There’s no denying that liquor prices have gone up since Washington State voters decided to privatize the selling of booze in the 2011 elections. While there’s some reason to believe that will eventually change (the law stipulates that distributors pay the state 10% of their sales for the first two years, but only 5% thereafter), I wouldn’t hold my breath.
On the other hand, while liquor stores don’t seem to be competing heavily on price, we have noticed a bit of a renaissance in variety. Two years ago, for example, when we sought ought interesting grappas, the “best variety in the state” was in Ballard up on 72nd, with four different kinds. Now, Wine World (400 NE 45th St) alone stocks at least 8 different varieties. Interesting in rye whiskey? There must be a couple dozen different bottles.
If all this makes you as giddy as it does me, you may be interesting in the upcoming “Meet Your Maker” Grand Distillery Tasting holded at Wine World’s ballroom on Sunday, January 27th.
There are currently over 20 different distilleries participating in the tasting: Sound Spirits, Sodo Spirits Distillery, Project V Distillery and Sausage Company, Heritage Distilling Company, Inc., Parliament Distillery, Wishkah River Distillery, Captive Spirits, Glass Distillery, Sidetrack Distillery, Batch 206, Whidbey Island Distillery, Dry Fly, Skip Rock Distillers, Fremont Mischief, Oola Distillery, Pacific Distillery, Woodinville Whiskey, Rain City Spirits, BroVo Spirits, Golden Distillery, Black Heron, Soft Tail Distillery, Dry County Distillery, Tatoosh Distillery and Blue Spirits Distilling.
$20 buys you 10 tasting “plus nibbles from the exotic mac & cheese bar prepared by Chef Tom Black”. Lest it feel too indulgent for you, you’ll be comforted to know that it all benefits the University District Food Bank.
Tickets available online at www.udistrictfoodbank.org, who warn that it is expected to sell out prior to the event.
And who needs a designated driver, when you can walk!
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This looks like a fantastic event, benefiting one of the best food banks in Seattle.
FYI, here’s the correct link for the U District Food Bank:
http://www.udistrictfoodbank.org/
Distilleries could already sell retail, on site, before Costco et al. bought state stores out with their initiative, so their tax structure is different and I believe much lower. So if you like what you’re tasting at this event, you might be able to get it for somewhat less at the distillery.
If you actually like grappa, Wine World also has a pleasant and reasonably priced grappa disguised as `aguardente bagaceira’ (the Portuguese name.)
Great info and looking forward to this, but this post really needs to be proof-read and corrected.
R
This “writer” needs a copy editor. “We sought ought…” “Interesting in rye whiskey?” A great opportunity for an intern, perhaps an English major.
The writer needs to stop writing articles late at night after sampling the Wine World wares.
Really impressed with all the local spirits at Emerald City Spirits:
http://emerald-city-spirits.com/
Darn! It’s sold out. I hope they’ll extend the hours or do another one.