Wells Discount Liquors

Wells Discount LiquorsWells Discount Liquors
Wells Discount LiquorsWells Discount Liquors
Store

6310 York Rd
Baltimore, Maryland, 21212-2635
United States

(410) 435-2700 | map
wellswine.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
3.96
Reviews:
33
Ratings:
41
pDev:
12.37%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by dertknap:
Photo of dertknap
Rated by dertknap from Maryland

4.22/5  rDev +6.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5

Jun 24, 2015
More User Ratings:
Photo of mynie
Reviewed by mynie from Maryland

3.37/5  rDev -14.9%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.25
On York Road, basically you're in Towson at this point.

Selection is firmly behind Wine Source and Total Wine, but still pretty solid. Plenty of locals and nationally distributed craft brands, a handful of UK, German, and Belgian brews. A handful of local rarities on draft, with reasonably priced growlers. Price falls in between those two--neither great nor egregious.

I've been living nearby since January and have stopped in probably twice a week and have never seen any beers of particular note. I was told they were selling 32 growlers of Maine's Lunch a couple of weeks ago, when I was out of town. That would have easily been the biggest release so far in 2017.

The vibe is that of a medium-sized liquor store. It's not weird and dingy, but it's also not gorgeous and glitzy. They have a decent beer selection but don't identify primarily as a beer destination and so they aren't gonna be able to answer any in-depth questions.

My one, not insignificant complaint is that parking is horrible. Worse than Hampden, even. The lanes are narrow and shitheads will just park their cars right in the middle the lane and block traffic, sometimes for as long as 10 whole minutes, waiting for a spot to open. If it looks busy, don't even try to park in the lot--just go park in the Giant lot nearby and walk over.
Feb 23, 2017
 
Rated: 4.22 by gustavmahler-09 from Maryland

Feb 13, 2016
 
Rated: 4 by deansellers from Maryland

Nov 30, 2014
 
Rated: 4.76 by Baltosteve

Nov 27, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by DrBier from Pennsylvania

Aug 06, 2014
 
Rated: 3.25 by mendvicdog from Maryland

Jun 10, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by AngusOg from North Carolina

Feb 25, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by Metalmaniac915 from Maryland

Jan 10, 2014
Photo of BillRoth
Reviewed by BillRoth from Maryland

4.15/5  rDev +4.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4
Originally dropped a score in 2013. And score here reflects today.
But felt important to write a note/recall when Well’s was a extraordinary place for European beers. Understand “who cares” now... but I remember 6 long rows of Europeans. I sampled about 150 of Michael Jackson’s harder to find from his top 500 beers... and remember a steady EVERYDAY selection of 5-6 Cantillion’s. Just thought I’d add a note of thanks to Well’s who were there at the beginning and helped a lot of us find the road to great Beer.
Dec 19, 2013
Photo of gillagorilla
Reviewed by gillagorilla from Maryland

3.6/5  rDev -9.1%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4
The atmosphere is a bit classy, but it everything is a very bright white. The beer selection can be quite messy with boxes everywhere and things a bit disorganized.

They have a good selection, but only a few bombers and most of what they carry is six packs, which isn't an issue, except for specialty beers.

The guys here seem to focus on wine, with beer as an afterthought. I haven't gotten help with beer here before.

Pricing is decent here as well, but they don't sell singles and thus no mix-six.

It is out of the way for me, but I originally came here for cider and the selection is ok compared to most places.
May 18, 2013
Photo of HarryPotHead
Reviewed by HarryPotHead from Maryland

4.16/5  rDev +5.1%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
By far the best selection i've seen in the Baltimore area. Lots of hard to find imports and American Crafts in all styles...something for everyone. If you can't find it here then it probably isn't distributed in the Baltimore area. Staff was very helpful and courteous as well. A little out of the way for me, but i'll definitely be going back when i'm in the area again.
Feb 16, 2013
Photo of cpanossian
Reviewed by cpanossian from New York

2.7/5  rDev -31.8%
I was visiting family in Silver Spring so I decided to stop here on my way back home in New York - a bit of a detour from I-95.

