I went in and asked for helping picking out an assortment of wines for a gift to someone getting into wine. Brendan was incredibly helpful. He was informative and excited to help me, assembling a collection of reds, whites; dry and sweet; basic or adventurous and a range of regions. It was a joy to watch someone knowledgeable who was enjoying what he does. read more

Ohh now this is a great wine store! My favorite part is the display in the front where you can build your own packs of premade drinks. I love being able to take home a variety! Outside of the build your own, there is a great choice of wine and alcohol in this gigantic store. Staff is friendly in helping you find what you need. Everything is very clean, store easy to navigate. Highly recommend! read more

Decent selection, average prices. Nice place to bring the kids with giant fish tanks, couple of dogs and 2 bearded dragons in a cage. But what really turned me off to this place is this specific situation that played out at my last visit: after purchasing $600 worth of wine and liquor, I asked if it was possible to purchase one of their many wine wooden wine boxes for my cellar of which there were hundreds around the store, empty and gathering dust. I was immediately told no by a passing manager who was too busy to notice my $600 tab. "We use them for displays and gift box's..." Please girl. You have never ending supply that comes in. How stupid are you? Once bitten, twice shy. Back to Exit 9 Wine and Liquor Warehouse with better prices and smarter customer service... read more

All Star Wine & Spirits - the receipt for the wine and spirits - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Latham, New York

Warning, they are selling a fake wine. Yesterday we bought Porto for the evening with friends in this store, and, unfortunately, at home we discovered that the bottle was not sealed properly, there was no stamp strip that was supposed to be applied to the cork and used as a seal on the bottle, and the wine in it was fake, without alcohol content, which was not very pleasant, especially to discover this fact at a party. read more

All Star Wine & Spirits - Fake wine - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Latham, New York

Wow, what a place! I stopped in on a recent visit home to the Albany area. I've lived all over now (LA, San Francisco & Fort Lauderdale), but I have yet to come across a store that rivals All Star. The selection is what impresses me the most. When we go to our local liquor store in FL, I always notice that there really isn't anybody around to answer your questions. At All Star, there is usually someone knowledgeable on the floor to give you suggestions on what to drink. They also have some helpful descriptions under the bottles. If you aren't picky about what brand of alcohol you are buying, it seems that you can usually find something on sale. The inventory is amazing. You could find just about any kind of liquor or wine that you are looking for. I like that there are NY based products sold in this store, I believe some were even local. I remembered the labs wandering the store since I am a pet lover, happy to see that they are still there! I noticed the multiple fish tanks, I loved the large custom one in the back of the store that is supposed to look like a bottle! I swear we spent 10 minutes just watching or interacting with the various animals in the store. Bottom line, the animals are awesome to visit, but the selection here is GREAT! read more

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This place has huge selection of domestic and imported wines. I am glad I found my favorite wines here. Price is good too! read more

All Star Wine & Spirits - New York wines - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Latham, New York

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A long overdue review of a local favorite. I've been a customer at Allstar for about 10 years, As a consumer, I generally stick to a short list of inexpensive to moderately priced wines, like most I'm partial to whites in the summer and reds in the fall and winter. My favorite red is Prisoner (blend) and at just under $50 a bottle, it's reserved for celebrations & special occasions. On average, I spend $20 a bottle, Charles Smith wines (the Velvet Devil, $16 is my go-to) and always on the shelf. It's hard to say what makes a great spirit merchant, but after a half dozed fantastic customer service experiences in the last six or so months. it's what has prompted this 5 star review. As is standard at Allstar, there are many knowledgeable staff people on hand to help guide you through the store & make a recommendation. You don't have to wait long, someone is always near by volunteering to help. Not pushing sales, just help. The list is too long to review each of the great staff interactions, so I'll go w/the most recent. I needed to buy a bottle of champagne for my friend's wedding, and a bottle of riesling for her mother. The champagne was an easy buy, but I'm out of my element when it comes to riesling and I wanted to gift a bottle for the mother of the bride because after a long friendship w/her daughter and the difficulty planning (and replanting around COVID) she had gone above and beyond. I was helped w/a recommendation that was SO loved and well received, THEY went in and bought another 6 bottles. What makes this 5 star service is the help doesn't point you automatically to a top shelf, pricy bottle.. I just went with the mid-priced recommendation based on three they suggested. This is a place you can ask questions & get some seriously great recommendations! The selection is fantastic and prices are awesome. Not warehouse great, but standard but w/the great staff, it's my first choice for wine & spirits. read more

