On Monday, I read a tweet from @ErinLovesFood that said she was looking forward to going to the #BeerBoutique Party.
I tweeted back…”Party? Beer? How do I score an invite?”.
Six hours later I was at the Beer Boutique launch thanks to Dave Paterson who was the uber professional and returned my phone call, on an extremly busy day for him. (He’s the brand manager for the Beer Store).
The Beer Boutique is located at 120 Lynn Williams, in Liberty Village. As soon as I entered the space, I loved it. Why? Here’s a few reasons.
a) the wall of “beer labels” has been replaced with REAL BEER CASES.
b) the space is gorgeous ..take a look at this cool light fixture.
c) it’s small…so it’s not overwhelming.
While sipping beer at the launch, I was introduced to Sebastian Pigott, who is an actor (Being Erica), singer and musician. Not to mention a QT and a nice guy.
OK back to the beer. Kinda lost focus there for a second!!
When the Beer Store replaced the bottles on the wall, with PAPER LABELS…they lost me as a customer. For the last few years, I have been buying beer at my local LCBO.
Now that there is a Beer Boutique, I will make sure that I will drop by Liberty Village more often. I really think that they are on to something, and you will be seeing more Beer Boutiques in the future.
If you havent checked out Liberty Village before…take a stroll one Sunday. There is a great farmers market, Balzacs coffee, The Village Cheese Monger and more.
Cheers!!!
I don’t want to be a Negative Nancy, but aside from slightly nicer decor, how is this different from the Beer Store at Coxwell and O’Connor or the one at Dufferin Mall? Both of those stores allow you to walk in and get your own beer from the back.
I was hoping that they might start carrying more “boutique” brands, but it looks like it’s the same brands in a prettier space. Still a step up for the Beer Store, but I’m going to continue buying from the LCBO where I can get a much better selection of local craft and import beers.
Hey Robyn,
Havent been to those beer stores so I cant compare. However next time I go by Dufferin Mall I will check it out and get back to you. Thanks for leaving a comment though…I really appreciate it.
As a beer drinker/lover I think the Beer Boutique is a fantastic idea. I hope more craft brews will be available! I also hope it comes to Ottawa.
@Robin
Apparently (from what i read in the Toronto Star) it will be more like the LCBO in that it focuses on microbreweries and local brews. Also they’re all displayed for you, no walking into any freezer. There are also WAY more singles to choose from. You can still grab 24’s, but the Boutique is more focused on single bottles and cans (trying to attract a younger crowd).
Bottom line is they’re improving the Beer Store brand – so, yay! Looks good – I’ll have to make the trip.
Thanks for your comment Ally. Really appreciate it.
You have to be kidding. This is a lame example of any Beer Boutique ever. Just mega-swill and nothing special. Go to the US to any mom and pop store and you will see over 1000 brands of real craft beer. You know what a monopoly is don’t you?