I really went to scout out a good source for mid-Atlantic beers. Wells Discount Liqours had a decent selection for the local brewers. Also an interesting, if modest, selection of UK and old world beers from Belgium, Germany, etc.

So I picked up some beers from DuClaws, Brewer's Art, and some Clipper City stuff. Found a bottle of Sam Smith's Yorkshire Stingo which was a nice surprise.

As I was checking out I asked the clerk if they sold "singles", as in "mix-a-six six packs."

The guy just shrugged and said: "No - it would be a nightmare for us to manage."

Well sorry, wouldn't want to make your life difficult. I just think offering that option is a great way to get people to experiment with a new or unknown beer or brewer without having the fear of purchasing an entire 6-pack and not liking it.

I'll stick to Oaktree Discount Liqours in South Plainfield NJ - Dan the owner is a really nice guy and the shop is incredibly well stocked.
Oct 17, 2010
Photo of jwff
Reviewed by jwff from Hawaii

3.15/5  rDev -20.5%
I live in the area so I find myself here once every few weeks. It is generally a clean store except for loose bottles and cases in front of their shelves mainly in the wine and beer departments. The shelves themselves are always stocked and in order with descriptive tags on certain items. I'm not sure if I should give credit to the store or to the vendors but these are helpful if I'm not there to buy anything specific.

As far as the service goes there doesn't seem to be any on the beer side of things. Any help would be nice because their selection is where this store really shines. Wells has an extremely large selection of Belgian, English, German, and finally a very serviceable amount of American beer. Their collection of sours is one of the best I've seen around here. They are well stocked and up to date with the seasonal beers and special releases. Be warned their prices are generally 2 dollars or more higher than almost every store I've been to in the Baltimore area, especially on 6 packs. Luckily all the prices are on the website so you can check in advance.

Overall this is a good place to visit every once in a while or when you are looking for something special.
Sep 30, 2010
Photo of jgasparine
Reviewed by jgasparine from Maryland

4.05/5  rDev +2.3%
I don't know how I didn't review this place before. I have been buying here since for almost 10 years, and it has always been a favorite of mine.

While their American Craft beer offerings are solid, it's their European and Asian beer offerings that really stand-out. English, German, Czech and Belgian beer selections about here. Often, rare vintages of JW Lees Harvest Ale and Samichlaus can be found on these shelves.

Now, I will admit that I don't always find every specific beer I'm looking for; but I always walk out with some good brews.

I would definitely recommend this place to anyone in the Towson/Baltimore area.
Feb 14, 2010
Photo of BaltimoreBeerGuy
Reviewed by BaltimoreBeerGuy from Maryland

2.85/5  rDev -28%
Used to be the best seleciton in Baltimore till the Wine Source stepped it up a few years ago. The selection is still good including craft beers, Belgians, a nice German section. It is dirty and cluttered, though, and many of the beers have a layer of dust. I was quite disappointed to find a four pack of Weyerbacher Fireside Ale (a year old, not really cellarable beer) on the shelves layered in dust.

While I have always had my questions answered, they definitely arent the friendliest people around, especially the beer guy.

Prices are also high on average very high for some. For example, Ive seen a 4 pack of Samichlaus priced at about 8-10 bucks more than other stores.
Jan 15, 2010
Photo of cwps48
Reviewed by cwps48 from Maryland

2.75/5  rDev -30.6%
This place is kinda dirty with unstocked inventory all over the floor. The selection is decent, though I have found that the Wine Source is better all in all. I was the only person in the store at the time, and yet nobody working there apparently had enough time to stop and actually answer a question. The prices were also a bit higher than other places, generally a dollar or so.

There was a good selection of glassware. Though not so good as to make me want to go back for that. I'd go back just to see if perhaps I went too early in the morning, and that's why there were bottles all over the floor and people seemed so grumpy, though I would think 10:30 is not so early.

