Colonial Spirits

Colonial SpiritsColonial Spirits
Colonial SpiritsColonial Spirits
Store

87 Great Rd
Acton, Massachusetts, 01720-5603
United States

(978) 263-7775 | map
colonialspirits.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.35
Reviews:
54
Ratings:
60
pDev:
7.13%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by beetlbumjl:
Photo of beetlbumjl
Reviewed by beetlbumjl from Massachusetts

4.05/5  rDev -6.9%
Great selection, decent prices. I just gotta call them out on their singles program. Depending upon what you're buying, especially if it's seasonal, the barcode might not read at the register. Be prepared to wait for the attendant to look it up in the book. Also, almost each time I've purchased a sixer or more of singles, at least *one* of the bottle's barcode ring up as a 4 or 6 pack. So carefully watch the attendant ring up each beer, or double check your receipt after sale. Also, the store offers a 10% discount on mixed 6 packs, not all checkout personel do this. To their credit, Colonial's people will gladly correct these mistakes, but be vigilant during checkout.
Dec 02, 2006
More User Ratings:
Photo of AMullz
Reviewed by AMullz from Massachusetts

4.43/5  rDev +1.8%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.25
This place sells all kinds of alcohol and has a surprisingly good selection of local craft beer. I expected a small fridge section and was pleasantly surprised by 50 ft of 5' shelving and a bunch of fridge sections. Staff isn't terrible knowledgeable.
Jul 08, 2018
Photo of rorjets
Reviewed by rorjets from Connecticut

4.5/5  rDev +3.4%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
Great selection of craft beers; particularly smaller breweries from eastern MA. I did like the fact I could buy singles of most of the beers in the coolers. This allowed me to sample beers from a dozen of the smaller breweries in the area that don't distribute widely. Also had a standing rack of discounted singles. Worth the stop if you are visiting the Concord
area.
Jun 24, 2017
 
Rated: 4 by seakayak from Massachusetts

Feb 15, 2017
 
Rated: 4 by mklisz from New Hampshire

Dec 04, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by emottram from Massachusetts

Nov 30, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by freshcarl from Connecticut

Aug 25, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by Rochefort10nh from New Hampshire

Mar 31, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by Resuin from Massachusetts

Dec 17, 2013
Photo of johnnnniee
Reviewed by johnnnniee from New Hampshire

3.76/5  rDev -13.6%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.75
I stopped in here for the first time on Sunday
Amid rows and rows of giant packs of macro lager there is some really great beer in this store. The back wall of the store is fitted with at least a dozen cooler doors with warm shelves opposite holding the bulk of the micro selections. Large format packaging fills the left side wall of the store. Celebration 12 packs for 12 bucks is pretty good for the area. Lots of mass centric brews as well as a fair assortment of the rest of the country and the world. The beer guy came out and asked if he could help me with anything and even made a phone call about some Firestone Walker beer for me. Pricing is average to a bit above. Its a bit of a drive for me, almost as far as Julio's. I would not hesitate to stop here again if in the area.
Nov 26, 2013
Photo of PatriotsRule
Reviewed by PatriotsRule from Massachusetts

3.99/5  rDev -8.3%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4.5
Really a massive store. Wines and spirits dominate the majority of the extensive space, and a couple walls of beers are in the back of the store, one refrigerated and the other shelved. Not the most blow-you-away sales, but the deals in this store are relatively easy to locate. Decent craft beer selection with plenty of growlers and big bottles (22oz and the like) are priced more reasonably as far as I have found than the larger quantities of craft brews are. This being said, colonial has a little something for everyone, and it is a fine store to get "lost" browsing in. Look for 22-24oz bottles of Victory and Sierra Nevada in the $3-4 range, or go here to look for that elusive specialty growler of Berkshire, Opa Opa, etc. I have not scoured the shelving section because it is unrefrigerated, but am not giving up on it either, as I have heard really wonderful things about what is kept over there across the aisle from the beer fridge. If you are looking for liquors other than beer, this place is chock full of 'em.
Nov 18, 2012
Photo of greenengineer
Reviewed by greenengineer from Massachusetts

