Slog
News & ArtsFriday, June 1, 2012
Booze So, Did Liquor Prices Go Up?
Posted by Unpaid Intern on Fri, Jun 1, 2012 at 4:52 PM
Posted by news intern Joseph Staten
The answer is mostly yes—but not for all products. A comparison of a dozen brands of liquor shows Seattle shoppers paying, on average, 6 percent more at a Safeway and 12 percent more at a QFC today than they did at state-run stores yesterday. But those higher costs aren't obvious at first glance.
- Joseph Staten
- Hooray?
While many shoppers today were amazed at what appeared to be much lower liquor prices across the board, they might not have been aware that the grocery stores neglect to factor the 20.5 percent liquor tax and $3.77 per-liter tax into the price tags. The result is that the consumer must do a mental calculation before checkout to figure out what they actually need to pay—not to mention needing to remember what prices were at state-run stores in order to make any meaningful comparisons.
For example, a bottle of Campari at Safeway had a price tag of $31.99, but it was $41.38 with taxes—an $8.43 jump over yesterday's liquor store price (which was $32.95). A Safeway employee told me that customers have been repeatedly scandalized today at check-out with the unexpected price leaps at the cash register.
So how do the prices compare on the whole? I checked out the state-run liquor store on Broadway yesterday (RIP) to note the prices of a representative smattering of 12 popular liquors: Crown Royal, Jameson, Bacardi, Smirnoff, Grey Goose, Absolut, Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, Jim Beam, Jack Daniels, Jaegermeister, and Campari. And this morning, I did the same at the QFC and Safeway locations on 15th Avenue East. My highly scientific findings are listed below in detail, (including both pre-tax prices and the total cost when the two taxes are factored in), but here's the short version:
On average, the price tags alone for the dozen liquors were 13 percent less at QFC and 18 percent less at Safeway than the state stores. But, after factoring in the sales and excise taxes, liquors are—again, the average of these dozen products—12 percent more expensive at QFC and 6 percent more at Safeway than at the state stores.
The full list of numbers, my methodology, and more analysis based on my limited knowledge of arithmetic after the jump:
I used the significantly lower membership prices for the two stores (called Safeway Club and QFC Advantage), because if you buy liquor without a membership now you are out of your mind. Here are the results for 750 milliliter bottles with the lowest price for each liquor in bold:
Crown Royal:
Liquor Store: $28.95
QFC: $24.99
QFC (after tax): $32.94
Safeway: $27.99
Safeway (after tax): $36.56
QFC: $24.99
QFC (after tax): $32.94
Safeway: $27.99
Safeway (after tax): $36.56
Jameson:
Liquor Store: $29.95
QFC: $27.99
QFC (after tax): $36.56
Safeway: $23.99
Safeway (after tax): 31.72
QFC: $27.99
QFC (after tax): $36.56
Safeway: $23.99
Safeway (after tax): 31.72
Bacardi:
Liquor Store: $17.95
QFC: $9.49
QFC (after tax): $14.26
Safeway: $8.99
Safeway (after tax): $13.66
QFC: $9.49
QFC (after tax): $14.26
Safeway: $8.99
Safeway (after tax): $13.66
Smirnoff:
Liquor Store: $15.95
QFC: $12.49
QFC (after tax): $17.88
Safeway: $10.19
Safeway (after tax): $15.11
QFC: $12.49
QFC (after tax): $17.88
Safeway: $10.19
Safeway (after tax): $15.11
Grey Goose:
Liquor Store: $34.95
QFC: $27.49
QFC (after tax): $35.96
Safeway: $22.99
Safeway (after tax): $30.52
QFC: $27.49
QFC (after tax): $35.96
Safeway: $22.99
Safeway (after tax): $30.52
Absolut:
Liquor Store: $22.95
QFC: $19.99
QFC (after tax): $26.92
Safeway: $18.99
Safeway (after tax): $25.71
QFC: $19.99
QFC (after tax): $26.92
Safeway: $18.99
Safeway (after tax): $25.71
Tanqueray:
Liquor Store: $24.95
QFC: $23.49
QFC (after tax): $31.13
Safeway: $22.99
Safeway (after tax): $30.53
QFC: $23.49
QFC (after tax): $31.13
Safeway: $22.99
Safeway (after tax): $30.53
Bombay Sapphire:
Liquor Store: $26.95
QFC: $24.99