Edit: Went back, and the customer service was worse than before. The woman at the register was giving my Singaporean friend and me attitude because my friend only had an international ID and wouldn't let me pay. The security guard standing there told my friend off for having an international ID too. I will not be going back to this establishment.
Dec 09, 2009
Photo of evilquaker
Reviewed by evilquaker from Maryland

3.95/5  rDev -0.3%
The best selection I've seen in the northern Baltimore / Baltimore County area. They have a lot of stuff that Beltway and Shawan don't carry. I was looking specifically for Scottish ales and Wee Heavies, and found Dark Island and Tranquair House and Jacobite only there. Their selection of Germans and Belgians is also pretty good, as is their American craft selection. They have three full aisles of craft brews and several fridge units with macros and crafts. They had plenty of employees around to ask if I had questions, but no one offered to help me (which was fine with me). The store isn't as clean as Shawan and Calvert, but it's good enough.

On the other hand, their prices are crazy. Sometimes, they're in line with the competition, other times they were almost twice as expensive (Belhaven Wee Heavy, e.g.). Their website has a full list of their selection with prices, so check before you head over there.
Aug 08, 2009
Photo of qchic
Reviewed by qchic from Maryland

4.05/5  rDev +2.3%
This place deserves its place on the Baltimore beer map. For a long time, this was the go to place but other shops are giving it plenty of competition these days. A bountiful selection will please any BA, with an aisle of british beers across from an aisle of amer. craft 6 packs. Another aisle for belgians across from a big selection of german and various other european brews. I'm happy to see a few endcaps filled with the more sought after (IMO) seasonal bombers. Service is fine. There is a guy often in the vicinity who seems to be quite helpful IF you approach him. I have seen the prices bumped up a bit, and they now seem to be a little higher than other stores in the area, but only by a buck or two (for the most part). Sometimes some sale items are in the cooler, so I like to check that out every visit.
Jul 08, 2009
Photo of ahalloin
Reviewed by ahalloin from Virginia

4/5  rDev +1%
I stopped in this fine establishment on a Saturday afternoon and they were jumping with business. The beer selection fills out the back left side of the store with the back wall being 6 packs and cases in coolers and the shelves being 6 and 4 packs, 22 oz. and 750 ml, as well as some singles. This place has a great selection of what is available in Maryland. For craft beers, they have DFH, Brewer's Art, Victory, Troegs, Southhampton, Southern Tier, Rogue, Stone, Brooklyn, and a few others.
For Belgians, they had all the available trappists, all possible variations in serving size and variety of St. Bernardus, many different brewers from Gouden Carolus, among others. They still had Gouden Carolus Grand Cru 2007 rather than the currently available 2008. They also had a decent variety of German and English beers, including Harvestioun, and JW Less Harvest ale from various years starting from 1999 to the present.

I didn't speak to any sales people, but I won't fault them since the store was very busy.

The prices were the best I have seen in the area.
Examples:
DFH 120: $8.99
Southhampton Pumpkin Ale: $1.49 for 22 oz.!!
Southhampton Triple: $5.99
Sep 29, 2008
Photo of Kegatron
Reviewed by Kegatron from Pennsylvania