Back where I am from, we had a place called Grocery Outlet. My good friend lovingly called it "Groce Out". But beyond expired meat and wilted produce, they sold close-out wine. It was a bargain-hunters paradise. All Star Wine & Spirits seems to have some of that going on, inside its hollowed walls. They had some of my favorite finds from Groce Out. Except in this case, it kinda seems less honest. With these closeout wines nestled among some really fine bottles of hooch. All Star has some remarkable stuff. But it's not all remarkable. Let the buyer beware. The 1992 Scharffenberger Pacific Echo Brut is a good bit over the hill. I've never had a bubbly taste sherried before, but I know enough that it's not a good thing. Still, to get an opportunity to taste something that was bottled when I was in college... for $4!... is a special thing indeed. Sadly they used to have a Beaujolais Cru section, but it is gone. Apparently, the people of Latham just wouldn't buy the good wine that All Star had been stocking. What a shocker. read more

All Star Wine & Spirits - Shining Star - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Latham, New York

This place really impressed me with the variety of wines and beers! The sections in this spacious establishment are quite clear and neatly packed. To the right, they have a whole wall of vodka, whiskey, tequila, rum, and locked up stuff like Remy Martin and Perrier Jouet. In the middle, they have beers, ciders, cooking wines, dessert wines, and vermouth, and also a decent selection of New York State wines. On the left, there is room dedicated to chilled wine, and regional/specialty wines from Spain, France, Italy...and so on. The far back of the store is where you'll be able to find the "fine wines" which are separated from the rest of the place. I found all but one of the wines I was looking for (including specials on ice wine) and the staff was of great help. I also noticed they had two very charismatic dogs inside and were delightful to be All Star Wine + Spirits' guardians. Overall a good place to satisfy your typical wine needs. I also happened to check out their fish tanks throughout the place and found one with a working wine tap...pretty interesting! It said "do not touch" but it was kind of tempting. read more

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Great selection. Amazing wines you can't get from elsewhere. Ask For Doug. He is amazing at pairing food and wine. Also on giving tips on cooking with alcohol. You can bring your kids. It's like a mini Boston aquarium with the amount of tanks they have. One was set up by Tanked. Others by Eddies. read more

Frist time at All Star Liquor and the store and staff were awesome. The only problem was that when I picked up my favorite Canadian whiskey LTD it was $4.00 more than I pay at Empire Wine and Liquor. read more

Gaga Wine? Really? Okay, I'm not really surprised it exists, I'm not surprised they carry it here. I'm surprised I hadn't seen it sooner. The prices were quite reasonable, and the staff were visible and ready to help without being in-your-face about it. I believe in having a variety of liquor stores in my liquor-store-Rolodex, and this is a great add. This one doesn't have the absolute best supply of wines I've seen, but it's pretty darn good including quite a few I've never seen from a large variety of countries. They also have a chilled wine room, a premium wine room, and a novelty wine rack where Gaga exists next to Marilyn, and a few others. I was also impressed with their tequila selection. I have some friends to treat us well at parties with better quality tequila, and I was pleased to see many of the brands they've shared with us here. Now I can repay their kindness. What I liked most about All Star was the huge variety of liquors and liqueurs. I saw several liqueurs here I had never previously seen. I had to keep saying to myself, "You're only here for a good bottle of wine... THIS TIME." There will be many return trips. read more

Wonderfully accommodating business. Great selection and are supportive of area nonprofits.

Everything you can imagine is here. I'm always disappointed when I go to other liquor stores in the area. If they dont have it they'll order it. I had a red wine at friends in CT called Earth Quake...very good... usually you won't find it in liquor stores. Anyway, they ordered it for me and I bought 6 out of 12 and the of 6 I mixed with some great Malbecs. I always stock up before going to the boat, the package stores in CT are not that great. All Star has the best prices. They also have a great section of 2 oz sample bottles. Great way to try something before buying the large version.... liquor only. Never have I seen that anywhere else. The sales staff there is extremely knowledgeable....they can help you pick out wine selections for any meal or special occasion. read more

Finding this place was SUCH a relief! I love beer, but as a recent transplant from California, I really miss picking up wine with my groceries to have with dinner or after a long day. It's been quite challenging to find good wines at a reasonable price. Most of the little wine shops right around my apartment charge almost double for bottles I'm used to getting for 7-8 bucks... not All Star!! They have a GREAT selection and I was easily able to find several mid-range reds and whites, including my mom's favorite from Washington. If somehow they don't have what you want, they let me know they could order it for us! Staff is a little snooty, but VERY knowledgeable and quick to help you out when asked. Overall, I definitely recommend to fellow wine-os - I plan on coming back to stock up frequently! read more