QFC (after tax): $32.94
Safeway: $17.99
Safeway (after tax): $24.51
QFC: $24.99
QFC (after tax): $32.94
Safeway: $17.99
Safeway (after tax): $24.51
Jim Beam:
Liquor Store: $18.95
QFC: $17.49
QFC (after tax): $23.91
Safeway: $17.99
Safeway (after tax): $24.51
QFC: $17.49
QFC (after tax): $23.91
Safeway: $17.99
Safeway (after tax): $24.51
Jack Daniels:
Liquor Store: $24.95
QFC: $17.49
QFC (after tax): $23.91
Safeway: $18.99
Safeway (after tax): $24.71
QFC: $17.49
QFC (after tax): $23.91
Safeway: $18.99
Safeway (after tax): $24.71
Jaegermeister:
Liquor Store: $25.95
QFC: $24.99
QFC (after tax): $32.94
Safeway: $26.99
Safeway (after tax): $35.35
QFC: $24.99
QFC (after tax): $32.94
Safeway: $26.99
Safeway (after tax): $35.35
Campari:
Liquor Store: $32.95
QFC: $33.99
QFC (after tax): $43.79
Safeway: $31.99
Safeway (after tax): $41.38
QFC: $33.99
QFC (after tax): $43.79
Safeway: $31.99
Safeway (after tax): $41.38
The average of all 12 products:
Liquor Store: $26.28
QFC: $22.07
QFC (after tax): $29.43
Safeway: $20.84
Safeway (after tax): $27.86
QFC: $22.07
QFC (after tax): $29.43
Safeway: $20.84
Safeway (after tax): $27.86
Note to tequila drinkers: The liquor store didn't have one bottle left in common with the other two stores for comparison.
In the final tally (including taxes), the state-run liquor store had the best price for 7 out of the 12 products. Conversely, Safeway had four cheaper products and QFC had one cheaper product. On average, though, a bottle at Safeway now costs $1.57 more and and QFC $3.98 more than state stores.
So don't let those pre-tax prices fool you. QFC provides helpful signs to mitigate your sticker shock, but Safeway makes no mention in any signage that I could see. But remember, you can still save money on certain brands—you'll save more than $4 on Bacardi at Safeway today, even after taxes, than you would have paid at the state's store yesterday. It's just very difficult to figure out where you'll find savings, and where you'll find added costs.
By the way: My impression is that the fears many opponents of privatization had about a lack of a diverse selection at grocery stores are, on the first day, completely, unequivocally true.
2
Also, what about at Wine World?
They have tastings too, and they're just off I-5 at N 45th.
I hope they're stocking local spirits, since they have a diverse selection ...
They have tastings too, and they're just off I-5 at N 45th.
I hope they're stocking local spirits, since they have a diverse selection ...
4
I think it won't be until the initial $150 million is paid off that we can do a price comparison. The distributor licensing fees are pretty expensive at the moment. Same with selection, it won't be until the new liquor-only stores move in that we'll see that stabilize.
5
So on average we are paying $1.57 more for the added convenience of HUGELY expanding business hours and the convenience of buying our booze when we buy our groceries instead of making a separate trip to a separate store.
Sounds like we are paying a negligible amount more (today, let’s see where prices go with competition) for more convenience, but less selection (today, let’s see where selection goes with completion) and a significantly greener method of distribution.
Not quite the end of the world yet…
Sounds like we are paying a negligible amount more (today, let’s see where prices go with competition) for more convenience, but less selection (today, let’s see where selection goes with completion) and a significantly greener method of distribution.
Not quite the end of the world yet…
7
It will take a month or two for competition to settle in and pricing to reflect that competition. You can buy numerous products at your local grocery store at prices cheaper than those found at Costco There is a heck of lot more grocery stores than Costco's and former state liquor stores. None of these newly minted sellers of distilled beverages want to see this stuff gather dust on the shelves. They need and will move their inventory.