4.09/5  rDev -6%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3 | selection: 4.5
Colonial Spirits is my go to place. Good selection, with a very wide variety of Belgians, as well as most every US microbrew you'd expect to see. Good selection of local brews including growlers from Berkshire and a few other places. Lots of Pretty Things, which can be hard to find. Prices are decent but you come here for the selection - they rarely have any kind of amazing deals. They have pretty frequent tastings on weekends so check out their calendar and get on their mailing list.

Pretty anonymous place, which is why the service scores low. If you know what you a looking for, they likely have it, but don't ask for help choosing something.

Also, I really like the automated wine tasting - ask for a tasting card at the registers. They need an automated beer taster too.
Jan 09, 2012
Photo of Dope
Reviewed by Dope from Massachusetts

4.64/5  rDev +6.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
This is a huge store with an enormous wine and spirits selection. Probably the best I have ever seen. I'm not really into anything but beer but I was still quite impressed.

At the very back of the store is a large shelf containing warm selections and facing this shelf is a huge row of coolers featuring their cold selection. The left-most aisle of the store (running the entire length of the store) contains their clearance section and shelves upon shelves of cases of beer. At the very front of this row is their super-high end glass case (saw a Utopias in there for example).

Overall, excellent selection. Good spread of styles and brewers. Beer seems to come and go fairly quickly here as the selection seems mostly new, dust-free and is ever changing.

Prices are quite good, and they offer 10% off 6, 15% 12 and 20% off 24 singles. Very nice if you are stocking up.

They have a decent web presence and Tim (the beer guy) is very quick to respond to email. He will try to get you things if he can, he will hold specialties for you as well. Very nice.

Overall, quite excellent. I would rate Colonial second to only the super amazing places like Redstones and Julios.
May 18, 2011
Photo of soze47
Reviewed by soze47 from Massachusetts

4.44/5  rDev +2.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 5
I go to Colonial regularly as it usually gives me more than enough to choose from. It is near my girlfriend's house, so I make a trip here every two weeks or so for the past year or so.

Pros: They have a huge selection and amount of options. They do have a few coolers dedicated to BMC, but three times as many dedicated to craft and import brews. I'd guess there are 12 or so coolers total mirrored by an extremely long four level shelf filled with more imports and crafts.

Their international selection is extremely comprehensive and what sets this apart from most other stores in MA. If you are looking for an obscure beer from another country, they very well may have it if its available.

Their craft selection is pretty good and covers most of the basics from all the different domestic craft brewers available in MA. I never seem to find the really highly in demand beers here (Big John being a big recent exception), but I have picked up Breakfast Stout from Founders, Lukcy Bastard, and Bitches Brew over the past few months. Almost forgot that this place had Zoe when almost every where else sold out of theirs in days.

They also seem to have a good amount of local New England and MA brewers. I can always count on the whole BBC line-up to be their, along with Wachusett., People's Pint, Clown Shoes, Pretty Things and Opa Opa.

Their wine and booze selection seems to be huge as well. Can't say I have ever really looked at those parts of the store closely, but it is big, no doubt about it. This place is big and almost has a supermarket vibe. Nice and bright, which helps it to always seem clean.

Cons:
I hesitate to call these cons because I'm a pretty low maintenance customer.

There isn't always a knowledgeable person on beer. Their beer manager is really top notch and is there often, but when he isn't their, don't count on folks up front to help you find the something really intricate. The beer manager is about the only one that can give you really good recommendations.

I usually know what I'm looking for and how to find it, so this isn't too bad in my book. Their check-out staff is always friendly and wraps/boxes things very well.

I think the prices are pretty much in line with most stores that I frequent. They offer the discount at 6 single bottles, regardless of size, so a mix a six is always a solid option here. The discount get bigger at 12 bottles too.

