Bourbonfool.com readers, I would like your help with identifying your best store for buying bourbon. Being based in Michigan, I will start this discussion with a mention of three rock-solid locations to find and buy bourbon. I would like you all to share your favorite retail stores, and we will create a standing directory on the bourbonfool.com blog to list them all.
I want to hear from our readers across the country. We will include a running list that will help our readers when they are traveling. I only ask that the stores you nominate meet the following simple criteria.
- Good customer service.
- Keep a good selection and inventory of bourbon.
- You can find hard to locate bottles or barrel selections. Even if only occasionally.
To kick this section off, here are three of my go-to locations for purchasing bourbon.
Brighton Market
10840 Grand River, Brighton MI 48116
A good selection of bourbon complemented by friendly staff. It seems like every time I stop there, I find a bottle that is difficult to locate. Need help finding a bourbon, ask for Jeff. Brighton Market is much more than a liquor store with hot food and many other necessities.
Oppermann’s Cork ‘N’ Ale
2940 Midland Rd., Saginaw MI 48603
They have a second location, but I visited their Saginaw location listed above. I met the owner Jeff Oppermann at the Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. Many bourbons, along with a lot of additional beer’s, wine’s, and liquors. The largest selection of Michigan bourbons for sale that I have ever seen in one location. Check them out here.
Novi Party Store
43025 Grand River Ave., Novi MI 48375
Novi Party Store is one location that typically will have a least one barrel selection on hand every time you visit. Calvin knows his bourbon, and he has suggested several barrel selections to me that were top shelf. He advertises in a Facebook group so you can see what is coming to his location.
Grunst Brothers
624 N. State Street, Big Rapids MI 49307
Great people with a very good selection of whiskeys on the West Side of Michigan. Definitely worth stopping in.
Westport Whiskey & Wine
1115 Herr Ln, Louisville KY 40222
A great store with a substantial tasting room. One of those places where you can spend a lot of time looking at bourbon. Very knowledgeable staff with a variety of barrel selections. One of the great bourbon retail stores in America.
Rocko’s Liquor Wine and Beer
623 West Main Street, Bridgeport WV 26330
A liquor store not far off of Interstate 79 with a lot of product. Looking for something unique, ask the owner. He just might have it.
Please send in your nominees!
That is a good start for our Michigan followers; however, I am searching for more locations to create a directory that any bourbon follower would enjoy. Let us know your best store for buying bourbon by emailing us at info@bourbonfool.com
Creating a directory is a great idea…thanks Bourbonfool!
I agree about the Novi Party store. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve blown my bourbon budget with Calvin. Even got a George T Stagg antique collection from him.
Please take him off the list, I don’t want it to get too popular so I can’t get my share.
Well, when I’m in Florida, I am never at a loss to buy something at Total Wine either in Orlando or Brandon. And I really like Grunst Brothers in Big Rapids. They have special ordered things for me.
Phil,
You are right about Grunst Brothers in Big Rapids. Good people and good selection. We will add them to the list.
I’ll nominate Maria’s Marketplace to the list.
115 N Haggerty Rd, Canton, MI 48187. https://www.facebook.com/mariasmarketplace
Lenny has at least 10 store picks every year (each with a unique label for that pick) and runs Maria’s Whiskey Club. They have a nice selection of bourbons on hand and also have some great food and a friendly staff.
Jim,
Thanks for adding this location to our directory. I remember we were supposed to go there for a tasting before the craziness started. P.S. your bottle is on the way!