8
Thanks for this, though I noticed you took Safeway's sale price of Jameson. At my store the regular price was $32.99, with the club price of $23.99 on the tag below. I anticipate filling my liquor cabinet with a hodgepodge depending on what's on sale, but that's also how I shop for groceries.
Totally agreed about the limited selection. I'm hoping these are the Day 1 choices and things only improve. Or even better, that the 10,000 sq ft restriction gets lifted later.
Totally agreed about the limited selection. I'm hoping these are the Day 1 choices and things only improve. Or even better, that the 10,000 sq ft restriction gets lifted later.
9
Yeah, I'm sure once the distributor fees are paid, they will, like every business ever, voluntarily lower their prices.
People, people, people.
People, people, people.
10
I hope the Stranger will mandate this new roll of liquor price watch and reporting to the Unpaid Intern or some other deserving staff member, and regularly report their findings on the Slog and print editions.
13
"...if you buy liquor without a membership now you are out of your mind."
and a note to anybody planning on having a rancorous child custody battle - be sure to subpoena the ex's grocery / costco membership club records.
and a note to anybody planning on having a rancorous child custody battle - be sure to subpoena the ex's grocery / costco membership club records.
15
@11, numb nuts, I described the one bottle that went up by that much. I'm sorry that facts confuse you.
18
@13: Don't use your real name on those. It's much funnier when the cashier has to say "Thank you, Mr. Grointug."
19
@OP
I checked your math and I think your method of comparison is slightly flawed. If you adjust for the actual costs of each liquor type (averaging the PERCENT increase/decrease of all the types you listed), the average PERCENT change in prices was +8.82% at Safeway, and +14.7% at QFC over state liquor prices.
HOWEVER, even with the more accurate adjusted method being higher, your implied conclusion is somewhat misleading as the price changes vary wildly depending on what you're purchasing. If you only buy Bacardi, you save nearly 24% at Safeway against state liquor prices, but Jager buyers will end up spending 36% more.
The standard deviation of the price change is fairly high here (around 19% at Safeway, and 15% at QFC), so it's difficult to draw as general a conclusion as you have. Savings/expenditures are likely to be highly individualized depending on preferred products, and prices are likely to change as the market adjusts.
I'm a big fan of the government handling many things where it makes sense (mass transit, utilities, infrastructure, health care, etc), but selling liquor is not one of those things. This law isn't perfect, but it's a good first step towards ridding WA of the prohibition era mentality. Fear not, doomsayers, the market will adjust, and the laws will progress.
I checked your math and I think your method of comparison is slightly flawed. If you adjust for the actual costs of each liquor type (averaging the PERCENT increase/decrease of all the types you listed), the average PERCENT change in prices was +8.82% at Safeway, and +14.7% at QFC over state liquor prices.
HOWEVER, even with the more accurate adjusted method being higher, your implied conclusion is somewhat misleading as the price changes vary wildly depending on what you're purchasing. If you only buy Bacardi, you save nearly 24% at Safeway against state liquor prices, but Jager buyers will end up spending 36% more.
The standard deviation of the price change is fairly high here (around 19% at Safeway, and 15% at QFC), so it's difficult to draw as general a conclusion as you have. Savings/expenditures are likely to be highly individualized depending on preferred products, and prices are likely to change as the market adjusts.
I'm a big fan of the government handling many things where it makes sense (mass transit, utilities, infrastructure, health care, etc), but selling liquor is not one of those things. This law isn't perfect, but it's a good first step towards ridding WA of the prohibition era mentality. Fear not, doomsayers, the market will adjust, and the laws will progress.
21
You have to admit...it is quite the coup for the state to raise taxes, and have everyone blame it on the retailers. Well played...
23
20: Cap? More like eliminate. They're not including the tax for more than one reason.
21: The state didn't write the initiative. Blame Costco.
21: The state didn't write the initiative. Blame Costco.
24
TJ's in Ballard was selling liquor today. selection was small but of good quality. prices were inline with QFC and Safeway maybe a little lower. They did have a nice sign explaining the extra taxes.
25
You don't pay taxes to Costco. The state (via the initiative) raised the taxes. Who wrote the initiative is rather beside the point.
