Submitted by BlackbeltJones t3_zzbgdw in Maine
Currently near Bangor but don't mind a road trip... looking for a local bottle shop specializing in craft spirits, the kind of business that might raffle rare bottles and fine wines to its loyal patrons. I was recommended Stompers, great selection and plenty of inventory, and I made a purchase there, but it's not quite what I'm after.
Maybe Global Beverage in Ellsworth? They may be able to at least recommend something.
They're super helpful there so I hope we're not sending a not so nice person over
Not sure if your raffle idea would pass muster with the Maine liquor inspectors. Liquor sales in Maine are essentially dictated by the liqor commission. Some places might have more choices than others, but I doubt you will see any bottles getting raffled off.
The raffle concept is for the chance to purchase, it’s not a giveaway. This is how high-end stores sell the extremely rare bottles like Pappy Van Winkle.
Maine liquor is state-controlled. Check mainespirits.com to see what the state carries. Best liquor stores I know of are RSVP and Bow St Beverage in Portland, but your local liquor store may be able to order anything Maine carries.
Damon's is pretty decent
headed there tomorrow, thanks!
Meridians Shop in Fairfield has a good selection.
Wherever you were when you posted this word for word a year ago.
last year I was in Massachusetts, now I am in Maine (in a similar situation)
And you decided to copy and paste the same message?
do you want a gold star? send me to the right liquor store
Which booze company do you work for and why does Maine's distribution bother you
Let's get to the bottom of this bub
Okay, Maine's blue laws suck, don't take it out on me.... I am looking for local or small batch items that may not be so accessible. Is it so unreasonable? To bring something different than what my hosts might otherwise thoughtlessly grab off the shelf at Stompers?
Same as last year, I am separated from my checked bag of boozy goodies, and I'm looking for quality replacements. Failing that, I'll settle for a clerk who might know a little something about the product for sale.
Legitimately, regardless of your motives, your best bet is to drive the 3.5 hours to the Portsmouth, NH liquor store at the Portsmouth Circle. Or 3 ish hours to Gorham, NH. Why? Because as you mentioned ME liquor laws suck. NH liquor stores, especially the new ones, have a great selection. If you’re looking for specialty Bourbon or Scotch, they usually have a glass case somewhere in the store for the really top shelf stuff.
Other than that, you’re stuck with whatever your local stores ordered. ME is very controlled and if the distributor didn’t grease the liquor commission well enough you won’t find that “small batch” whatever. You won’t find much local liquor in ME, it’s mostly breweries. VT and NH however have a handful of local distilleries that are available via NH liquor stores.
Good luck.
Actually there are quite a few distilleries in Maine. Many are more in Southern Maine, but I carry quite a number of them in my store. As to OP’s question, there are certain items that are highly allocated and it can take a bit of doing to get them from Pine Tree Spirits.
Interesting to learn, I’m a big whiskey fan and I’m always on a lookout for local distilleries, but haven’t seen very many ME based ones in my times there. Is there anything you would particularly recommend? I cover New England for work and spend a lot of time on the 95/93/91 corridors and all in between. 2 of my recent finds were Smugglers Notch and Barr Hill.
perfect, thank you! I had not realized the proliferation of breweries in Maine was not alongside the relaxation of alcohol regulations overall (clear evidence of my intimate 'industry' relationships!)
Hmm
Man, this must be a constant problem for you to have a message ready to copy and paste whenever the situation arises.
Get over yourself.
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Go back to Colorado.
While we're talking about central Maine: Uncorked Wine & Cheese in Augusta may be a good option for wine (they specialize in more boutique offerings for regular clientele). While you're in the area, check the newly built Damon's on the other side of town. The new Augusta store has a high-end liquor cabinet. Not to say the Waterville location doesn't have it, I just never noticed it if they did.
Damon’s. Go to the location in Waterville off 95.
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It’s really up to the state.
As others have mentioned in this thread, what's available in Maine is controlled at the state level. Looking for 'local' spirits, here's what's made in Maine:
https://www.mainespirits.com/maine-products
If you find something interesting there, click through to see where you might be able to buy it. (Some of these are small or limited runs, so they might be hard to get a hold of.)
PinkLemonade2 t1_j2avx2d wrote
Time to drive to New Hampshire lol