Submitted by Automatic-Ear9267 t3_y7f88b in Connecticut
Just moved to the shoreline area of CT from another state (Madison.) What is the deal w/ package stores... is there ONE that I could rely on? Do prices fluxuate a lot? All new to me, and the options in this area seem endless- I'd love to get to know just one.
Or just open another like everybodu else in CT has obviously done.
I can only read this in Jerry Seinfeld’s voice. “What is the deal with package stores?!?! They don’t even sell the empty boxes!!!”
“I’m not even asking for a package… just give me a box, I’ll make the package myself!”
The state has minimum price laws to keep tax revenue high. Every single town has an overabundance of liquor stores, just find one that carries what you're looking for.
Costco has a great deal on French wine right now. They also have a beer advent calendar that I need to pick up for my husband. He keeps staring at it forlornly every time we going to Costco.
My hubby is waiting for a Scotch advent calendar. Hope he's not holding his breath!
🤣
Oh french wine. Bottled?
Yes, a 4 pack for $29.99 - they are all well reviewed, I don’t remember the names of the wineries though
North Madison package store is awesome. Try them
It is where you go to get beer, wine, and liquor. Package stores vary, but all of them have your standards. Some have better/more expensive options as well. Just gotta find one near you and check it out. That's also the nice thing about packy's - there is always one nearby, because a lot of us Connecticunts drink
I’m in Madison and I go to the Madison wine exchange, or the wine thief.
If I’m buying in bulk I order from the wine cellar in Waterbury. They have free shipping deals every now and then on cases.
This helps! I live in center of Madison… I’ll try the wine exhange
Wine Thief is good, so is Spirits of Madison (next to Stop and Shop) and if you’re ever in North Madison, North Madison Wine and Spirits is great too (next to Roberts at intersection of rtes 79 and 80)
I second this, also have to name drop my friends over at Hammonasset package store over by, you guessed it, Hammonasset. Welcome to town!
Second the wine exchange but will also throw in a recommendation for Hammonassett Package Store as that's where we used to buy booze when underage
+1 for wine thief
I’ve worked (not anymore) at the Liquor Shoppe in Clinton, right next to the shell by stop and shop. Good beer and wine prices and selection w a loyalty program, their liquor prices are a bit all over the place tho.
It’s not Madison, but you won’t be paying Madison prices
Tell me you're an alcoholic without saying you're an alcoholic
In PHP!! 🙌
I don't think there's much of a DEAL with them. They all sell alcohol, some have better selections than others. Some specialize more in craft beer, others have a huge wine selection. Prices definitely fluctuate but they're all pretty close to stay competitive. You might like the owner of one better than another and they might be able to special order for you.
You'll have to start checking out your local stores and pick one you like. I don't know the Madison area stores but I'm sure others will have suggestions.
good luck! CHEERS
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Not sure if you ever went down to any of the Binny's in Illinois but heck, I miss Binny's. You won't find a store that rivals Binny's here in CT.
They fluctuate a lot. If u have a typical booze u buy, I’d shop around and find where u can get it cheapest and become a regular of that store. For instance I’m a gin drinker. A pint of Bombay Sapphire is $9.99 at one store in my neighboring town, and $16.99 for the exact same bottle down the road from me. It’s crazy.
That’s nuts fluctuation for a brand every store carries
Same advice. I like bourbon and beer so my preferred store has a larger selection of both, with lots of niche and specialty options that fluctuate seasonally in my price range so you get variety.
In my experience you can divide them between the street font stores in more built up areas, “wine stores” as I call them that fill the floor space with wine and shelves with party drinks, and what I think of as package stores that are larger and have more variety and better deals for bulk purchases.
I used to travel a lot for work. The biggest takeaway, depending on what state you're coming from, is there is no alcohol whatsoever sold in gas stations. Most every other state I've been to sells beer in gas stations, then has another store where you can buy everything else like wine and liquor. Here, a package store is everything under the sun. Beer, wine, and liquor. Smaller shops will carry at least those 3. Bigger places may also allow you to order kegs and carry mixers and bar tools.
We like Seaside in Old Saybrook and Shoreline in Chester. But I’m sure there are stores closer to you. Like others suggested, just try a few different places and you’ll eventually find your favorites!
Madison Wine Exchange.
You can try going to the liquor stores and asking what they have. If they don’t, they’ll probably order you some.
What are you looking for and in what area? Surely others here would know
Had good luck with Spirits of Madison by stop and shop
Oh that one would be convenient.
That or Madison wine exchange if you want a big selection
It's weird and every time the state tries to make things easier it's a super tiny step approach instead of just removing the artificial price/location controls.
Coastal Wine & Spirits in Branford is pretty big and anytime I’ve gone in on the weekend there have been at least one or two sample tables.
All I know about package stores is that they were always the places my friends and I could buy booze underage. We used to feel so sketched out. A bunch of Fairfield boys from nice neighborhoods venturing into a shady part of Bridgeport. Send in the oldest looking friend while the rest wait in the car. Feel nervous the whole time. Tim got the booze. Sweet, let’s get out of here.
Fairfield county it never changes
I think it's more about distributors than the stores themselves.
Go to Total Wine, they have a ridiculously huge selection and reasonable prices. Problem solved.
In Madison? Thanks!!
Oh wow sorry apparently I can't read. The closest one I think is in milford.
I second this. The selection is great, especially if you’re looking for specific brands or trying something new and less common. I also will go to Madison Wine Exchange.
Def get a Costco membership, the one near you has wine beer and liquor. I would frequent the place I am most comfortable.
You don't need a membership to buy liquor at Costco in CT.
Good to know, thank you!
Costco has the best prices on alcohol
Like everyone else says, just pick one. Unless you can find one of the big box stores like Total Wine, then that's probably you're best bet.
HeavenIsOtherDogs t1_isu7k1t wrote
You are seriously overthinking this. It's a liquor store. Try one. Try others if you want. They are stores.