26
Costco lawyers wrote the initiative. It isn't going to go down all that much, even after the distributor licenses are paid off.
Did anyone besides me note that Costco wrote the law so they could be their own distributor?
We've gone from a transparent system to a system filled with hidden costs.
Did anyone besides me note that Costco wrote the law so they could be their own distributor?
We've gone from a transparent system to a system filled with hidden costs.
27
Go to Wine World for a selection of spirits and quite a beautiful display as well. I will say, if you want to see how the new privatization law fucks over the small business owners, who didn't obtain a license from last month's liquor license auction, please visit Wine World.
28
@26, rather the opposite -- we've gone from a system with hidden costs to one where they are transparent.
@25, taxes didn't go up. They just got unbundled from the shelf price. The liquor tax has always been huge, and the liter tax is likewise not new. Look it up on the price sheet at http://liq.wa.gov/publications/liqpurcha… (make a copy, it's unlikely to stay there much longer).
As for prices, I have been to Wine World. I was able to pick up some stuff I've not seen before -- Saint James rhum agricole from Martinique, Salers Aperitif La Bounoux (fantastic, the closest thing to Suze I've found), a peculiar rhubarb amaro, Rabarbaro Zucca, and a kind of Luxardo I've never had, Amaro Abano. But the prices are very, very high for some things.
I have been taken to task by mouthbreathing turd fondlers for saying "75%", but if you compare liquor price to liquor price, a bottle of Ron Zacapa Centenario is $66.95 before any taxes at Wine World, versus $38.28 at the state store. That's + 75%. Shut the fuck up if you don't know how tax works.
My favorite rum, Zaya, was $34.95 at the WSLCB AFTER tax, $26.67 before; at Wine World it is $49.99 before tax, which is an EIGHTY SEVEN PERCENT INCREASE. Sad Fnarf. Fortunately I grabbed a bottle before today.
@25, taxes didn't go up. They just got unbundled from the shelf price. The liquor tax has always been huge, and the liter tax is likewise not new. Look it up on the price sheet at http://liq.wa.gov/publications/liqpurcha… (make a copy, it's unlikely to stay there much longer).
As for prices, I have been to Wine World. I was able to pick up some stuff I've not seen before -- Saint James rhum agricole from Martinique, Salers Aperitif La Bounoux (fantastic, the closest thing to Suze I've found), a peculiar rhubarb amaro, Rabarbaro Zucca, and a kind of Luxardo I've never had, Amaro Abano. But the prices are very, very high for some things.
I have been taken to task by mouthbreathing turd fondlers for saying "75%", but if you compare liquor price to liquor price, a bottle of Ron Zacapa Centenario is $66.95 before any taxes at Wine World, versus $38.28 at the state store. That's + 75%. Shut the fuck up if you don't know how tax works.
My favorite rum, Zaya, was $34.95 at the WSLCB AFTER tax, $26.67 before; at Wine World it is $49.99 before tax, which is an EIGHTY SEVEN PERCENT INCREASE. Sad Fnarf. Fortunately I grabbed a bottle before today.
29
You didn't go to Costco! Article irrelevant. Today, I learned what it felt to be in East Germany when the wall came down. This is without a doubt the greatest day in Washington state history.
Also, who the hell shops at Safeway? I gave up on that place back in the late 90's when they started using that extremely annoying club card which you had to have to get the exact same price before the card. They have shit selection. And QFC? That place also blows.
I will never miss having to go to the DOL or whatever the hell it was.
If you really miss the old system, move to Utah.
Also, who the hell shops at Safeway? I gave up on that place back in the late 90's when they started using that extremely annoying club card which you had to have to get the exact same price before the card. They have shit selection. And QFC? That place also blows.
I will never miss having to go to the DOL or whatever the hell it was.
If you really miss the old system, move to Utah.
31
@28 And you're fortunate enough to be in Seattle with specialty shops like Wine World...up here in Bellingham it's just the grocery stores. 25' of shelf space a liquore store does not make! Selection is deplorable, and prices are way up.
32
@29, I love someone telling me that Safeway and QFC blow because of their poor selection but Costco is like the Berlin Wall coming down. Snicker.
