Pennsylvania Wine & Spirits

This is a really good state store. It unfortunately is hidden from Gulph Road, but has two chilled wine fridges at each end, a carpeted section for luxury items, and neon signs marking the departments.

I go to this location often for wine. Recently, they hired a new Assistant Manager. A few days ago I went into the store and asked the new manager a few questions about some wine that I wanted to order for our company business party. Rather than try to help me, he was down-​right rude! I ignored his poor behavior and left the store.
Today, my wife and I went in to the same location to buy a bottle of wine. We parked our car in the parking lot, in an area where «everyone» parks. This same «Assistant Manager» came running outside to our car and screamed at us, telling us that we could not park there!
This was a highly unprofessional way for him to behave. After all, we are paying customers and we were not causing any harm whatsoever. When I went into the store, I confronted the «Assistant Manager» and told him to never speak to me or any other client like that again. Rather than apologize, he argued with me.
This is no way to treat a good paying customer! I strongly recommend not using this location for your wine and beverage needs.

I called to place a large order for my wedding and the lady was soooo rude! I asked her if she had 60 bottles in stock and she said No… silence…then put me on hold to find the number for the PLCB — PA Liquor Control Board. She had such an attitude on the phone, I didn’t understand her and asked her to repeat what she said. She said P-​L-​C-​B and hung up on me! Very unprofessional and unkind!

Pennsylvania is a pain in the butt.
The concept of alcohol control stores is pointless, dated and usually motivated by the religious practices of people who were middle aged in 1933. It is a last, sad vestige of prohibition.
But on the lighter side, it gives you stores like this.
I’ll grant you that the Ardmore Store has a better wine selection, but only in non-​Alcohol Control States have I ever seen a better liquor selection.
They have all four of the five Absinthe’s now legal in the state (the Pernod Absinthe must be special ordered: no store carries it). It has a range of Prosecos (great for Bellini’s– white peaches are finally back in season, people). It has all manner of pomace brandy and Plymouth Gin. And two brands of Genever Gin.
It’s got everything your home bar could ever want, need or use.
It’s a cocktalian paradise, tucked (inconviently) behind Desi Village at one of the worst intersections in the area. But hey, nobody’s perfect.

In anticipation of several Halloween parties, my friend and I drove to this Wine & Spirits to stock up. What better gift to bring, but one that can be shared, right?
This location has a large parking lot, and a typical booze selection. I’ve been here several times, and never have been disappointed. After all, I demand little from liquor stores — especially Pennsylvanian ones — save that they stock what I want. I found a decent-​sized bottle of Rumpleminze (yum yum 100 proof yum yum) and liberated it, leaving the Wild Turkey Ripple for next time. In and out.
However, my friend wanted Ciroc. She checked prices online (
) and knew what she wanted. Unfortunately, they didn’t have multiple sizes on the floor, only the largest. Since she nor her friends are alcoholics, the staff helped her check inventory behind the counter — even cracking open a box — and concluded they didn’t have any smaller bottles. The manager ran a search, and printed directions to nearby stores. Now that’s service!