what's everyone's opinion? Premier Gourmet, the various Consumer's, or the Village Beer Merchant? In terms of price, deals, beer selection, taps available, and overall opinions. New to the area, so I've been shopping around.
I was in Buffalo a short time ago for a wedding, and was pointed to Premier by the fine folks in this sub-forum. Loved it.
I like Village Beer Merchant, but it's not cheap. People are knowledgeable, but admittedly it is hit or miss.
+1 for Village Beer Merchant. Their prices aren't bad, but then again I'm often in Pittsburgh where bottle shops are marked up more than 50 percent.
Thank you guys for your suggestions. I used to live in Albany and was dedicated to going to Westmere Beverage. I miss that place, it seems that Premier is going to satisfice nicely. Cheers!
VBM hasn't had anything Premier doesn't in quite some time. And every time I venture into VBM the barely have beer. And VBM is $$$$.
Youll find a better selection at Premier than Westmere but you wont find those Albany shelf turds like 3F Schaersbeekse Kriek and 2004 Thomas Hardys just sitting on the shelf. LOL. And Yes, I snagged both of those off of Westmeres shelves before....or the occasional downstate distro that makes it way up in the capital district from time to time.
Consumers will only have beers that premier doesn't because they're old, and most of the good old stuff has been picked off. Bourbon County may be the only thing still around they would have over premier.
You have to look both places, if you're near to both. For instance, earlier in the year, I couldn't find the Ithaca Box of Hops at Premier, but Consumer's had it. Premier does have more beers from far afield, though. +1 Wegmans is good too.