@31, even in Seattle, I'm lucky to be close enough to them to make a trip. If I lived in West Seattle or Laurelhurst or Mt. Baker, to say nothing of Bothell or Burien, Wine World is a long, long ways away.
@31, even in Seattle, I'm lucky to be close enough to them to make a trip. If I lived in West Seattle or Laurelhurst or Mt. Baker, to say nothing of Bothell or Burien, Wine World is a long, long ways away.
33
I swung by Safeway on the way home to pick up some necessities (not including booze). The poor kid at the checkout counter was telling me that lots of folks are having their booze rung up, balking at the price, and trying to back out of the transaction.
34
@ 29 - Wow! I'm surprised that you did not go all Reducto Ad Hitlerum there, but I suppose that the Berlin Wall allusion is close enough.
And talk about pompous? Who shops at Safeway? Speak from the condescending vantage of privilege, do we?
And talk about pompous? Who shops at Safeway? Speak from the condescending vantage of privilege, do we?
35
@5:
"More convenience" may have been a factor for those of you who live out in the sticks, but I for one had THREE WSLC stores within walking distance of my home and work (two of which were open until at least 8:00 p.m., and two open on Sunday), so that was never really a factor for me.
And despite what many of you are saying to the contrary, it's glaringly obvious to me that the new retail outlets (based on the two QFC's I visited this evening at least) are NOT carrying anything close to the selection I could get at State liquor stores - and probably won't be anytime soon.
See, here's the thing: I tend not to drink bottom-shelf swill, so price and selection ARE important to me. The two QFC's I stopped at tonight didn't even have several of what I consider STANDARD stock, and the post-tax prices on those they did were pretty much in line with the approximately 15% increase others have noted. When your taste trends towards well liquor that probably doesn't seem like much difference, but add that amount to a decent bottle of Islay single-malt or Anejo Reserva or Jamaican estate-bottled rum, and it starts hitting your pocket book pretty damned fast. (Although, given the relatively sparse selection, I'll be lucky to even SEE anything besides the merest handful of potables of that caliber anytime soon.)
That being said, I'm looking forward to hitting Costco over the weekend, just to gaze in awe at the 200 foot-long aisle stacked 20' high with carton after carton of double-packed 150 Liter plastic bottles of Kirkland Brand Vodka, Gin, and Whisky, and the credulous rubes grabbing it by the cart-load thinking they're in heaven.
Thanks a lot you penny-pinching fuckers...
"More convenience" may have been a factor for those of you who live out in the sticks, but I for one had THREE WSLC stores within walking distance of my home and work (two of which were open until at least 8:00 p.m., and two open on Sunday), so that was never really a factor for me.
And despite what many of you are saying to the contrary, it's glaringly obvious to me that the new retail outlets (based on the two QFC's I visited this evening at least) are NOT carrying anything close to the selection I could get at State liquor stores - and probably won't be anytime soon.
See, here's the thing: I tend not to drink bottom-shelf swill, so price and selection ARE important to me. The two QFC's I stopped at tonight didn't even have several of what I consider STANDARD stock, and the post-tax prices on those they did were pretty much in line with the approximately 15% increase others have noted. When your taste trends towards well liquor that probably doesn't seem like much difference, but add that amount to a decent bottle of Islay single-malt or Anejo Reserva or Jamaican estate-bottled rum, and it starts hitting your pocket book pretty damned fast. (Although, given the relatively sparse selection, I'll be lucky to even SEE anything besides the merest handful of potables of that caliber anytime soon.)
That being said, I'm looking forward to hitting Costco over the weekend, just to gaze in awe at the 200 foot-long aisle stacked 20' high with carton after carton of double-packed 150 Liter plastic bottles of Kirkland Brand Vodka, Gin, and Whisky, and the credulous rubes grabbing it by the cart-load thinking they're in heaven.
Thanks a lot you penny-pinching fuckers...
36
I have to say that I'm rather bemused by all this. Comte, you sound like a spoiled Wall Street executive.