Really epic selection in a nice atmosphere. They have koi and a variety of interesting decor. Great prices on name brand vodkas and rims. I was also impressed with their selection of liqueurs. My only complaint is that the staff was a little stand off ish and they do not sell small bottles of Yellowtail, only large read more

My wife and I have been exploring many different wines during Covid. From a selection standpoint they have an excellent selection. The wines are also nicely organized by type and region. One thing that I greatly appreciate is a description for each wine bottle. I'm not a novice when it comes to wine. When it comes to selecting a bottle, especially one that we have not had, any description helps. All the wines have a description. They also have the year of the vintage. Easily seeing the year is very helpful as my wife and I are getting better at selecting wines base on the vintage and type. The wine expert we met yesterday ( I did not get her name) was excellent. Not only were we able to have a good conversation she was able to make some great recommendations. Shopping for wine is always an experience. The experience is even more enjoyable at All Star. Even though it's a longer trip to this store it's worth it. read more

We have been going here for years. They are consistently kind and knowledgeable. Since pandemic, that have upped their game and ensure people fee safe in their stores. Ordering online with curbside pickup is great, but they've been doing that since before pandemic. If they don't have it, you don't need it, but they'll get it for you anyway :) read more

Pretty good selection &prices . Workers are polite &helpful. Convenient location &curbside pickup, as Covid is not over. I do wish they carried more organic vodkas & more tequila varieties like Empire Wine &Spirits. read more

I've lived in the Albany area for 8 years, and this is by far the best wine and liquor store in this part of the Capital Region. The selection is excellent, the staff are well informed, and you can always find something new and enjoyable under $15. I have come to enjoy the experience of visiting. The fish tanks are a nice touch, and the pups wandering around make it a very comfortable atmosphere. No complaints. read more

Heaven! This is heaven! Rows and rows and rows and rows and rows and rows and rows and rows of wine! All jokes aside (of the rows), the selection here is beyond amazing and the prices are insane. Full disclosure: I live in New York City, which may be why the prices were so good to me. The selection of whiskey/bourbon/rye was what caught my attention, especially because they had products from Hudson Whiskey. I've spent hours in the City looking for their Baby Bourbon. And, for all of the freaks out there, they even have salmon-flavored vodka. Have at it. read more

As a non-drinker, I find it hilarious that I'm in here as much as I am. Staff is kind while helping the stone-sober me grope my way through the dazzling array of products. Ohhhh, SHINY! As I don't drink, but use a variety of alcohol in cooking I need lots of oversight while in here. I needed a good quality vodka with 80% proof that wouldn't break my budget for vanilla extract. They showed me my options. I needed a dry white wine that was sweet and fruity - they lead me to the spot, explained the available options with a 'wine for dummies' clarity while not being condescending. This type of service is huge as I've been, literally, laughed at or spoken down to in most other stores. I run all my purchases by friends who do drink and they're assured me that I've recieved sound advice while shopping. read more

All-Star is one of my favorite wine & liquor stores, one of the best I've ever visited. It offers a vast, well-curated selection of wines and spirits, competitive pricing, and informative displays and staff. One of the main reasons I like ASWS is their selection. It's a big store, and they use that space to offer a wide range of choices. For spirits, they've got all the well-known, mainstream brands, plus many bespoke, hard-to-find products. On recent trips I've picked up Masterson's rye, Carpano Antica vermouth (in the harder-to-find, lower-priced half bottle), Charles Smith wines, and many other treats. I've also ogled the entire Pappy Van Winkle range (stored in the locked case, of course). In addition to liquors, they've got a huge selection of liquers & aperitifs for mixing cocktails, and many of those they offer in smaller, less expensive bottles if you want to try something new, or plan to use it only in small amounts. They've got lots of printed mini-reviews from Wine Spectator, Whiskey Advocate, Robert Parker, etc. scattered throughout the store, and I find those helpful. All in all a great store, my top choice for wine & spirits in the area. read more