4.2/5  rDev +6.1%
After frequenting both Shawan Liquors and the Wine Source over the last couple of years, we decided to finally check out this other highly rated liquor store in the Baltimore area. The atmosphere was little bit of a mixed bag. While I really liked how the beers are organized with imports being clearly separated from the American crafts and then the imports being organized by country, the overall feel of the place was a tad dingy. Not necessarily dirty but the place just didn't have that warm, inviting vibe that I get off other places in the area. It just gave off the vibe, oh well, a local liquor store. The selection here is tough to beat though. They have just about every US Micro that is distributed in MD, including a good selection of local stuff, including Old Dominion, which I just don't see much of in the area anymore. The import selection is tops here though, with the Belgian selection being especially exemplary. I saw a bunch of stuff that the other stores just don't have, including products that I didn't even know were distributed in individual 12 oz bottles. It was all top notch and pretty much guarantees return visits here. Prices were decent and fairly comparable to other local places. Maybe just a dollar or two more on some stuff. We were never approached by any staff to see if we needed help but there were several employees around, so at least finding help didn't seem like it would have been a problem. All in all, while I wasn't super impressed by the overall atmosphere here, just the selection alone makes this worth frequent return visits too.
Apr 23, 2008
Photo of Slatetank
Reviewed by Slatetank from Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev +13.6%
I visited Well's Discount Liquors for the second time over the weekend and was greeted by a wine tasting which is probably a common occurrence since their primary focus is wine. The have the majority of the front of the store devoted to wine and liquor while the back coolers and shelves are where the beers are displayed.

I found the quality of Beer to be excellent and most of the items appear to be rotated frequently. There were new winter seasonals in the case display, like Pursuit of Happiness, Snow Goose, Celebration ale and Winter Welcome which indicates fresh beer.

I appreciated the staff that was available to help with questions or give recommendations. I overheard some customers requesting a micro in the style of Chimay white to which the representative replied Golden Monkey is one of the best. I also like being able to check out some of the selection online prior to shopping since I live more than 45 min. from the store.

The selection is one of the best I have seen, the beers are well organized which is a plus, too. I like being able to shop according country, brand and price. They had hard to find items like a Gonzo Imperial porter gift pack and an Italian Barleywine called Xyauyù and Scaldis Prestige - aged in oak.

I found most craft six packs were below $8.99 and bombers were appropriately priced. I wouldn't say you are going to make out, but with the selection as it is, it is hard to go wrong. I will return to Well's whenever I am trying to find something special, it is a great place with a very good beer selection. I didn't even have to carry my order to the car - great service.
Nov 11, 2007
Photo of TheDragonTony
Reviewed by TheDragonTony from Pennsylvania

4.15/5  rDev +4.8%
I had a job interview in the Baltimore area and Wells is only about a mile out of my way so I stopped on my way home. None of the beers that I looked at or purchased were ones that I could buy locally (at least not that I know of), but they seamed reasonable to me. The selection was very good, they had so many Belgiums I was surprised I didn't need a passport to get in there. That being said I wish that their craft selection was a little better (I would have liked to walk out of there with some Arrogant Bastard or Ruination or DFH 90 minute - they had 60 and 120, but not 90).

I didn't ask for any help, but there were several people stationed to help, and they seemed to be quite helpful to one of the other patrons in there today.

I enjoyed stopping and shopping at Wells, next time I'm going to go in though with a better idea of what I'm in the mood for and hopefully will have more money to spend, oh and I'll grab a cart.
Jul 19, 2007
Photo of John_M
Reviewed by John_M from Washington

3.9/5  rDev -1.5%
I must be in the minority when it comes to rating the service at Well's. However, the selection here more then makes up for the indifferent service.

I have literally been able to provide myself with a pretty good Belgium Beer education, just from perusing the selection at Well's. They have a tremendous selection of Belgium beers here, a very good selection of German and English beers, and some interesting pilsners from Eastern Europe (Poland, Czechoslovakia, etc.) The craft beer selection is pretty good, though it seems to me that they are sometimes slow to restock certain items. Frankly, I wish they had a better Mid Atlantic presence (they have a few beers from Pennsylvania, and the rest of the usual suspects - DFH, Clipper City, Old Dominion, Victory, Weyerbacher, Yards and Harpoon), but maybe that's more a function of what the Maryland distributors are able to bring in.

Unlike a few other stores I could name in town, Well's seems to be pretty good about making sure all stock on hand is fresh. I've never bought anything that was past it's prime, nor have I ever picked up anything here with a half inch of dust on it (again, unlike a few other stores I could name). Kudos to Well's in that department.