Overall: If you are a craft beer fan and live near Colonial, you should really get to know it if you haven't already. Good prices, a beer for every occasion and style, and the great find every once in a while make this a place to frequent if you love good beer.
Apr 27, 2011
Photo of gpc
Reviewed by gpc from Massachusetts

4.66/5  rDev +7.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 4 | selection: 5
This is hands down the BEER STORE of all beer stores. A (3) movie movie theater turned into a store. I must start by saying that Colonial is a bit pricey as compared to local packys. But, their selection is unmatched.

Colonial must have (I have to guess) 1000+ beers for sale. Every country and virtually every state is represented here. If you love beer, Colonial is a one stop shop. You become like a kid in a candy store in there. They frequently have deals and tastings here ans staff is well knowledgeable in their product however broad.

If you need a Beer Advocate brew that you have seen here, Colonial usually will have it and if not they are happy to get it. They also have a mix-a-sixer. All beers can be purchased bottle only too.
Apr 02, 2011
Photo of rowingbrewer
Reviewed by rowingbrewer from Massachusetts

4.5/5  rDev +3.4%
Let me start out by saying that this is the best beer store I have ever been to, and then let me say that I have never been to julios. This place has an amazing selection of craft breweries from around the country, as well as from europe. I have only been a few times, as it is quite a hike from my house, but I never regret making the trip. I always end up with a few new bottles to try, as well as my favorites. The beer manager here is also very helpful. I have emailed him asking about several beers, and I had a response the next morning. most places have an email address, but never check or respond to emails. This place is large, clean, with a great selection, and very well run.
Nov 18, 2010
Photo of linusbwell
Reviewed by linusbwell from Massachusetts

4.2/5  rDev -3.4%
Since moving to the area I've explored a few shops.

I really like Colonial, they have an amazing selection of beer and the mix-a-six is definitely a plus in my book.

The prices seem reasonable compared to other shops in the area and the discount on 6/12/24 is appreciated.

Customer service is okay. The hour I spent browsing was uninterrupted, which some may feel to be a plus, but I would have like at least some acknowledgement.

Altogether this is a fine shop, they have lots of space to browse and a huge selection (which makes me question how long some of those beers have been on the shelves, I did notice some dust). I will be back.
Jul 23, 2010
Photo of OtherShoe2
Reviewed by OtherShoe2 from Massachusetts

4.5/5  rDev +3.4%
One of the great beer selections in my area.

Pluses: Belgians (bombers and 12 oz. singles, plus specialty mix packs, some with glasses); good international selection (including oddities, like Kenya, Laos, etc.). Lots of special release bombers, some cold, some not. Domestic selection is good, again, with some beers from other states you just don't see elsewhere, or beers from brewers you don't see elsewhere. Cooler is decent, with sixers, growlers, bombers, 12's, cases, and some mini-kegs. Biggest plus is that they encourage the purchase of singles, with the price listed right next to the six (with a country flag to boot). You can try alot of different beers by shopping here. Also look at seasonal discount or sale shelves off to the side. Some really good deals on beer just out of season, or some oddities that aren't moving.

Minuses: When you have alot of stock, some stuff just doesn't move. You may also find an oddity that you like (buying a single), and find that when you go back....that's it, no more left. Also, in order to carry more, their prices are a little higher than average. Some common domestic stuff (Sam Adams, etc., some bombers) can be found much cheaper elsewhere.