It's true that All Star can be hit or miss (but then again that's the name of the wine game). Some close out specials turn out to be past their prime has-beens or never-weres. But that's part of the fun/challenge and when you hit on a bargain there, it's a gold mine. It's also true that some of the wines can be found cheaper at the All Star up 87 where the prices are generally more consistent but the selection is less eclectic (and hence less fun in the "you never know what you're gonna get" kind of way). And I have a bad tendency of forgetting if I liked a wine or not but only remembering that I bought it. It's a bad habit as I end up buying the same bad wine twice. But I won't be fooled a third time. I also have to go to this place in disguise. The last few times I went, I was befriended by an overly-eager employee. His excitement about the wine was so cute (not in the way you think but in a little kid kind of way) that I ended up buying a bunch of his recommendations. And they all turned out to be mediocre to bad. I don't think he was trying to mislead me; I just think he has poor taste in wine. Or maybe I'm the one with poor taste in wine. No matter. So now I go with sunglasses and a hat so he won't recognize me and politely demur when they ask me if I need any help. read more

SCUMBAGS - is what it says on their front door! It's not graffiti. The owner writes SCUMBAGS and puts it in you face at the store enterence. How's that for a class act? I go in to stock up for a party and I'm greeted with SCUMBAGS and some whining about shoplifters. All business have challenges but the smart one's don't whine to customers about it. Judging by the many pictures of shoplifters on the front door I'd say their strategy is not driving off shoplifters but it's definately driving off customers. I just turned around and went to one of the many fine liquor stores in the area that have great prices and aren't in my face with their business problems. read more

An impressive selection here; All Star offers a wide variety of both the very cheapest and the big name, high priced stuff... all at competitive prices. Plenty of space to browse without standing shoulder to shoulder with other customers. Staff is very helpful and knowledgeable without being at all pushy. And they are able to special order items upon request... who knew?? The husband was seeking a particular type of wine he had trouble finding, and although he opted out, they said they'd have it to him a week later at a very reasonable price. All Star also sells a bunch of cool accessories that you don't often find at other wine shops, including stoppers, wine racks, glasses, etc. And they periodically have wine tastings -- the next one is scheduled for Sept 19 -- where they offer samples of dozens of wine that they sell at deeply discounted prices. In fact, I think I may need to clear up some space in my wine rack in preparation... read more

All Star Wine & Spirits is a great store. The selection is extensive. The prices are good. There are some staff members who have a true knowledge and appreciation for certain spirits and you will have to seek them out. The atmosphere is cool and the store expanded a while ago. I honestly enjoy wandering this place because they have reviews posted for almost everything they sell. The bottom line: Perhaps the best wine and liquor store in the Capital District. read more

This place is pretty awesome, except that it's in Latham Farms. I try to avoid Latham in general as much as possible because driving in the Route 9 area is inevitably a total clusterfuck. I don't like it one bit! That said, sometimes I can't avoid a whole suburb. I needed to buy a few bottles for Christmas gifts and I happened to be nearby for some other presents. Having heard good things, I was not disappointed. There's a nice selection of wines and liquors, and it's spacious with ample room to properly browse. I wish they had a slightly larger selection of South American and South African wines, but I guess you can't have it all in one spot. I picked up a 10 dollar crianza from their "reds under $12" section and was not disappointed with it. I also had been wanting to try this year's beaujolais nouveau but definitely didn't want to overpay for it as I'm sort of on the fence about bn's. At 6.99 a bottle, it was a chance I was willing to take. A few brands I buy regularly though, such as Parallele 45's cotes du rhone and El Coto crianza rioja, are still a little cheaper at Empire Wine, which is a far more convenient location for me. Geography aside, the sales were good and the clerks were helpful without being too pushy about it. read more

Love that I can go online and view their inventory and prices prior to visiting the store. I don't know a thing about Scotch, but needed an impressive bottle for a gift. Salesman was patient and knowledgeable with my 25+ questions until I selected a bottle. Since moving to NY from a state that sells wine and spirits in the grocery stores, All-Star has proven to be my favorite place to shop. read more

I usually go to Exit 9 or Spirits in Troy due to proximity to work/home. I had stopped here after a hair appointment in Latham on my way to a friends house. I had been here once in a rush when they were half the size and left with no pleasant memories. This trip was a different story. I was greeted and asked if I was finding eveything okay (twice!). I thought the prices were pretty on par with Exit 9. I enjoyed the selection and thought the layout was easily navigated. I should warn you I'm not a wine snob. I like malbecs around 10, fun descriptions and pretty labels but I'm sure even the classiest wino will find what they're looking for. The only complaint was the Ho-hum cashier. This trip would have been first class if it wasn't for her lack of energy. (Don't get me wrong, I don't need sunshine and rainbows while you're ringing my wine out but at least pretend to somewhat happy with your job) I'm still rating a 5. When I go out of my way to shop here I hope the cashier is on the same level as the rest of the store. read more

