Craft Beer Cellar in Portland

I don't go out of my way to visit these stores, but my parents live about half a mile from the Belmont location, so every now and then I find myself in that one. I like the store, but it's a luxury for me. I usually walk out with about a $22 mix/six. It's a nice option to have because I really can't do that elsewhere. Also the selection is better than any other store that I have access to. Chain status doesn't bother me. I go for value. A couple times a year a $22 six pack is a nice treat to try a few singles that I've never had before.

 

That seems to be a common model with them....tough locations with no parking, etc.

 

I talk about how this store is a luxury for me for the entire post and this is the conclusion that you are able to draw?

But yes, I can see value a couple times a year from getting an occasional mix-six. No other store in my area allows me to do that and $22 for six singles beats maybe $50 to $60 at Lord Hobo or $90 for 6 four-packs when I only want to try a single beer.

 

I said value. I didn't say cheap.

 

He obviously means a mixed 6pk for $22. Which could mean 2 750's, 2 22oz and 2 12oz, or any combo of sizes. Why isnt that a good value?

 

I'm biased being loyal to CBC Westford - but I think the pricing is not high. Other stores you definitely can get cheaper 12-packs of some breweries (Sam Adams, Sierra Nevada), as these shops order huge quantities whereas CBC does not.

However, the bombers are often marked up more at shops in chelmsford, acton etc. and also other places that allow purchasing of singles generally mark them up more than CBC does, or only allows mixed-sixes from a limited selection of old beers they're trying to get rid of. I think if people are happy with Bier Cellar then they're all set. But let's say CBC Portland gets a few beers in that Bier Cellar doesn't have room for e.g......sounds like a win-win for beer lovers.

 

I disagree with that but whatever. You must be shopping at either Braintree or Winchester. Pretty much every other location has a parking lot. Even when I'm at Winchester I can find a space pretty easy.

 

Place blows. Go to bier cellar instead....

 

Bier cellar and the new CBC are in different enough locations. I'm not going to drive to Commercial st to get beer, and if I'm gonna head that way I'd probably just go to Whole Foods. CBC will do fine there because of all the foot traffic I'm sure, especially in the summer. The only potential loser in that scenario will be downeast beverage, which I used to shop at until I realized how expensive they were. However I guess you would expect that for a store on commercial st.

They definitely won't sway the Bier Cellar customers because it is extremely unlikely they will offer the same kind of attention into it's beer purchases and customer service.

 

Bier Cellar fan here, for what it's worth. I only shop the a few times a year, being from MA. But my experiences both in store and online have done nothing but cement my desire to visit them when I do hit Portland.

 

Same here. Awesome spot.

 

FYI: Downeast Beverage closed and reopened with new owners as Old Port Spirits & Cigars (the second store for the owners; https://www.facebook.com/OldPortSpirits).

 

Beer. Subs. Same difference.

 

I've stopped by OldPort Spirits a few times since they've opened and they don't have the beer selection that Downeast had at it's prime.

The interview answers from Eater.com don't give me the warmest of fuzzies but I'll reserve judgement until they open and I have a chance to chat them up myself.

Unlike most, the location of CBC will technically be more convenient [walking distance] but if they don't have a pulse on what's happening with my favorite breweries [local and beyond] they won't get my business. Bier Cellar's service, selection and knowledge will be hard to compete with. Plus, I'd rather drive out Forest than walk down Commercial with tourist season in full swing.

 

I live right down the street from the Braintree location. I like it and it's a fun place to tour around but my local packie has everything they have at CBC and more.

 

I finally read the whole interview. It seems like maybe English is not their first language? but I think these guys have their work cut out for them in proving their passion for beer.

If they hire good people and stock good beer then they should do well. But clearly everyone should evaluate the owners and business models of the businesses in their own local communities and support the ones they respect.