Distillers Outlet

DWolf

Pennsylvania

4.39/5  rDev +3.1%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

I was visiting nearby (from Pittsburgh) and a friend recommended this place if I wanted to pick up a few bottles of local craft beer while I was in San Diego. Initially, I was disappointed that they didn't have any Pliny (my quest), but no place did while I was out there (struck out). But, hearing my "quest" and interests, the beer guy, David, enthusiastically began recommending various beers to try. I really appreciated his honesty when he said things, "Normally I would highly recommend this, but I don't think this batch is up to their normal standards." You could tell he sampled a lot of his products. And, the selection was pretty good and varied. Overall, a little out of the way, but worth a visit.

04-30-2012 16:26:36 | More by DWolf

rawfish

California

4.35/5  rDev +2.1%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

The hidden gem of the area, excellent selection that can hang with any bottle shop in the area, all for a reasonable price. The owner is really enthusiastic about his craft beer and is as knowledgeable as anyone. Updates inventory regularly and is trending towards removing older inventory quickly. The only downside is that it is rather small so over half the bottles are still out of the fridges.

*Old Review*

Moved here about a year ago and it seems like it's dropped a few notches since my first visit. Very good selection, quite a few bottles from non local breweries that I haven't seen else where however it looks like that may have stopped. My most recent trips revealed very few new bottles and some of the older ones beginning to age on the shelves. Perhaps there is new staff as well, I haven't seen the enthusiastic gentleman who helped me the first few times around.

I cringe to think about where this place might be in another half years time but still 10% off on a case and good selection. Worth a stop if you are in the neighborhood.

Old Rating*3.65*

01-17-2012 21:59:48 | More by rawfish

declan

California

4.65/5  rDev +9.2%
quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

I live in Penasquitos, so other than Bevmo, this is my closest craft store. I think I heard about it from a friend at Lost Abbey and I'm very glad I visited!

As the other reviews note, the guy who owns the place, Marvin, is very enthusiastic and loves talking about beer and his business. He is learning about craft beer and stocks a ton of it! Because the place is relatively unknown, I've seen 12 Supplications on the shelf at one time.

He is very open to suggestions for new beers. I'm trying to get him or his brother to understand the power of Twitter to get the local beer geeks coming, but they are swamped running a business and really aren't computer nerds.

The 10% discount on a case is a great deal.

04-03-2010 16:05:27 | More by declan

tarface23

California

3.8/5  rDev -10.8%
quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | $$

The kid picking the beers is very enthusiastic, even if he's not the most knowledgeable. He will show you the list of beers he can get, and you can make suggestions.

I love the place because it's on the way home and they get keep a good rotation of seasonals and special beers. This was also the first place I ever saw Pliny in the bottle, even though it's more common now.

On the other hand, I've had a seriously skunked St. Peter's English Pale Ale. Clear glass and bright flourescent lights don't mix. Marked prices are about average, but I've been overcharged a couple dollars here and there.

Let's not forget the outstanding "Adults Only" section in the back corner, it feels kinda ghetto.

02-08-2010 20:39:25 | More by tarface23

Kaiser81

California

4.85/5  rDev +13.8%
quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | $

Found this place from Lightning Brewery's website. Needed an Old Tempest to round out a trade. I've driven by this shopping center hundreds of times, yet never knew there was a liquor store there.

So I walk in, and the first thing I see is a candy shelf. Not interested. The next thing shelving unit I see; A TON OF GOOD BEER - INCLUDING ABYSS!!!! This guy still had 2009 Abyss available. He (I never got his name) sees me with my eyes wide open and asks if I had any questions. We talk a bit about beer and I realize he knows his stuff. He mentions that if I buy a case of beer, I get a 10% discount on the entire order.

There are 3 shelving units full of great craft beer, and then 3 or 4 coolers on the wall filled with craft beer too (not counting the 3 BMC style coolers).

Some of the things I saw there were already below what I could get at the local breweries, so a 10% discount would be ridiculous on top of that.

I ended up bringing my cousin there the next day so he could shop, and he bought a case (including some Abyss). The same guy was there. He was cool again. The only slight complaint I had was that he seemed to have a bunch of friends coming and going and was talking to them a lot. But whatever.

I play soccer and softball very close to there, so this may become my neighborhood liquor store that I frequent when I need a beer haul.

01-13-2010 02:28:06 | More by Kaiser81

magictrokini

California

3.5/5  rDev -17.8%
quality: 3.5 | service: 3 | selection: 4 | $$

Normal liquor store with an above-average selection of micros. Found a few Rogue products that I have not seen elsewhere in San Diego. A lot of their merchandise is on shelves and warm, with about 1/3 of them also in the cooler. Good seasonal selection that looked fresh. No dust on any of the beers, but all in bright light. Small choice of Belgians, but there were a few I didn't recognize. Similar to Mesa Liquor, but without the dust. The owner is nice, but didn't really know about the beer. Prices were average, maybe within a dollar of BevMo.

08-12-2009 20:08:03 | More by magictrokini