Overall, a great place to stop and just browse. Frequent beer tastings (had a Bigfoot tasting one time, including some from the previous year!). A gem of a store.
Jan 15, 2010
Photo of DrJay
Reviewed by DrJay from Texas

4.35/5  rDev 0%
A lot's already been said about this place, so I'll just add a few notes. This has become my regular beer store since moving to the Boston burbs a few months ago. I like the great selection of Belgian and English beers here, as well as grabbing Alesmith when it's available and the Stone special releases. The fridges are well stocked with bombers, six packs and growlers, both from local MA (BBC, Opa Opa, People's Pint) and other craft brewers. I was quite happy that they carry Victory and Troegs, having just relocated from Pennsylvania. Prices are good both on singles and larger package sizes. So far it's been easy for me to find new and interesting beers as well as old favourites on a regular basis here.
Jan 03, 2010
Photo of BetterDarker
Reviewed by BetterDarker from Massachusetts

4.2/5  rDev -3.4%
When you first walk into this place your immediate thought is "What a selection of wine." Keeping walking to the back and suddenly it is Christmas morning. The selection is incredible and logically organized by country. The other thing that amazed me was how many different beers are in the refrigerators. So if you're on your way to a friend's house, you can pick up a cold six pack, growler or tall boy of something unique. They also have a generous mix and match discount a good selection of cases.
May 20, 2009
Photo of IBUnit63
Reviewed by IBUnit63 from Massachusetts

3.8/5  rDev -12.6%
I've heard great things about this place and finally made it in here on the way back from Kimball Farm.

They have a wide range in selection - maybe not as substantial as Julio's or even Marty's...but it's a good selection. My issue is with a lot of "old" bottles on the shelf - I saw a fair amount of dust and it seemed like there was quite a bit of past code stuff - especially on the German front. Service was unobtrusive in the beer aisles. Cashier service was friendly. Prices were right around where they should be.

Overall a decent place - wish they'd keep the codes a little tighter and manage inventory on that front.
May 13, 2009
Photo of zerofear13
Reviewed by zerofear13 from New York

4.2/5  rDev -3.4%
Took the drive to Colonial with Joel on like a late Wednesday afternoon - talk about your random beer runs. We hit the typical Massachusetts traffic since it was approaching rush hour. I just don't understand the logic behind Massachusetts' street planning. Why a rotary? What was that supposed to help? The roundabout on Route 2 that leads right to Colonial Spirits is a nightmare. Approximately 16 street converge at this one point.

Once you get to Colonial though, you realize it was worth the hellish traffic. Very large store. Quite stocked with wines, but if you keep our eyes open for the beers, it's easy to find gems out there. I think what impressed me the most (and this might be my own little comparison to New York beer stores), but this place was so clean. The inventory and shelves looked like they were well-maintained and the facilities were immaculate. In stark contrast, New York stores are often quite dingy and you're shocked to even find delicious micros in the the caverns.

So Colonial's service was a bit on the lacking side. I mean everyone was friendly, but you got the impression that they were employees in a store, rather than a part-owner who would know a great deal about beers. But I don't mind shopping in peace, so I was completely fine with that. The variety of beers is quite impressive. Stone brews out the ying-yang (including the Special Holiday collaboration with Nogne), Redhook, Brooklyn, Sierra Nevada, Rogue, Magic Hat, more local ones like Saranac, Long Trail, Sam Adams, but then some rarer breweries like Fisherman's, People's Pint, Lagunitas, etc.

Definitely worth the drive. Stop in. See what you can find. Quite easy to find some rare gems in here. Oh, also! The prices were amazing. Great discount if you buy in bulk. Something like if you buy 12-23 different items, there's 15% discount. How awesome is that. Rhetorical. It is amazing.
Feb 01, 2009
Photo of tittymcj
Reviewed by tittymcj from Connecticut

4.4/5  rDev +1.1%
I've been here a couple times now, and not much changes. Primarily a wine store. About 85% of the floor space is devoted to wine, but there is a very good selection of beers at the very back.

There is a fair selection of "world beers" that includes mostly german brews, but then a rather large variety of microbrews and craft brews about three times the size of the world beers section. Everything from Stone to Magic Hat and most everything in between is represented, including some that I've never heard of before. They sell singles as well as sixes, so it's very convenient to get a good variety in.

The most memorable thing, unfortunately, about this store is the drive there. The traffic circle just before it is nearly impenetrable between 2pm and 8pm due to the amount of traffic. I drove from 20 minutes away, but it took me over an hour to get there.