Prices here are the Baltmore norm, and in fact are probably on the low side for Maryland. Rarely do I see anything here priced higher then what I can find someplace else in town.

Then we come to the service. It's not that the service here is bad, it's just kind of indifferent. Most of the time when I go to Wells, there's a guy (employee) just standing there at the end of the craft beer row. If you have a question he'll generally answer it, but I've never heard him volunteer any information, and he always looks as if he'd rather be any place else then at work. I don't really require a lot of assistance, but it would be nice to occasionally have this guy ask me if I need any help, or even volunteer some information about new products (I usually fill a shopping cart, so I think it's kind of obvoius that I'm into craft beer and Belgiums). The time Well's got in 4 packs of the stock ale from North Coast in N. California was kind of typical. I was excited to see it in the store, and was sort of gushing about it ("Hey, wow, you guys got in the Stock Ale. This is such a great beer, and they make so little of it at N. Coast, that's really cool that you have it in."). I might as well have been talking to a wall. (I think his sole comment was "yeah, we just got it in.") I don't know, I just think it would be nice to have someone there who is a bit more enthusiastic about the product.

Then there was the time I was trying to search down a bottle of Panil for a friend out West. I knew the beer was available in Maryland (and so the Baltimore area), as I'd seen the current edition (vintage 2006) at Max's. Well's seemed like the most likely place to find it. Instead, I was told they didn't have it and couldn't get it. I thought perhaps there was some confusion as to where to look for it in the Beverage guide (the style is Flander's Sour, but it's brewed in Italy), so I shot them another email, mentioning that it was available at Max's, and so should be available to them as well. No response at all. I ended up buying it at State Line.

Anyways, the service issue not withstanding, I otherwise think Well's is a great place and will continue to shop there. It's a bit out of my way, so I don't visit as often as I like, but the selection and quality here will always have me coming back. This is a solid place.
May 10, 2007
Photo of Aichelberger
Reviewed by Aichelberger from Maryland

4.15/5  rDev +4.8%
Your typical Towson student doesn't appreciate what they have up there. UMBC students drive to DuClaw or Corridor for a good beer; U of Maryland has Village Pump and a few beer bars. Towson, on the other hand, has Wells just down York Road, with (arguably) the largest selection and most turnover of any liquor store in Maryland. I've never bought anything there I didn't like. It's always been fresh--craft or import--and, as you would expect, the macros are kept out of sight (i.e., in the back). An entire aisle side is devoted to UK and Irish imports; another to Germans; another to Belgians; and yet another to craft-brewed offerings (many from local and regional breweries). I was asked if I could find a strawberry ale from London. I looked everywhere I went, to no avail. I finally walked into Wells and they had 4 bottles on the shelf--along with the peach and the raspberry. And the staff knows beer--at least the guy that greets you there. Wonderful place for a lover of real beer. Oh, and their beer glass selection is great. So collectors will love Wells too.
Dec 16, 2006
Photo of Terp96
Reviewed by Terp96 from North Carolina

4.35/5  rDev +9.8%
I usually head to Well's a few times a year to pick up some things that I can't ordinarily get at my local store. The staff is pretty knowledgable regarding the beer selection but their bread and butter is the wine (as evidenced by their website).

They have a fantastic selection of Belgian, English and German beers as well as smaller selections from around the globe. The American micro selection is decent as well but won't knock your socks off. It is worth noting that you actually have to work to find American macro beers. They definitely have their priorities in order.

Well worth a visit.
Dec 09, 2006
Photo of Umbra
Reviewed by Umbra from Maryland

3.8/5  rDev -4%
Back in the day, I came here several times a week during college. We experimented with local microbrews, to Belgians and seasonal beers. They are located in that area between the city and the Beltway that has seen resurgence. The surrounding buildings have been spiffed up and get loads of workers from across the street.

Wells has stayed stuck in the same place for two decades (from both a layout and selection perspective). The staff is friendly and will help you carry your armloads of brews to the car. Though they have impeccable staff, they will really only be able to help you with wine. Even on many basic, everyday needs. There is one older gentleman with dark thinning hair that is very good, assuming he is working. Most other workers in that area are local high school kids.