Unless you just need to stop by to get some basic stuff real quick I would stay away from this place. They'll get some bourbons you don't see everyday but they price gouge and raise the price multiple times over retail or other places. read more

A very big wine store with some interesting selections, incl. a lot of California wines I hadn't seen in the area at all before, and a 15% case discount. I'm not going into the wine blog game but I picked up a mixed case here last month, mostly in the $10-17 range. Two notable ones, both on sale: Anne-Marie Gille Bourgogne 2000, which was a disappointment: past its prime, acidic, thin and bodiless. And a 1996 Cottonwood Canyon Synergy (Cab Sav / Cab Franc blend) that they had for $8-10 or so -- I figured it's an 11 year old Cab, it can't be too bad -- acc. to the bottle only 3300 bottles were bottled & acc. to google it sells for $65-90. So either it was a steal or it hadn't been stored properly & was going to be awful. I think it was a steal & will be back to get a few more bottles to drink when I finally get around to making my elk stew (meat's in the freezer now, from the Troy Farmer's Market). update - I think Daniel B's review has nailed it -- All-Star has some good stuff, but some of their variety / selection / sale wines come from having some mediocre close-outs. update 2 - they've got their stock on-line, at the URL above. This was a serious steal - 10 yr old Bourdeaux @ $11.99/bottle - http://www.allstar.coresense.com/product-exec/product_id/567/nm/Chateau_Gravettes_Samonac_Bordeaux_1998/category_id/7 read more

Always have what I need at a fairer price than local competitors. Love the selection of hard ciders and "best wines" at price point. Great way to try something new. Online ordering is super easy and always ready with in a few hours for pick up. read more

The best liquor store in the Albany area!! The owners are wonderful!! You need or want something they don't carry, they will get it for you!!! Discounts on cases of wine!! Large selection ifcspirits too!!! Love love, love this store!!!! read more

Don't drink at all, but for family and friends this is the place I always order from. They have a huge selection and the online web site is great and easy to use. If I have a question I just call and the staff are so helpful and knowledgeable. So many types of wines and liquors ,its a sure bet they have it .When you open a free online account your ordering history is available which is so convient. The prices are very good compared to NYC prices.I have placed many orders on line and it always gets shipped quickly and packed professionally.Great selection,Great prices, Great customer service. What more can you ask for. P.S.great champagne selection, with holidays around the corner. read more

Big big store. Many different wines and liquors to choose from. Room to wander and get lost. However, one major criticism... their prices are roughly10% higher than Empire Wine in Colonie. Maybe with all the square footage they have to charge more. However, when a bottle of King Estate Pinot Grigio from Oregon is 14.45 at Empire yet is $15.99 at All-Star, the money adds up- especially if you're buying more than one. At those different prices, All-Star would cost you $18.48 more per 12 bottle case than Empire. Money talsk- I can do alot with an additional $18! Also, the staff at check out on a Saturday afternoon (store was NOT busy) were cool indifferent and looking bored. Except of course for the man that staff doted over for some odd reason. Made the rest of us feel like our money wasn't as valuable as the other guy. Hmmmm, methinks Empire wins my vote. read more

This place is amazing; I just wish it were closer to my house. Twice now I've gone in there and made requests for various items (because I'm insane and 100,000 varieties of wine and spirits is clearly insufficient) and they have gotten back to me each time within a day or two about procuring the items. They also have a nice selection of NYS and Pacific NW wine, two regions I love, as well as ports and bourbon. France and Italy are also very well represented with a diverse selection in terms of price, grapes and regions. Oh and they have a fish pond. Enjoy! read more

The prices in this store are absolutely outrageous special reserve Weller Bourbon you can get at exit 9 liquor for 30$ here it's 70$, 12 yr Weller Bourbon is 45 at exit 9 liquor and it's 225$ here... very disappointing. Will never return!! read more

This place is huge but OVERPRICED. For a store there size, there isn't a discount. I'd rather shop at the competitors whom have a better price, better selection, and nice staff. Short story - drive to Empire Wine or Exit 9 instead. Cheers and happy wine buying!! read more

Fantastic selection, excellent prices and phenomenal customer service!!! I wouldn't buy wine or liquor anywhere else!!!