Gabriel’s Wine & Spirits

I don’t frequent liquor stores as much as I did ‘back in the day’ (errr, my early twenties), but Gabriel’s has so many great deals I can’t resist. Lately they have a promotion going on, a ‘flash sale’ Monday of sorts, and when I saw that 1.75L of Tito’s vodka (the best IMO) was on sale for $ 19.99 (from $ 34.99) from 6 – 7 pm, I had to check it out! There was a long line when I got there (10 minutes to 6), and I found out that they were selling 12 packs of miller lite (or something similar) for $ 1!!! A DOLLAR!!! I was there for the vodka, so I grabbed a handle, and waited for the clock to strike 6. There weren’t that many there, so I was one of the lucky few. Be on the look out for the flash sales– you can get some GREAT deals at your nearby Gabriel’s!

As long as I can remember Gabriel’s has been in that same location. And it hasn’t changed much, and that can be good. But sometimes, not so much.

On this night I went to look at their new burgeoning expansion into the craft brew foray. When I went inside I saw a very small selection of beers and the rest of it was spirits. If you love Patron and Jack Daniels this is the place for you. But if you are looking for anything else you are SOL. I must confess I was impressed with its meager sized selection of beers that were there, but the few that were there were competing in a losing battle with spirits. Yes there was a bottle of Clown Shoes at this particular location but unlike the Gabriel’s Superstore further north, this did’nt do anything for me.

I think the store is reacting to the changing trend of drinkers, that are now seeking out craft beers and happen to be living within that area. And that’s fine. But go all the way or abandon it. In addition I picked up a bottle that was sitting on the shelf and there was dust all over it. That’s usually an indicator that their products are not being moved or rotated at all during the month. Also some of the asking prices for some of their beers seemed a bit overinflated. I could have easily walked across the street to Chevron and bought some of the same stuff for much less.
Although I appreciate Gabriel’s, in terms of it’s historical context to our city this particular location should expand, like it’s superstore, or all bets should be called off.

This store is great for their customer service, the staff is always friendly and attentive. A good selection and reasonable prices. Not sure if its an all the time thing or not, but everytime I go in it smells bad.