They do have multiple different great beers at good prices, but beware the lower priced stuff. A decade ago, I would jump at the opportunity of $3 six packs of pumpkin beer in January, and that is something they still practice. Where they have an incredible selection on paper, some of these puppies are well past their prime.

Overall: If one goes by awards, this would be considered the best place in the Baltimore area to buy both beer and wine. However, I’d argue that those awards only tell you what the best in the city was once. If you are looking for fresh rarities and great customer service, then you need to shop at the Wine Source. If you are looking for bulk, take a hike out to Beltway Fine Wine. For what it is, Wells is very good, it's just that other local places are starting to do it better.
Sep 14, 2006
Photo of mrasskicktastic
Reviewed by mrasskicktastic from New Jersey

3.7/5  rDev -6.6%
Quality - I have made several trips to Well's. Their quality is my biggest problem. I have bought more skunked or otherwise tainted beer from Well's than any other establishment. Be careful what you buy.

Service - The staff is knowledgable and helpful generally. They know more about wine than beer though it seems. Although I have never asked many questions.

Selection - Great, best in Baltimore area (except for perhaps beltway). Their import selection is outstanding.

Price - The wine souce is a bit better generally, but the prices here are not too bad. Add on average 50 cents to any purchase.
Jan 09, 2006
Photo of akorsak
Reviewed by akorsak from Pennsylvania

4.41/5  rDev +11.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5
I stopped by Wells today (my fourth visit overall) to do some pre-Christmas shopping.

Quality: Good, I have never had a problem with old or bad beers coming from Wells.

Service: The employees are friendly, I have spoken with the same gentleman twice (he recognized my son from an earlier visit). Hell, they even let me use the restroom in the basement when nature struck with fury. How many non-employees can say that they've gone to town in Wells' bathroom? Not many I would venture.

Selection: Wells blows all other liquor stores away. The selection of Belgian ales is incredible, from Avec les Bons Voeux to St. Bernardus 750 mL bottles. They also have entire shelves devoted to English ales, German lager/weizens and domestic craft brews. The biggest problem involved in going to Wells is figuring out how to finance the visit.
Dec 23, 2005
Photo of marburg
Reviewed by marburg from Michigan

3.8/5  rDev -4%
The shelf devoted to Belgian and French beer was something of a mess, with beers of varying styles put in seemingly random places. Half the bottles had a solid, well-aged coating of dust on them, including a disappointing beer of biere de garde that tasted like it had been brewed before prohibition.

Still, the variety of labels was nice, and it included a few hard-to-find treats, including some OTOP from Heavyweight.

While the woman at the checkout counter was pleasant, the staff hanging out in the beer area looked at me like I was insane when I spent a few minutes perusing the shelf, and they actively growled at me and my wife when we were trying to maneuver around them setting up a new display.

A good stop, but make sure you know what you're buying is fresh.
Nov 28, 2005
Photo of lackenhauser
Reviewed by lackenhauser from Maryland

4.3/5  rDev +8.6%
WOW !!! The man asked me if I needed any help and I told him I was still catching my breath!!! What a store.

Quality-all seemed to be good. Theres some really top notch stuff in here.

Service-was good. There were almost too many employees around but then again I bet the next time I needed one I wouldnt be able to find any. The guy tending the beer aisles seemed informed enough but wasnt too sure on 1 or 2 beers. Several people asked if I needed help and the young kid that packaged me up took it all out to my car on a dolly to my wife's amusement.

Selection is just incredible. Its strange that as good as the stores I have seen in VA are, sometimes MD just doesnt seem to be able to compete. If its available in MD these guys have it. The British and Belgian selections are really amazing. This is the first place I have seen Sam Utopias-and even though I live in a Natural Lite wasteland I do get around a bit and still have yet to find it. Really quite an amazing array for the area.

