Royal Liquor Mart

Afraid I can’t get as enthused as the previous rater. This is a divey old store that assaulted me on first entering with the smells of sweat, wet carpet and cigarettes. It’s rather disorganized, with lots of empty space, and lots of old-looking bottles. On the right wall going back are the imports - behind them were a few hundred bottles of wine just sitting on the floor - awaiting pricing? I dunno. But there are more imports all the way in the back of the store as well against the far wall, and some mostly-empty shelves just in front of them had a couple of Jolly Pumpkins and a few other things. In the coolers, basically the typical stuff you find in this area - Ballast Point, Stone, Alesmith and of course lots of Illinois/Wisconsin stuff. No 3 Floyds that I saw. Prices are a bit higher than Valli Produce on State or Woodmans. None of the area stores with large selections carry everything, so you might get lucky and find something here that isn’t anywhere else, but I can’t say this would be my first choice. It is probably the best store that’s located close to downtown though.

Looks like a big box store. Giant area with lots of fake florescent lighting. Most employees seem to know what they are talking about when it comes to craft. If nothing else, they can tell you what sells the best. Decent selection. Picked up some Wychwood King Goblin, Redhook Treblehook (early 2009 vintage) and Clown Shoes Tramp Stamp. Decent prices overall. I like this store and will definitely be back next time I head to Rockford.