Generally, though, a good store with good selection and decent prices. You won't be disappointed.
Feb 01, 2009
Photo of gameface23
Reviewed by gameface23 from Massachusetts

3.6/5  rDev -17.2%
I went there in September because I heard a that they had Alesmith Speedway and Stone Double Bastard (before the 2008 was released). I called the store 2 seperate days and was told by the person answering the phone that the beer person wasn't in that day to tell me if they had it in stock or not. When I finally did get in touch with the guy, he said they did in fact have Speedway and the '06 Double Bastard in stock. Suspiciously, they didn't have either when I made the drive down the next day. They did, however, have the second most impressive selection I've seen in the area (after Julio's). There prices seemed more expensive than most places I have been to, but they allowed any 6 pack to be broken up to singles, which I loved.
Jan 14, 2009
Photo of Reagan1984
Reviewed by Reagan1984 from Massachusetts

4.35/5  rDev 0%
Great selection, NO Doubt... If you live in the area you definitely shop here.

I've fouhnd the store to be empty with respect to help. And when I ask, "the beer guy" isn't in...

C'mon, I'm not shopping at 2:00am....

This is a great place if you know what you are looking for. If you want to get some advice or direction, forget it.

But Acton, is the suburbs and this is clearly a great place. I'll drive to Julio's before driving here. But if I'm in Acton, I stop by for sure.

I do always find something I want.
Nov 02, 2008
Photo of sethmeister
Reviewed by sethmeister from New Hampshire

4.65/5  rDev +6.9%
If it can be sold in MA Colonial probably has it.

Largest selection I've seen *anywhere*

There's a pretty extensive Belgian/Trappist selection and lots of German beers.

American beers they carry include Founders, AleSmith, Stone, Rogue, Bear Republic, Brooklyn, Smuttynose, Berkshire, Sierra Nevada, Victory, Great Divide, North Coast, DFH, etc etc. Not just flagships but seasonals and special brews.

I make a pilgrimage here a couple times a year to stock up on things I can't find in NH.

Service has been excellent. Tim seems to know his stuff and will help you out.
Oct 03, 2008
Photo of deciding39
Reviewed by deciding39 from Massachusetts

4.7/5  rDev +8%
This place is fantastic, what else can I say. Whenever I visit my parents in neighboring Littleton, I swing through here to stock up and drop at least $30-40 on hard-to-find beers. The import section is particularly noteworthy. On my last trip I stocked up on a few Polish beers, given that a 500ml bottle never cost more than $2.05. Some were hits and some were misses, but it's great to be able to try such obscure beers. Also fantastic is that you can break up six-packs. If you want to try something new, just grab a bottle - the single bottle price is listed right next to the six-pack price. Brilliant.

The staff is knowledgeable, the prices are fair, and the selection is unparalleled. There's not much more you could ask for, so check this place out next time you're in the area. Even if you're nowhere near Acton, this store is worth the drive.
Jul 05, 2008
Photo of RatAgain
Reviewed by RatAgain from Massachusetts

3.85/5  rDev -11.5%
Finally got a chance to stop by Colonial Spirits today, I've wanted to for some time, and I was extremely happy with the selection. Not only did they carry a great selection of local beers but a great selection of American and Imports. The whole back wall was devoted to refrigerators with craft beer in them and the opposing shelves were stocked as well.

Part of the reason I was so happy with Colonial was that not only did they carry the regular releases from American Craft Breweries but they also had a lot of what I have considered 'rare' or 'limited' finds. There was DFH Fort, Stone IRS & Old Guardian, a good selection of Ale Smith, Smuttynose Big Beers, and on and on I could go. I didn't pay too much attention to price but a 750mL bottle of Ale Smith Wee Heavy was $13.45 and it's about what I remember paying up in Albany, NY for it.

