of Joe: he's awesome. Always ready to talk beer, sports or whatever. He'll answer any questions you have and will gladly make suggestions.

One one pretty big criticism is the skyrocketing prices of some beers. It's been fairly well established that the prices here are a couple dollars more than other stores, which I'm ok with. You pay for quality. But I take issue with charging $40 for Old Stock Cellar Reserve, $28 for Abyss and overall outrageous prices on other "rarer" brews. It makes it prohibitively expensive to pick these up. I will say, however, that this is more the exception and not the rule to most of the prices.

Overall, I'd say that Walnut Liquorette is one of, if not the best choices to find a consistently excellent selection of beer in the North OC/East LA area. Just check the prices before you buy!
Jan 19, 2012
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Reviewed by gregmoscetti from California

4.1/5  rDev -10.5%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3 | selection: 5
I have been dropping into Walnut Liquorette here and there for a while. Joe seems like a nice guy who knows his beers, for sure. My only issue with the place is the consistently rising prices. Since I am a sporadic customer, I could see just how absurd his pricing was. The minute bevmo sold out of a beer, it went up 30%. next time I went by... 60%, Next time double.

The very first time I went in, we talked for a while about how the big stores kill the little guys and the distributors will shut his little store out of good stuff. It made me want to drop in when I can and buy some beers. Recently I dropped by and couldn't help comment on how much he was selling Butte XXIII ($22)and Abyss ($26) for and he just shrugged and said "nobody's got em"

I think that about sums it up. Support local within reason.
Dec 16, 2011
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Reviewed by GrumpyJunglist from California

3.94/5  rDev -14%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 5
I like coming in here, they usually have beers that would take me a few stops to find. The only problem is they are usually a few dollars more. That is totally fine sometimes when other stores are sold out and they still have them. Got to make a profit when you can. They have an insane amount of fridge doors dedicated to their beers.
I came in once and wanted to get something on a more fancy scale and i had a friend who came in and picked up a kind of rare bottle of beer. I wanted to get that same sort of treatment but no luck. I have been there 4 times and each time the person working there was clueless. The last time I visited the guy was actually rude. I had asked him if they had any goodies for sale in the back and he just said "no, i just work here dont ask me." Told me to call before i come if i wanted to know what they had in the back if the right people where there. Kinda crappy since i drove 20 minutes one way to get some beer from them.

***Just a warning they charge a $1 to use your debit card, and need to have a minimum $15 to use credit.***

EDIT: I have since been able to meet Joe. and this guy is awesome! He knows his beers, and is willing to help you out so long as you arent a vulture who is looking to buy only to resell beers. I have since adjusted my rating upon his willingness to hook me up when I come in.
Jul 13, 2011
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Reviewed by Retsinis from Arizona

4.44/5  rDev -3.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
Yet another nice bottle shop tucked away in Southern California. This is one of about 3 bottle shops I make a point to check out on my treks between the Bruery in Placentia, and my lair in Northridge, since their along the route and not out of the way, but also carry great stock.

Nearly all of my experiences there have been on a sunny Saturday afternoon, so the place always seemed clean and well lit, and not busy. I'd say about 90% of the beer is kept inside of coolers, which sprawl along the back wall, and there are about 10 or more cooler doors filled with craft beer.

While some of their prices may seem a bit high, I’m typically not going there for stuff I can get for cheaper, before a coupon at Total wine, but more for some of the great gems I’ve picked up here, since they get in some great stuff, and often sell only a few at a time, with a one bottle limit. This includes seasonals, once a year releases, and some newer once only releases. They do keep some of this stuff in the back from my experience, but you have to ask what it is your looking for in that case, and they will let you know if they have it, and the price.

I appreciate this policy here more that at some shops. At some other shops, it seems like it's about knowing the owners, and dropping lots of cash there to get access to a "cellar reserve" or something. I can understand such polices for the shops it works for, it's their shop, but it makes it hard if your not local and don't know, but still want to find great beer to drink that is hard to come by due to both batch size, and small distribution area.

In Walnut Liquorette's case, their method does not seem to be in any effort to hoard or hide stock, but rather prevent just one person from clearing out very rare limited releases, but also from those that don't really want beer to drink, but to re-sell it. Anyhow, in short, clean shop, great stock of craft beer, kept cold, and they limit purchases on the rarer stuff, so that the love is spread.
Jun 07, 2011
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Reviewed by psiweaver from Washington

4.15/5  rDev -9.4%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 5
went to this place when I lived in Southern California. They had a bunch of hard to find stuff like the Jolly Pumpkin/Stone/ Nogne O collaboration beer from Stone that was released a few years earlier. They also had 750ml's of Temptation when everyone else was completely sold out. There were lots of great interesting beers that were tasty. You can find out of date beers here though, so much sure you double check the dates. I really like it for finding older bottles. Service is very good and friendly. Kind of a run down looking place from the outside.
Apr 23, 2011
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Reviewed by Beerandraiderfan from Nevada

3.76/5  rDev -17.9%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3 | selection: 4
Looks like a regular convenience mart from the outside. Tons of trash in the adjacent empty lot next to it.

