The Liquor Depot

Recently bought two bottles of Portuguese one from this liquor Depot. One, a $ 20 Jose Maria da Fonseca, was really good, the other, a $ 13 Periquita (usually good) was corked and undrinkable. I brought the remainder of the Periquita (two thirds full, after pouring two glasses down the drain) along with the receipt back to the store a couple days later. The manager asks, «why did you drink it if it were bad?» «We didn’t, we poured it down the drain.» Anyway, he flatly refused to refund the $ 13 said it was against store policy. Amazing, the first time I tried returning a corked bottle (sommelier friends have told me I always should). Well this is the last time we ever buy from Liquor Depot.

It seems there’s a Liquor Depot on every other street corner these days. They’re almost as prolific as a certain coffee company I don’t frequent. Ok, not quite THAT prolific (could you imagine that many liquor stores?), but still. It’s pretty easy to find your local Liquor Depot wherever you are in this city.
I got spoiled by the 17^th Ave location when I lived in Connaught. It was big, it had a great selection, the staff were awesome and they did plenty of tastings. This one, well, the staff have still be great whenever I’ve been in, but it’s really small. The same selection just isn’t there. But how can it be in it’s little corner space in a strip mall? I just don’t think the demand exists for it up here.
At any rate, when I need random alcohol for my party, or just need to pick up some local beers, it’s easy enough to pop into, and I know I can count on good service!
Note: Depending on the time of day, the parking lot can get really crowded. There is a stall right out front with a short parking time limit on it, but if someone’s already in it and the rest of the lot is full. you’re a little SOL.