Why is it that this place has been around since at least 2007 and I’m just hearing of it now? The only reason I heard about it was that I did a random search for one of my favorite beers that was retired a few years ago, Capital Eisphyre, and saw that it was no longer retired. The distribution page said that someone had gotten it at the WTAJ, and then I heard that another beer I’ve been searching for that just came out of retirement, Odell Saboteur, would be having a special tasting there last Friday. So I was able to get the two beers that have been eluding me at the same place. Really nice beer store; the beer side has a much larger selection of beer than the wine side has of wine. The beer side has everything you want in a great beer store: large selection, hard-to-find beers, singles, AND a pretty good selection of refrigerated beers in 6 and 12 packs. For all of those qualities, I’m not sure it has an equal in the Twin Cities other than Blue Max. Firkins lacks the packaged variety and is higher priced.

Fantastic selection. Amazing service as well. This has become my go to location for beer in the twin cities. The staff will go out of their way to provide the service you need. Prices are on par with the market and they offer specials often. I highly recommend shopping here

This is my local shop now--right around the corner from work, and a great place to shop. I find the organization somewhat difficult to navigate when hunting for new beers (esp. in the singles shelf, where it is by style rather than brewer), but the selection is great. Best of all, they post new beers on facebook and make it first come first serve--unlike some local places that hold rare beers for favorite customers, such that you never even see some beers on the shelf. Good sampling and annual backyard tasting festival, too.

Mark has done a hell of a job taking over after Adam left about a year and a half ago. Selection is outstanding. No BMC at all (you can’t count PBR pounders). Has all the local bases covered, plenty of US crafts and boatlaods of imports. The selection isn’t the biggest, but it’s certainly one of the best in the entire metro area. The wall of singles is enormous. Staff is incredibly knowledgable with plenty of tastings to boot. I’d put the Ale Jail easily in the top 5 beer stores in the state.

I always end up spending WAY too much money here. Good advice on beers, very nice selection for a small store. Pretty regular tweets regarding new/cool inventory (@alejail)

This is a wine store but the owner enjoys his micro and Belgian beers. There is a small but great variety of Belgian and other lesser-known beers. It is a great place to pick up random selections of beers. The place is also known to have beer tastings, which always have a good selection. Check the website for upcoming events. And, if you are into wine (or sake) definitely stop by. Everything is good and well-priced!

Tremendous store! Huge selection, and nearly all of it is available in singles. And lots of oddball / off-the-wall beers as well. Staff was extremely helpful and knowledgable. Might be my new favorite beer store in the Twin Cities.

Very cool store that is well stocked and organized. Far pricing on a huge wall of singles and a great selection of locals and imports. Will definitely be checking this place out regularly.

A small but high quality selection. I saw a few Belgian beers here that I have seen no where else. I spoke with the owner who enjoys beer very much and stated he prefers beer to wine, although wine is the focus of the store. There were also White Winter meads, and the best sake selection I have ever seen, including sake drinking vessels. The selection isn’t very big, but this is a very nice, upscale store with an owner who appreciates beer. He buys from Brad, aka "Brad the beer guy" so he is able to get his hands on some of the best beer coming into Minnesota. 6/6/11 selection, huge build your own six pack wall, and friendly service make this easily the best store in St. Paul.

this is the best liquor store in St. Paul. Everytime I go to the cities I have three places to stop (ale jail, blue max, and the four firkins). The last time I was there I found a bottle of Mikkeller beer greek brunch weasel. Thank goodness I live 3 hours away from the cities or else I would never be able to pay my bills. The staff is great and always willing to lend a hand. Great imports as well.