Willow Park Wines & Spirits

OK… have been there two or three times. And I have had two or three heart attacks.
Just kidding. Willow Park has a very good selection, so-​so prices, and a mostly teen-​aged staff whose experience with liquors is necessarily limited, so I have an issue with the «knowledgeable staff» assessment in previous reviews. This point is moot since I usually know what I want and can’t stand suggestions from relative teetotallers anyway.
Willow Park had advertised via junk mail a fairly good deal on Newcastle Brown Ale (side review: delicious, also best website ever.) 6 bottles for like, $ 10.99. Arrived and was told they had made a mistake in the ad, the deal was for 4 cans, not 6 bottles. What the hell thought I, I’m only down, like 2.3 ounces and a more appealing vessel. The 2 Air Miles totally made it worth my while.
Today, purchased 15 cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon (a steal at $ 17.49; includes the upside of iconic brand status thanks to Dennis Hopper). That plus the bottle of Black Grouse ($ 27.99 as posted, incl. GST and deposit) came to just over 50 bucks. But wait… you charged me 18.99…thought it was 17 something. wha, who? So the clerk (or «Clark») refunded me the $ 1.50 after a lengthy price check and halfhearted apology. THEN, on the chit under «savings» it read «$ 1.50». Yeah, right.
Normally I don’t bother checking my chits at these establishments, and what the hell, right, it’s only a buck-​and-​a –half…point is, pay attention to the posted price. That was the 4^th time in a week I was overcharged for goods and services in Calgary.
Conclusion: would shop here again, but only because it’s been a pain in the ass to get to Olympia lately…

When I want to haunt my palette with spirits, I only go here.
I hit up the Bow Trail location and though it’s only half the size of the Granddaddy store off of Macleod Trail, it’s got everything I want. This is where I find the individual bottles of international beer that my Dad has come to love for Christmas, Birthday, car-maintenance-thank-you’s and every other occasion in which I need to get him a gift. Everytime I go back, there’s something new he hasn’t tried be it something from the European block or Scottish beer brewed in whiskey barrels. I can find my beloved Japanese Ume (plum) wine and liquer here too, as well as the South American Pisco (distilled grape liquer) and several flavours of Sake (raspberry, lychee etc.). Wine selection is totally adequate, basic mixers are plentiful, liquers are bountiful and everytime I visit, the Tiki Tequila calls my name to splurge. It’s well-​organized and staff are always helpful.
Looking for a particular brand? Ask them and they’ll check their electronic directory. My only disappointment was to learn they didn’t carry Inferno Vodka anymore and if Willow Park doesn’t, I’m pretty certain no other store will!

Excellent selection of all types of wines, beers and liquor. This is a classy liquor store with knowledgable staff. Although they have plenty of high end wine & scotch, they also have regular sales, so that you can stock up on your favourites.
There’s a small gift area with glasses, corkscrews and other drinking accessories.