Andover Liquors

Dope

Massachusetts

4.28/5  rDev +4.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | $$

Stopped by this store after it was recommended to me by a friend.

First off, the best part of this place is definitely the service. Lindsey, the beer manager is extremely friendly, extremely knowledgeable and very helpful in general.

Selection wise it is pretty good. Some of the stuff seemed a little older, it seems like this store is losing popularity a bit (the closed supermarket next door probably doesn't help). It seems special items and rarities are going to be harder to come by here due to the declining popularity unfortunately. Hopefully it can bounce back, it is quite a nice place and I would hate for it to decline.

Web presence is good, Lindsey responds to emails and has her own Twitter feed as well. This goes along with the great service rating.

Given the location I give it extra points. I don't think there are any comparable places within a 20-30 minute drive.

Overall quite a nice joint. They seem to be focused heavily on their wines but if you look past that and seek out Lindsey you are sure to have an enjoyable experience.

05-18-2011 19:59:21 | More by Dope

neophilus

Massachusetts

4.31/5  rDev +5.1%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | $$

From the unassuming name I didn't expect to find such a great beer selection, but they had a lot of signage in the windows for good prices on local craft breweries so I decided to take a chance. When I went to the back to see their beer selection I was blown away. One of the best selections north of Boston that I've found so far, had every major craft brewery and a wide selection of each.

What I really loved was that everything was clearly priced so there was no question about how much any beer cost. They were very clean and organized and browsing was an enjoyable experience. Also carried Ipswich, Opa Opa and BBC growlers at a reasonable price

03-03-2011 17:36:17 | More by neophilus

Wamesit

Massachusetts

4.4/5  rDev +7.3%
quality: 5 | service: 3 | selection: 5 | $$

Unreal selection of lesser known craft beers as well as the normal selection of bigger microbrews. Belgian selection is unparalleled for the Merrimack Valley. Lots of singles and they promote creating your own loose six pack. (At a 15% discount) Prices are reasonable, and by comparison of what they could get away with charging, they are excellent. For those looking for advice or suggestions you might have to approach the counter yourself but for those who don't like to be bothered by sales people this spot is the perfect vibe.

12-17-2010 17:46:02 | More by Wamesit

rowingbrewer

Massachusetts

4.5/5  rDev +9.8%
quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

This store has a good selection of craft beers, and the prices are on par with many of the other stores in the general area. The first time I went to the store while I was looking through the 22s an employee came over and offered up assistance if i needed help finding anything. they also have tastings on occasion, and last friday when I went in Opa Opa was there doing a tasting of several of their beers. They also have a 15% discount when you bay any 6 loose bottles of beer. and when checking out The person at the counter has recommended other beers based on my selection. They are also willing to hold bottles of harder to find beers for you.

12-14-2010 15:08:27 | More by rowingbrewer

seh410

Massachusetts

3.55/5  rDev -13.4%
quality: 4 | service: 2 | selection: 4.5 | $$

I live in Andover, so this is the most convenient place for me to do my beer shopping. They have a very large selection of beers, including growlers from Berkshire Brewery and Opa Opa. They don't typically carry anything that is rare or difficult to find, but they do have a great variety. My only problem with this store is the service. I can never get anyone to help me. Typically there is only one or two people at the counter and I've never come across any employee that knows anything about beer. It's frustrating and kind of disappointing, because with their massive selection, I'd like some guidance on what I should buy. Without anyone to ask for advice, it is kind of overwhelming.

Anyway, I'd definitely go there if you are looking to buy your typically line up of beers or beers that your typical package store doesn't carry. Just make sure to know what you are looking for or plan to spend all afternoon sitting on the floor trying to decide what to buy

06-04-2010 17:22:09 | More by seh410

gatorhophead

Massachusetts

4.55/5  rDev +11%
quality: 5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | $$$

I happen to be lucky enough to live right down the road from this place and their selection is the best in the area. They have beers from all over the world, but I stick mostly to American crafts and they have a great selection. Lagunitas, southern tier, dogfish head, victory, stone, sierra nevada, founders. They also have the best variety of Regional crafts I have seen on the north shore, smuttynose, long trail, otter creek, red hook, wachusetts... Some of their beers are on the pricey side but others are very reasonable??

12-03-2009 05:24:33 | More by gatorhophead

JTWILDOATS

Massachusetts

4.2/5  rDev +2.4%
quality: 4.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

Interestingly enough, I live right around the corner from this spot, and it took me a while to venture in there.

It's hard to tell from the outside, but this liquor store has a ton of space and with that, a huge selection of standard and craft beers. This spans several sections and isles of both cold and floor stored brews, as well as a plethora of single bottles and a vast, quality Belgian selection.

The prices are normal.
The service at the counter is fine--they don't seem to have a large staff for helping customers throughout the store though. I'm sure that they would be very knowledgable at the counter.

10-20-2009 21:46:39 | More by JTWILDOATS

gameface23

Massachusetts

3.85/5  rDev -6.1%
quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4.5 | $$$

Andover Liquors has the best selection that I've seen in the Greater Lawrence Area. All areas of the world are well represented. Standouts for me include Alesmith (just the Wee Heavy at the moment, but I've seen others there a few months ago), Lost Abbey, Stone, Unibroue, Southern Tier, all of the Trappist beers except for Westy and La Trappe, and tons of German and English beers. Local/regional are well represented as well. Their prices are a bit high, but it's worth going there for the selection alone. I've called a few times to see if they had certain beers in stock and it really depends on who is working if the customer service is courteous or not.

11-30-2008 23:29:05 | More by gameface23

gciccarelli

Pennsylvania

4.15/5  rDev +1.2%
quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | $$

This is coming from someone out of state...used to the stingy PA scene.

Great store with a very impressive selection. There are a few cold cases in the back, but the main highlight is an entire aisle of single bottles and bombers. Found a lot of Belgians and a lot of stuff that I had never seen for sale before...very impressed by the selection.

Prices were very good, at least compared to PA...can't honestly say how it compares to other local stores.

Service seemed pretty good. A couple people asked if I needed help with anything, and the cashier was friendly enough.

Definitely worth checking out!

11-29-2008 01:58:39 | More by gciccarelli

Randori

Massachusetts

3.85/5  rDev -6.1%
quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4.5 | $$

So I have to start out with a confession....this place is so close to my home that I probably want it to be slightly better than it really is. That's not to say it's not great in comparison to the average package store because is is. This is my "go to" place for my growing love affair with Belgians and Saisons. It just means that I'm probably a bit too willing to overlook some potentially stale inventory and/or a store staff that does not seem all that interested in their own selection. (Clearly somebody cares given the variety on their long shelf, but I've yet to find a cashier who expresses any interest in craft beer or one willing to take custom order request....if they don't have it it would seem they can't get it. Alas...)

The selection of Belgian, German, and general imports is great all along the warm shelf. The coolers in back are mainly reserved for American Craft brews of the Sams, Dogfish Head, Flying Dog, Magic Hat variety.)

Nice selection overall and possibly the best place for overall variety in the Merrimack Valley. It's one of those places that seems good bordering on great.

09-08-2008 18:50:26 | More by Randori