Value overall seemed good. Comparing the beers I can get locally price wise were similar. Some higher some lower. It all works out in the end I suppose.

Huge wine selection and other gourmet foods around the store. Theres not much organization to some of the other products and the different countries beerwise. Damn good selection of glassware.

I will be back-in a bad way!
Nov 20, 2005
Photo of MaltyGoodness
Reviewed by MaltyGoodness from Pennsylvania

4.7/5  rDev +18.7%
I love this place. It's woth the 50 minute drive down to escape the PA case law now and again.

They claim to have every beer available in MD, and they just might! TONS of domestics and imports, although many domestics are only available in 4/6 packs where imports are available in singles. I think that any BA would find more than their budget's worth of beers.... The first display I came upon was filled with bombers from Bear Republic and a few 3F Gumballheads...

Also, they have an amazing selection of wines and liquor.

Plenty of staff on hend to help, almost too much. Check out is fast and friendly and the prices are absolutely reasonable.

If you are within reasonable driving distance, do yourself a favor and check it out.
Oct 02, 2005
Photo of cubedbee
Reviewed by cubedbee from Maryland

4.35/5  rDev +9.8%
Well's is a bit far from where I live, but it's worth the trip once in a while because their selection is unmatched in the Baltimore area. The coolers in the back are filled with 6 packs--they do a pretty good job of carrying all the locally made beers. Their aisles are divided by region---they have a Belgian shelf, a German shelf, and English shelf, and an American shelf. A decent number of singles are available for all but the American beers. Anything I've seen available at other liquor stores seems to be available here, and the prices at Well's seem like they're a little lower that most other places. Service is pretty good---they seem to have too many people and it always feels like you're being followed around or looked at, but if you actually need help they provide it well, and the checkout is usually quick and speedy. Definitely someplace worth going a little out of the way for.
Sep 02, 2005
Photo of tgbljb
Reviewed by tgbljb from Pennsylvania

3.85/5  rDev -2.8%
Stopped her on way back from day trip to Fells Point based on good recomendations from other BA's. Selection was very good and I was able to get some good buys (and they were in date) and there were some other specials that were not in date that I passed on. Stock appeared fresh except for some Belgians that were very disty and old looking. There was also a nice glassware selection. The only thing I did not like was that one of the employees stood about 10 feet from me and watched everything I did, which made me feel like a shoplifter. He asked me one time if I needed any help without looking at me.(I had to ask him if he was talking to me)> Not a bad place but I've been to better.
Jun 09, 2005
Photo of santoslhalper
Reviewed by santoslhalper from Pennsylvania

4.05/5  rDev +2.3%
Visited Well's yesterday while in Towson. This is a pretty kick ass place. The wine selection is incredible, but the beer selection isn't phenomenal. There was no focus on the beer. 4 aisles is good, and in those were some great Belgians, Locals, and plenty of odd Germans, but I was hoping for a little more. They didn't have anything too incredibly unique. I'm not saying it wasn't a great selection, but I've seen better. They had some great glassware as well. The staff wasn't too happy with our $401.52 order (which was over 60 bottles and 1 pack of gum), b ut I guess that's understandable. They were busy as hell. There are no stores like this in PA, which is a damn shame. If you're ever in Baltimore, go here.
Mar 07, 2005
Photo of sideshowrob
Reviewed by sideshowrob from Maryland

4.15/5  rDev +4.8%
Wells claims to carry every beer that's legally availiable in Maryland. They just might at that! Place is a large store without the "warehouse" feel. There is a gormet food section, though I've never checked that part out. The craft/micro/quality beer section has two full asiles, both sides. The stock is well laid-out, very full without being overcrowded. Great selection of English, German and Belgians in addition to the American craft stuff. Prices are very good compared to some other area stores. Wells is usually one of the first stores to get a given seasonal brew in the area. As per normal, the beer manager really knows his stuff, with the rest of the staff laging behind him somewhat.
Sep 18, 2004
Photo of ChrisBowers
Reviewed by ChrisBowers from Virginia