On the whole just a great selection.
Jun 13, 2008
Photo of Sycodrummer
Reviewed by Sycodrummer from Massachusetts

4.65/5  rDev +6.9%
Very easy to access only a few minutes from the traffic circle on Rt. 2 the store sits back from the road a bit. Beer selection is against the back wall with coolers, directly oppiset that with shelves, and along the left wall. A very nice trappist selection and overall an impressive selection generaly organized by country and brewery. They carry most anything that comes to the state and prices are also resonable. They also have the full line of 5L mini-kegs from EKU including the pils, schwartzbier, and hefeweizen. The store is only a 20 minute drive from 128 and maybe 30-40 minutes from downtown Boston. In terms of selection alone its worth the trip to stock up. Service is attentive, and every time I've been in the store I've been asked if there is anything they can do to help. All in all an excellent store.
Jun 02, 2008
Photo of YonderWanderer
Reviewed by YonderWanderer from Colorado

4.35/5  rDev 0%
Colonial Spirits in Acton is an excellent store - definitely a bit far-out for regular trips, but always worth a stop when I'm out that way. An excellent beer selection can be found in the back of the store, with huge shelves of Belgian, German, British, and American brews. The American brews most impress me as they have some stuff I've never seen anywhere else before. Even better, on my most recent trip I found 2 bottles of Vertical Epic 06 there! No idea if they have any more in the back or not, but it was definitely a solid find. Service seems really good, and pricing is definitely reasonable for the product you're buying.
Aug 13, 2007
Photo of BattleRoadBrewer
Reviewed by BattleRoadBrewer from Massachusetts

4.65/5  rDev +6.9%
This is one of my go-to places either when I want to look for something, or when I want to make a run and buy a bunch.

Lots of the beer in the cooler, and plenty more on the shelves. Big focus on UK imports as well as Belgian and other continental.

People there are always eager to help, answer every question or call for somebody who can. They'll order anything they can obtain and call you when it shows up.

Very nice discount on singles, and prices are competitive even before the discounts. Wish it was in my hometown instead of 15 miles out!

Most highly recommended.
Jun 23, 2007
Photo of stephen1162
Reviewed by stephen1162 from Massachusetts

4.65/5  rDev +6.9%
Colonial Liquors in Acton is arguably the best beer store in the Boston area. They have a large selection of beers from just about every country in the world, including an excellent selection of Belgium and German beers.

Their 12 pack and case prices are competitive with other local stores, but they always have 8 or 10 monthly specials if you want to save a few dollars. Check their website for the current specials list; it usually includes a few macros, something local, and some imports.

The real reason to go here is for their huge selection of singles. Several other posters have noted 10 or 15% discounts for volume purchases. These people apparently didn't buy enough, because the store offers a 20% discount on 24 or more, and a whopping 25% discount on 36 or more singles. Given that their prices are reasonable to begin with, this is a great savings.

The staff is also very helpful without being pushy. The store is large, clean, and even has a public restroom.

I stop by this place every 3 months or so and stock up on singles. It's well worth a visit if you're anywhere near Acton, Mass.
Apr 26, 2007
Photo of n0rmann
Reviewed by n0rmann from Massachusetts

4.2/5  rDev -3.4%
On a recent trip, I was very impressed with the selection. It's not on par with Julio's in Westborough or Marty's in Newton, but still very good.

A good selection of craft beers from around the world. The price was decent, although I asked two different employees questions about specific beers, and they did not have the answer, but they did try to get it.

The price was decent, some things were cheaper than other places, some were a little more expensive.

Overall, definitely a quaility place to get your beer.
Apr 18, 2007
Photo of albern
Reviewed by albern from Massachusetts

4.35/5  rDev 0%
This store gets high marks for cleanliness, organization, accessibility, and ease in which you can find things. The highlight is the long shelf where most of the beers are located. The cooler has some decent variety as well. This is a very good store as far as selection is concerned, but not quite as good as Elm Street in Somerville, which I still believe has the best selection in the Boston area. The prices are very good, much better than I expected, they also discount if you buy enough singles. This is excellent for someone like me who almost never buys anything but singles. I was specifically looking for Flemish reds, and they only had about 5 (Duchesse, Rodenback, Monk's, Vichtenaar, and Panil). They didn't quite have the other six Flemish Reds that I specifically sought out, but what they did have is more than you can find in most places. Their American Micro section could also be better.

