My typical daily alcohol intake is now 1-2 drinks a day, and only wine or beer. So life is too short not to enjoy good beer or wine. The HyVee next door or the one further down Lincoln Way has a nice selection, but Cyclone Liquors' is much better. And since my last review of this establishment over 14 years ago, I make it a point to come here when I'm in town. My latest preference is that as much as I enjoy a good IPA, I'm tired of them right now. So on my most recent trip to Cyclone Liquors, I was looking for some nice Belgian Beers. Here's what I found here and took home: St. Bernadus #12, Rochefort 8, and Bosteels Tripel Karmeliet. These beers are meant to be sipped and I'll be back from more. read more

A great selection of literally any type of alcohol you could think of. The workers are super friendly and knowledgeable! If you go on Sunday there is a great whisky guy who can tell you all kinds of fun facts! read more

Excellent selection and prices on wine and bourbon. Easy to find what you're looking for so quick in and out.

They don't have chilled white wine available. I think a liquor store should carry good wines and champagne to go

Very knowledgeable and helpful. This is where we go for quality liquor and wine and beer.

The quality and variety of the wine is exceptional. Not only do they have the "prototypical" wines, but for all wines (including international wines), they pick from the best regions: Stollenbosch South Africa; the Mosel Germany; Mendoza Argentina. The selection is supported by partnership with an ISU course on Wine and Spirits. Their staff is knowledgeable and happy to expand their customers awareness, listening and building upon the interests of the customer. One of the very best wine stores I have been to across the US. They don't look to upsell, they look to get it right. read more

Excellent customer service! I was looking for IPAs from the states of MN and CO, and the gentleman at the front of the store walked me back to the hazy IPAs and offered two excellent recommendations. My 50th year high school reunion classmates were not disappointed! read more

Well stocked liquor store, they have pretty much everything you'd need to make craft cocktails. And as others have mentioned, they are willing to order something if they don't have it. read more

Now THIS is what I'm used to when it comes to liquor stores. Chicago spoiled me with Binny's, and I felt lost in the world moving here and not being able to find a single liquor store with more than 400 square feet of wine. I want rows, and rows, and ROWS of beer, wine, and liquor! I want imports! I want local stuff! And I want to talk to staff who know what GOOD wine/beer/liquor is (cough cogh, Hy-Vee, cough cough.) It's not that hard! Well, Cyclone gets it, at least. Thanks to my fellow Yelpers, I stopped by this place on my way home from work, and was extremely impressed by everything I mentioned above. Haven't found anything that comes close in the DSM area. This is a liquor store done right, folks. read more

This is, quite honestly, one of the best kept secrets of Ames. This old-fashioned speakeasy is hidden behind Ames's favored liquor store, Cyclone Liquors. It boasts the highest caliber of cocktails, liquors, and beer. All for a very reasonable price. Getting in is quite easy, as long as you can find the entrance. It's a small, discreet door in the back alley way of Cyclone Liquors, Great Clips, etc. in that Lincoln Center strip mall. Do not let that door fool you though. Behind it lies an eloquent atmosphere of subtle class and 'trendy' sophistication. Now, in normal speakeasy style, this place is not huge. Parties are welcome, but it is an intimate setting. The mix drinks are done expertly and the best part - no 'well' options. All the liquor chosen for this bar is done so with great pride and care. The professionals that select their drinks are exactly that - professionals. Cellar 626 ran behind a liquor store, and I believe own by the same persons. They bartenders are knowledgeable and open-eared. They are welcome to suggestions and making your drink, your way. No questions. Last bit of info, this elite hideaway is only open on Fridays from 5pm-11pm. You have a very select time to try this place out, but I highly recommend that you do. read more

This is without question the best liquor store in central Iowa. The vast selection humbles even the swankiest alcohol purveyors in the Des Moines area. I made the mistake of assuming that Des Moines establishments would have selections on par of Cyclone Liquors. Never again. I will always make a point to stop here first if I want to make sure I have it. I have been able to purchase every type of spirit and beer I've wanted here. From Grain Belt Beer to Sake. Cyclone Liquors is the best liquor store in central Iowa and may I be so bold to say possibly the best outside of Chicago. I consider myself a beer-snob, and I have found every beer I've ever wanted to get my hands on here. I've intentionally tried to find extremely obscure beers and have always found them here. read more

I love this shop. The prices are great, and they have a great selection. The staff is always friendly and helpful. They know what they're talking about. The availability of certain beers are limited if not non-existent in this state, which is sad. But if it can be sold in Iowa, Cyclone Liquors will have it, or can get it. read more

Cyclone Liquors is the best. Great selection and really helpful staff. Which is a must, because you can loose track of time browsing the shelves. Added bonus - this service seems to be pretty consistent whether you're a connoisseur or complete beginner. So don't be afraid to ask for help or suggestions. You're sure to leave happy. read more

Best beer selection in Ames, let alone, Iowa...period. I always make an effort to stop in here not only for nostalgic reasons but because there are always Midwest beers that I need to try before heading back down South where they aren't available. Great staff as well, very knowledgeable on their selection. read more

Friendly, knowledgable staff, a huge selection -- and they're always willing to order something they don't have. They have lots of liquor, but the real reason to go is the beer. Oh, the beer. Two refrigerated cases, two whole rows of shelves, plus a back room full of more craft beer. Every time I go in there, I find something new and interesting. read more

Without a doubt the largest selection in Iowa maybe even the Midwest. Staff is friendly and everyone is very knowledgeable. You don't see liquor stores like this anymore. The selection of wine, beer, and spirits from all around the world is overwhelming. Plan on spending hours just looking at bottles. Ames has culture and Cyclone Liquors plays a huge part. read more

Cyclone Liquors - Cyclone Liquors - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Ames, Iowa

Best place in Ames for beer selection. Since most other places cater to the broke college kids who only have enough money for cases of Keystone, this place is a refreshing change. They have a large selection of craft beers in both six packs and bombers including quite a few rare finds. read more

The liquor store is well stocked but the staff never says thank you when you buy something. Been that way for years.

This is my happy place. A great selection of wine and beer ranging in price - they carry all of my favorite wines from Napa and Sonoma AND my favorite beers from Massachusetts (well, I didn't see any Cisco but I wouldn't be surprised if they don't distribute widely) I'm so happy with the beer and wine selection, I haven't paid much attention to the liquor. Staff are friendly and have good recommendations. Recommend for booze snobs of all stripes. read more

Overpriced but selection sort of makes up for it. We visit when we are in town to see if there are any specials but generally speaking the prices are above most stores around. read more

We're from out of town - Portland, Oregon to be specific, where we pride ourselves on our appreciation of good beer. We stopped here to grab some bottles for family we were visiting, and my husband lost it. This is the BEST liquor store we've ever seen. And we've seen lots. For beer, liquor, everything. Nice job, cyclone liquors. read more

Best liquor store in Ames, by far.

Just passing through on a road trip, looking to bring back some legit local brews to sample--and Cyclone lived up to its reputation. The beer guy talked us through the best Iowa beers, updated us on recent distribution news, and gave us the rundown on special releases and award winners. I wish we had been thoughtful enough to ask that guy's name, so I could commend him more specifically. A+ experience; would do again (if I could afford that much beer). read more