Just a random question here I was hoping to get some thoughts/facts on... Anyone know why the Towson Total Wine has such a lousy limited release section for beer? In the past few months I've gotten BCBS at Hunt Valley, Madagascar at Canton Crossing, and Abraxas at Lighthouse Liqours, but wouldn't even dream of any of those at TWT. Even the store in Laurel has a much better section and Virginia blows it away. The "limited releases" section of TWT contains ~8 shelves of bombers you can pretty much find at any other decent store. What gives? Why is Towson so far behind? They're good in a pinch for cheap 6 packs but I never see their name come across the Notable Releases section of BA for anything good dropping.
Haven't been there, but a lot of this stuff often depends on how savvy the beer manager is. Have been to plenty of places where they could care less, and have seen similar chains go downhill after changing beer mangers (and vice versa).
I'll second what Mineo has said, it's up to each store to order/stock properly - and on that note I'll also state that maybe they are ordering properly, it could be that the "limited releases" are just not selling that quickly at that location. Also, if you're mention of "8 shelves" means one 4' wide section, that's what I've got at my semi-local Cherry Hill, NJ location as well. And, no, there aren't any massive releases, just normal stuff but it's still pretty good. I have heard though for "special" releases you sometimes have to ask at customer service because they don't always put them out.
You're not alone, I've found their selection to be very spotty as well. They always seem to stock the staples, but in the past I've even felt that their selection of seasonals is lacking. Thankfully, we have so many good options in the area that I don't see a need to keep checking out Total Wine.
Agree with Mineo as well. Having previously worked in VA and called several TW's my home store, the beer mongers at the likes of TW Alexandria / McLean / Chantilly are very passionate and aware of what's happening in the beer scene locally/abroad. The TW's in Laurel and Towson are horrible in comparison with most employees totally clueless. Another thought is that the TW's in MD generate more revenue on their liquor sales and that is more important to them.
Add me to the list of disappointed people. I stopped going there and will pick Lighthouse Liquors, Shawan or wait until weekends and go to Perfect Pour. If you go in and ask for something they are generally clueless about the beer anyway. The only good finds in the past few months were BCBS and BA Ten Fidy. There's nothing that stands out at all.