Update November 2008: The beer shelf in the back is still there and as interesting as ever. The cooler has plenty of stock that you won't find on the shelf. The side of the store, away from the wines, has plenty of variety packs, 12 and 24 packs. I grabbed a few singles out of the variety packs and this didn't seem to be an issue either. You can't go wrong and there is plenty of parking, unlike Elm Street Liquors in Somerville. The multi-single discount is a strong plus.
Apr 14, 2007
Photo of taez555
Reviewed by taez555 from Vermont

3.85/5  rDev -11.5%
Located on route 119, a little bit past the Concord rotary/prison where route 2 meets route 2A, this is a location I’ve been familiar with since I was a little kid as I used to come here all the time when it used to be a movie theater. (I think I saw The Hunt for Red October in the section that’s now dedicated to wine tasting) Typical warehouse style liquor store, long aisles and high ceilings. One of the cleanest ones I’ve been into in a while as well. Beer is located in the back in coolers, but most of the beer focus is on a long set of shelves directly adjacent to the cooler running the entire length of the store.

Beer selection is one point shy of outstanding and prices are extremely reasonable. American Craft, German, a huge selection of Belgians, English, craft, micros, macro, Gift sets and more. I liked that they had the beer/glass sets of Rapscallion. On my latest visit I picked up a bottle of St. Bernadus Abt 12 60th Aniv, and couldn’t believe they had Stone Double bastard ’06 for $5.95? Wow! Cases are available as well along the left wall.

Wine and Liquor selection is also just as good with some decent prices on larger bottles, if you’re into that sort of thing.

A hidden jewel for sure and one I’ll be sure to hit up the next time I’m out that way.
Dec 20, 2006
Photo of msolar
Reviewed by msolar from Massachusetts

4.3/5  rDev -1.1%
It had been a long time since I’ve visited Colonial Spiriits, but and apparently I forgot the great selection they had.

The big sellers for me are pricing & selection.

Selection: possibly the best I’ve seen in ages.

Pricing; I’m not sure about the going rate for any of these, as this was my first time to pick most of them up, but here’s what I bought and paid (minus tax & deposit)
Young’s Double Choc. Stout (4pk) $6.79
Brooklyn Black Choc. Stout (6pk) $8.19
Rogue Chocolate Stout (22oz) $5.25
Stone Brewing Co. Smoked Porter (22oz) $4.70
Dogfish Head Chicory Stout (6pk) $8.69

Cheers,
m
Sep 23, 2006
Photo of GratefulBeerGuy
Reviewed by GratefulBeerGuy from New Hampshire

4.35/5  rDev 0%
My Girlfriend's father has been going here for many years, even before they moved to this new location. He kept raving about this store, so I had to see for myself.
I was very impressed to say the least. Huge-MUNGO selection of craft beer singles, one entire isle side has all singles, a great selection on belgian and German imports. Local breweries and west coast breweries.
It's a very big store with plenty of room, they also feature a big wine and spirits selection, which I simply didn't have the time to explore. I ended up with one Moylan's Hopsickle bomber, one 11.2 oz Rochefort 8, and one Bear Republic Big Bear Black stout. THe total was something like $15....which is reasonable IMO.
Next Time I stop in, I will take advantage of he 10% discount on a mix-six pack of singles!!
Aug 21, 2006
Photo of Goldorak
Reviewed by Goldorak from Canada (QC)