4.2/5  rDev +6.1%
I've heard that this place carries every beer that is legally distributed in Maryland. While I'm not quite sure if that is completely true, there is definitely evidence that supports that theory. Compared to most other stores in the Baltimore area, the selection is INSANE. There's an entire aisle of Belgian and Belgian Style brews (50-75 varieties minimum), another aisle of continental Europeans, a few aisles of American craft brew and another aisle for the UK. Very little is kept cold, good for the BC stuff, not always the best for other styles. Look for good deals on Belgian seasonals as they rotate out (picked up a bunch of Christmas ales for cellaring). They also have a nice selection of glassware. Prices are average. A few good deals can be had, but overall, pricing is in line with retail. Still, an awesome place for the beer lover.
Mar 11, 2004
Photo of SheepNutz
Reviewed by SheepNutz from Kentucky

4.45/5  rDev +12.4%
This place rocks! For a person like me who has never gone to a beer store outside of Kentucky or Ohio, I walked around this place like a kid in a toy store. They have tons of goodies that I've been hunting for awhile, like Cantillon and Fantome. The selection of Belgians is astounding. There are at least 50-60 Belgians to choose from, including most of the Cantillon line, all Westvleteren, all Rochefort, westmalle, and several others; many of which I've never even heard of! There is a whole aisle of British goodies all in singles. You won't miss any Youngs, Sam Smith, or Fullers here. A large collection of JW Lees harvest ale to boot. There are lots of German beer selections, including Aventinus 1999, one of my favorites. A fairly decent selection of micros, but the only problem there is that they won't let you break 6-packs, even though most of their imports have already been broken out of 6-packs by the staff. Here you can find many selections from Tupper's, Magic Hat, Victory, SN, and Stoudts. The prices here are pretty fair. Nothing too overpriced. The service was also pretty good as well. This place is really can't miss in the Baltimore area.
Mar 06, 2004
Photo of jed
Reviewed by jed from Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev +1%
The best place to buy beer I've found in the Baltimore area. The owner claims that he stocks every beer available in Maryland, and it seems to be true. Excellent selection of local micros, most notably the full DFH line including 120, Punkin, and some of the weird ones, a huge selection of Eastern European beers, and a decent (not great) selection of Belgians. The staff is friendly, if not very knowledgeable, although the owner has a nice beer segment on WYPR where he often talks about seasonal beers. Wells also stocks a number of gift sets including Chimay, Samuel Smith, and others, if you're looking for a good gift for a fellow BA.
Dec 22, 2003
Photo of Spacegrass
Reviewed by Spacegrass from Virginia

4.7/5  rDev +18.7%
EDIT (5/20/2009): I just want to add that since I used to come here regularly 4 years ago, the prices have continually gone up at Well's. Selection is always great, but I would now suggest Beltway Liquors by the Loch Raven/Joppa intersection as a reasonably priced alternative. Wells has the best selection for hard to find imports, but you can usually find cheaper microbrews elsewhere.

---end of edit---

Original review (9/16/2003):

I come here pretty regularly during the school year as it's right down the street from me. So far this is in general the best by way of selection and value that I've found in Maryland. I've gotten rarities such as Westvleteran 12, 8 and Rochefort 10, 8, 6 here among other things. A great selection of domestic and imported beers, tons of wine too. I've found that if you talk to one of the managers they are very helpful and full of information. I get asked if I need help often when I go in if there's somebody around (ie you may have trouble when it's busy). There are also specials on occasion, when they're trying to get rid of beer that's about to get old. Right now it's $3 for a six, $6 for a 12 of Pete's for example. If you're looking for something and want to see if they have it in stock message me and I'll look the next time I'm in there...it'll be an excuse to go buy something haha...
Sep 16, 2003
Wells Discount Liquors in Baltimore, MD
Place rating: 3.96 out of 5 with 41 ratings