Shoprite Liquors of Newton

(Visited 08/2003): Located right off Rte 206 (not far from the Byram store), the Shoprite Liquor store is attached to the grocery store but with a separate entrance. Being a grocery store, parking should not be a real problem. The first thing I noticed when entering were several signs that proclaimed you could not purchase alcohol at Shoprite with an out-of-state driver’s license. With that in mind, unless you are CLEARLY over 21, you may be in for some problems buying anything here. I think that is a stupid policy so the "Service" score is being dinged accordingly. Unfortunately I saw the same sign at all of the Shoprite Liquor stores I visited. The good news is you can actually find some good beers here. Some notables were Allagash, Flying Fish, Corsendonk, La Chouffe, Victory, Young’s etc. Unfortunately none of the local/regional stuff was available in singles. Aside from the usual macro bombers/Asahi etc., Sam Smith’s were about the only worthwhile singles. The staff is about the level of knowledge you would expect working for a grocery store chain. Overall, I am sure there are beer stores with better selection but this is definitely worth a stop if you are in the immediate area.

Solid, go to place that I’m glad is close by. Most of the good stuff that Jersey gets is represented here. Great American stuff, Founders, Stone, Sam Adams, Cricket Hill, Flying Fish, Firestone Walker, Nectar Ales, Climax, Boaks, Victory, Oskar Blues, Butternut, Lakefront etc. The fall back would have to be the imports. Not much to offer with the exception of some Liefmans, Corsendonk, St. Bernardus, Chimay and a decent amount of English brews. Laid back staff with a beer guy named Dennis who is very friendly and will listen to requests. Good shop.