4.3/5  rDev -1.1%
The convoy of minivans got there about an hour before opening, which worked out well because I got to eat breakfast at the bagel place right in front. The manager chuckled at the sight of a 20 Quebecers waiting in line in front of the door as if waiting for Stanley Cup playoff tickets. As the automatic doors finally opened, we all grabbed shopping carts and dashed to the back section. On the left side of the Beer isle are the Belgians and a few internationals, then the Germans, finally the Americans. Nice selection of lambics, I couldn’t resist a Lou Pepe Gueuze that was staring me down with his puppy dog eyes, and got a 3Fontainen to keep him company on the long drive home. Couldn’t resist grabbing a Fantôme la Gourmande too, along with a Panil Bariquée and Thiriez Exxtra. A friend of mine who prays to the gargoyle gods asked the manager if he had any extra Stones in the back, he gladly went out and looked, and came back with a few cases that almost got completely gobbled up by the hopivores. He also checked the warehouse for Allagash Interlude at my request, but he was out of those. I found some nice stuff in the refrigerated section, mostly American micros, a few growlers too. Solid selection altogether, comparable to Table and Vine out in western Mass. They also had a very interesting wine selection for those who care, a few meads from Poland, but not that many ciders. I already had my legal limit of Beer to cross the border so it wasn’t much of a letdown.

Checkout was a little slow, one of the register’s scanners was on the fritz, so our very stressed-out cashier had to check prices in the catalogue for every bottle that wasn’t tagged, and we had a lot of loose singles. The manager did give us all 20% discounts, and told us to give them an e-mail next time so that they can special-order stuff for us.

Prices were a bit high, but evened out because of the discount at the cash. I’d go back there anytime.
May 12, 2006
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Reviewed by Enick from Missouri

4.5/5  rDev +3.4%
Colonial Spirits could be considered a decent drive from Boston, but it is actually very easily accessible. The trip is down a divided highway with minimal stop lights.

The first thing you see when you walk in is wine. Walk past those to the back and you'll turn the corner into Beer Nirvana. The selection at Colonial is extremely diverse. Everything ranging from Trappist beers to German breweries to several obscure imports that few other stores offer on a regular basis. The stock seems to be constantly changing as I have gone in and found new beers that I've never seen there before. The people in charge of ordering beer here have their fingers on the pulse of what is big and popular in the beer community, while still offering you an alternative of something you probably haven't tried or even seen before. And of course, one of the best things is that you can pick out singles of most 6 packs. A very nice touch to a place with a great selection.

While I do not require outside input on my beer decisions and am happy to make my decisions solo, the staff seems eager to help you find the beer you're looking for, or a really great alternative. Very seldom am I not asked if I need help while I stand drooling in the beer aisle.

The value is a bit harder to pin down. It's tough to put an overall price value on the place. The beers you can find at any New England liquor store seem about in the slightly above average range. But the prices on the rare and obscure beers really seem to be low considering that they're probably one of very few to have them. The final decision would have to come down to the 10% discount when you buy 6 different beers. I believe they also offer a 20% discount when you buy 24 different beers. But I haven't had the guts, or the money, to do that yet.

Overall, this is a great place. Well worth the 30-45 minute drive from Boston if you're looking for a great selection at nice prices.
Feb 26, 2006
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Reviewed by brewandbbq from New Hampshire

4.35/5  rDev 0%
Located on RT119, (Great Rd.) in Acton, Colonial Spirits is approximately 15 minutes from 495.
Beers in the back, with some cases along the left side.
Prices were generally average, but they allow a 10% discount on 6 or more singles of any size, and they don't mind splitting up sixers.
Decent mix of imports and domestics, with one set of shelves devoted to Belgians, another for the rest of imports, and another for domestics.
There were a couple of finds that were not at Julio's that I hit up directly after.
There were 2 guys working the beer area, one being pretty knowledgeable, and went out of his way to answer a question, so service was good.
Cashier was friendly too.
Good place with a quite good selection , with emphasis on Belgians, and everything looked fresh.
If they matched Julio's 15% off discount on 6 or more, I would probably make this my only stop in that area.
Feb 04, 2006
Colonial Spirits in Acton, MA
Place rating: 4.35 out of 5 with 60 ratings