Lots of coolers worth of beer, if I recall correctly, all, or a substantial majority of the beer is in the coolers. No help from employees. No offerings of the 'secret' beers.

Selection was decent, saw GI BCS and Mikkeller Brunch Weasel out here, easily the furthest west I've seen that stuff go. Way overpriced though at the same time.

Alpine Nelson I found there was horribly out of date. I find this place to be decent, but overrated on BA.
Apr 09, 2011
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Reviewed by nightwing002 from California

4.8/5  rDev +4.8%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5
hidden away in the city of walnut is a store that will have most of the craft beers that you are looking for. once you go through the doors just b line to the back towards the coolers and you will be rewarded with a vast selection of craft beer heaven. it will range from deschutes to bruery to russian river to stone to lost abbey to goose island to belgium imports and much more. they will even have older year bottles that they sometimes bring out just to surprise customers. this is a place that you definitely need to check out to quench your craft beer thirst.
Mar 30, 2011
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Reviewed by Myyyyyke from California

4.8/5  rDev +4.8%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
I have lived in Walnut my whole life and have passed by this place so many times without stopping inside. I recently had to write a paper about a brewery in fullerton called bootleggers. So I went on thier website to find the closest place that carried this particular beer, and it said that walnut liquorette carried it. i found this odd because it looked like any other liquor store in the area, so why would they have a microbrew? I am so glad I had to go there because you walk in and are instatly overtaken by the huge wall of almost any beer you can imagine. this is definetly a place I would return to for any beer I am looking for. This place blows bev mo right out of the water. Joe really knows his stuff when it comes to beer and does not mind when you ask a ton of questions. He was even able to hook me up with a bottle of limited edition dog fishhead. thanks for everything Joe
Feb 23, 2011
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Reviewed by FosterJM from California

4.85/5  rDev +5.9%
I was doing some research on BA a while back and being a recent craft beer head, I heard a lot of noise about PTE. I called everywhere in So. Cal and found out that Walnut had it. Took a drive over and sure enough he wasn't lying. Picked up 2 bottles and have been going back for hard to find things all the time. The other day went back for PTE, Damnation, West. Vitus and a Sculpin all in the cold case. Has a vast selection of single bottles and 6 packs. I had my 4 y/o with me so couldn't spend all the time in the world but I saw some wonderful things. It can be a bit pricy as some have noted but its only because he carries some great beer. I found the 3rd bottle of SN 30th Barleywine for 15.99 here, called around and found it for 9.99. So it's worth it on some items and not for others. Just be selective. Still a GREAT beer store. Joe is really the man when it comes to customer service as well.
Oct 24, 2010
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Reviewed by Gobzilla from California

5/5  rDev +9.2%
This is beer heaven nestled in walnut that has the best selection of beer in san gabriel valley rivaling their sister company lone hill. You can get every domestic beer imaginable with great beer from san diego, west coast and imports from germany and belguim. They also carry midwest craft beer occasionally and will recieve great service if my boy joe is working. He's a beer lover himself and will be more than happy to assist you in your selections if your a rookie. On the other hand if you know about great beer he has some goodies in the back that you might be able to get ahold if you know wassup. I practively live there and will always be my home away from home. Gotta make a stop here if your in the 626-909 area.
May 04, 2010
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Reviewed by mightyj from California

5/5  rDev +9.2%
Just stopped by today after wanting to go for quite a while. They have a great selection. You walk in and the wall right in front of you is full of beeer. I ended up buying maybe a half dozen different bottles. No baskets or carts but the lady there gave me a box to put my bottles in while i pick n chose. Overall a great selection and great prices. I also went to lone hill today and noticed that the prices here were slightly lower. will definitely go back here in the future to find the stuff i can't find in the OC.
Mar 02, 2010
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Reviewed by PeprSprYoFace from California

5/5  rDev +9.2%
It was my first time to Walnut Liquorette yesterday and from now on there will be many more trips. This place has all of it's ducks in a row. All beers are in coolers keeping them in the condition they arrived in. Everything is neat and organized and it was super clean. When you walk in and from the outside you will look in disbelief that there is awesome beer within these walls. But walk closer to the coolers and you will notice rare Lost Abbey, Russian River, Alesmith, Jolly Pumpkin (not easy to find in so cal), the Bruery and many other breweries. Along with a bunch of other regulars and Belgians and european beers. I was very impressed with this store and I hope to be giving them much more of my business from now on. Although they are not super close.

