1. The most important point to finding a good beer store is finding a place where the workers and/or owners are great people. You worked hard to earn the money you make. It should go to people that you like and respect. Growing up, there was a store in my hometown that was notorious for being mean to people. They were popular because the prices were good and they had a decent selection. That store was always my last choice because of how I have seen people treated in there. I am the customer. Treat me like I am one. They need to care about me.

2.The workers need to be knowledgeable and are willing to take the time to help you make decisions. Most of the time, I know what I want. It is those rare times that I don’t know what I want and I ask someone. It is frustrating when you go into a store and either no one helps you or the help you get is no help at all. “Have you tried the new microbrew… Landshark beer?” No, thanks.

3. Bigger is not always better. In fact, sometimes when I go to those big airport hanger size super discount stores, the beer has a layer of dust on the bottle. They normally get the beer off discount from the distributors because they didn’t sell out of the warehouse. That means that most beer customers buy BMC (Bud, Miller, Coors) by the pallet. If you are looking for a store that only sells BMC, stop reading this article because it doesn’t matter where you buy it, the beer will still be bad. Sorry.

4. Some stores specialize in craft beers and wines. They tend to buy beer in quantities that will sell in their store. They keep an eye on what isn’t buying and put it on sale before it expires so that the customer can experience what the brewer wanted them to taste.

5. The store takes requests. This is important. If the store really cares, they will see if the beer comes into the state they operate and get it for you if they can. This creates great dialogue between you and the store. If they know what the customer wants, more people might come in and ask for it as well. It is a win-win.

6. Give the store a chance. If you happen to get a beer that tastes like it was skunked or something is wrong with the beer, tell the store. A good store will take it back and replace it with another beer. Try to get the same beer if they offer a replacement. The first reason for that is because you do not want to seem like you want a freebie. Secondly, the worker should inspect the beer before they give you the next one. They may send the whole batch back and not let you get another. “I don’t trust this one. Pick another and I will set it aside for you when we get the next shipment in.” If they give you grief for returning the unopened skunked beer, it is time to pick a new place.

7. If you get skunked beer multiple times from the same place, it is the place. Most likely it is the really bright lights in the place.

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