Let's see. You are in need of a liquor or two because you might have seen a cocktail on line or had one made for you and you want to replicate it. Or, you're a bit adventurous and want to explore spirits produced by companies other than the big guys. Maybe none of these are true, and you just need a liquor store.
Located in the same building as Manuel's Tavern (which makes plugging it in to your GPS super easy), it's located on the corner with parking that is a tad tricky. You can park behind Manuel's where there are probably 20 spots most marked as being available to Elemental Spirits customers. There are also two 15 minute spots as well that for a quick stop work perfectly.
Inside you'll find some of the most helpful and well informed staff in a liquor store I've encountered. Their spirits selection covers the usual categories such as Gin, Vodka, Rum, Bourbon, Sake, etc. In each case, their selections definitely skew a bit off the mass market path (and that's definitely ok). Here you will not see six hundred facings of different Bacardi flavors and Absolut Vodka flavors you'll never really use. Instead, you'll see a carefully selected roster of spirits from a wide range of distilleries that excel at their particular product(s). This is the place you probably can find that unique bottle you've been searching for. Sorry, bourbon hunters, you're probably not going to find some rich stash of Pappy or other overpriced, overhunted bourbon. I'm a rum guy, and while the selection wasn't massive, that which was on offer was a fantastic mix of distillers and blenders, all of whom make excellent products. Picked up some Paranubes Mexican rum from Oaxaca while I was there.
There was a great selection of gin, vodka, aperitifs, bitters to explore. They also had a dozen or more bourbons and other spirits where they had worked with the distillers to select a specific barrel (a.k.a. A barrel pick). There's a lot to browse and explore here.
Not a spirits person, but focused more on wine? They got you as well. Probably over 250 labels available across a range of grapes, origins and styles. Picked up a Portuguese Rose while I was there most recently. What about beer and cider? They've got you there as well with a diverse selection of those as well - and not dozens of facings of Lite, Busch, Angry Orchard or other mass market products.
In the end, a very reasonably priced, exceptionally well stocked liquor store with outstanding staff who know their products exceptionally well. Parking is decent behind Manuel's, and pricing is good given the unique and high quality products they have on offer. Head over there, chat with the staff, and pick something other than that bottle of Absolut, Meyers, or Sapphire you were about to buy. I'm certain you'll find something you will love.
Oh, and by the way - looking for old school, classic cocktail glasses? Guess what? They have lots of that on sale as well!
Can't recommend these guys enough. read more