Edit: I did not give this a good enough review before believe it or not. I just went there for my second time yesterday and they exceded my expectations. Not only did they have several of the rare beers that I can never seem to find other places, they have amazing customer service. The beer buyer was there working today and once he saw the beers I was buying he immediately recognized that I was a beer lover and even introduced himself making it more personal. He then took some beers out of the back for methat they keep for their peeps in the know. Tonight I come back and find a BM from the staff saying they appreciate my business and to give him a call to see if they have any of those rare beers in stock so he can save some aside so I don't have to drive so far and their out. WhAt a great experience. Any time I can I will give them my money from now on. I am pretty sure this is the best experience I have ever gotten from any business. Thanks Walnut. Man... Re reading my review it seems over the top, but I stand by my review.
Feb 20, 2010
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Reviewed by scott929 from California

4.65/5  rDev +1.5%
A flashback to the 80's when you walk up to the doors. What an amazing collection of our heavenly liquid. All the usual suspects. Too many to list. You will find whatever your heart desires at this establishment. Huge inventory all properly refrigerated. Joe was really helpful and offered many hidden gems he had available in the secret vault. Few rows of wines, just glanced at them. Typical old school liquor store with quality beer selection. I will definetly be visiting again when my wallet allows it. One stop place to get your fix!
Feb 18, 2010
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Reviewed by snpub540 from California

4.3/5  rDev -6.1%
Wow. Had I known this place was only 15 minutes from my house, I would have been a fan alot earlier. Looks just like your average liquor store until you walk straight into about 7 coolers with top notch brews.

I saw a whole lineup of The Bruery including some of their seasonals and Papier. There was aslo Port, a whole bunch of Alpine, Ballast Point, Lagunitas, Alesmith. I picked up a Pliny the Elder for $4.99.

Also a nice selection of Belgians including St. Bernardus. Many more to list but I got sidetracked by finding Pliny.

I will definately be here more and more. Next time with my credit card.
Jan 27, 2010
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Reviewed by JBogan from California

4.35/5  rDev -5%
Stopped by this place for the first time yesterday. It's somewhat off the beaten path, not a place anyone would be passing by unless you lived here or made a special trip just for the beer. Which is exactly why I was here.

From the outside it's just your average neighborhood liquor store. Step inside and head towards the back wall and part of the wall to your right, and you realize it's not. The beer selection takes up a good dozen or more cooler doors, and it's dedicated almost entirely to the good stuff.

I won't go into detail of all the various beers they carry, mainly because my memory isn't that good. Let's just say they had an extremely nice selection of both domestic and import craft beers. Prices were reasonable.

If you're anywhere in the area you certainly should stop by here. It's only about 10 minutes south of Lone Hill Liquors and the selection easily rivals if not surpasses that store's. Highly recommended.
Jan 27, 2010
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Reviewed by GRG1313 from California

4.8/5  rDev +4.8%
This is a place of selections that rivals Lone Hill. This may even have a larger selection, having visited both in one day.

Many coolers all jammed with beers from all over the world. Rare and hard to get Belgians, Germans, French and American. Craft beer that is usually only found out of state.

Yes, talk to Joe. He's got the personality of a talk show host although he looks like a football player turned gangster. The guy knows and loves beer and could not be nicer.

This is a place worth a trip; worth a long drive. You'll find things here that you won't find at most places. (I bought a 2007 Stone Russian Imperial Stout, along with 2006 and 2007 Arrogant Bastards. He has a number of dated beers that are that old and sitting in the coolers at regular prices.)

Nice guys; good beer selection; ok prices. Worth the trip.
Jan 24, 2010
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Reviewed by AHebel from California

4.85/5  rDev +5.9%
Just drove here from Los Angeles and DEFINITELY thought it was worth the trek. This is the only other place I know in the "LA area" that rivals/surpasses Lone Hill Liquors. Joe, the main guy that works there is great, hooking me up with some options from the back. Three beers I've already got my hands on, but was happy to hear him say he had were: Life and Limb, The Abyss, and Firestone 13. He just sold his last 120 Minute just before I got there. Without a doubt, I will be going back to this place! GREAT selection!
Dec 14, 2009
Walnut Liquorette in Walnut, CA
Place rating: 4.58 out of 5 with 63 ratings