37
And why is that @36? Simply because I happen to enjoy a few of the finer things in life? I realize that, when it comes to alcohol at least, most people are perfectly happy drinking the cheapest mass-produced ethanol they can get their hands on. But developing a taste for something even moderately better doesn't make one a snob; I'm not talking 100 year-old Cognac or 80 year-old champagne here, just a decent bottle of something that doesn't give off the aroma of an ARCO station when you pour it, or taste like it was filtered through week-old cigarette butts.
Hell, I'm not above imbibing a little locally made moonshine when occasion permits, but you can bet your last dollar it's WELL-MADE moonshine, because the people who make it take PRIDE in crafting their product.
As my late grandfather taught me: "don't be ashamed if you can't afford to buy the best; be ashamed if you DON'T buy the best you CAN afford."
Hell, I'm not above imbibing a little locally made moonshine when occasion permits, but you can bet your last dollar it's WELL-MADE moonshine, because the people who make it take PRIDE in crafting their product.
As my late grandfather taught me: "don't be ashamed if you can't afford to buy the best; be ashamed if you DON'T buy the best you CAN afford."
39
Thriftway in LFP has Tito's Vodka for 22.99 pre tax, which is not half bad for me. And the selection was decent. I am fine...it's all about finding the local stores that care about selection. As for higher prices? I'm from Texas and know of low prices on booze, but this i is still better than the DMV-like experience that was the WSLCB stores.
40
@38:
I've lived in CA; one of the most satisfying moments of my life was when UC Liquors in Alameda delivered a bottle of Jack Daniels and a bottle of Stoli - RIGHT TO MY FREAKING DOOR! And about five minutes later, the pizza arrived.
I've lived in CA; one of the most satisfying moments of my life was when UC Liquors in Alameda delivered a bottle of Jack Daniels and a bottle of Stoli - RIGHT TO MY FREAKING DOOR! And about five minutes later, the pizza arrived.
41
@27 Wine world's selection was an utter disappointment. Hopefully it will improve, but they had very little of anything interesting on the shelf today, and most of what they did have could have been bought yesterday at the 12th and Pine liquor store.
42
@27, what time were you there? The place was a total madhouse when I was there. They had a dozen people there who were temps or maybe worked for the distributor, unpacking cases; huge piles of shelf tags on the counter; cases and bottles stacked everywhere; and nothing was in the computer, or in the computer correctly at least. They'll settle it out in a day or two, I imagine. The selection was pretty decent, actually. Just the prices were beastly.
43
@21 - the State didn't set the taxes, the Costco attorneys would wrote the law did. And the people of Washington State voted for this.
The opponents of 1183 warned everyone that it would mean higher prices and less selection. Fortunately not all the prices increased as much as predicted (65%), but some, as fnarf points out, did. When comparing prices, compare the price you paid walking out the door.
Costco not only screwed the consumer, it bought and abused the initiative process. They'll make billions though, so, cool for them right?
The only good news, is that not every bar's prices will go up, only the smaller independent bars.
The opponents of 1183 warned everyone that it would mean higher prices and less selection. Fortunately not all the prices increased as much as predicted (65%), but some, as fnarf points out, did. When comparing prices, compare the price you paid walking out the door.
Costco not only screwed the consumer, it bought and abused the initiative process. They'll make billions though, so, cool for them right?
The only good news, is that not every bar's prices will go up, only the smaller independent bars.
44
@43, the thing I heard was, bars were moving towards local distilleries because of the uncertain and high prices. A local distillery doesn't have to go through a distributor at all, if they don't mind loading the stock into their car. So that could be a good thing, I guess.
I saw a (semi) local rum, from Portland, at Wine World, but didn't buy it. I wonder if it's any good.
I saw a (semi) local rum, from Portland, at Wine World, but didn't buy it. I wonder if it's any good.
47
@18 whatever name you sign up with, the card gets associated with a real name as soon as it's used in the same transaction as a credit or debit card. That trick only works if you're cash-only.
48
Based on some of the comments, one would think we will soon resemble the British. Instead of making weekend runs with friends to France to load up the Rover with booze, we'll be heading to Portland.
Honestly, the number of retail outlets in the city and state increased exponentially overnight. They will be fighting for our business soon enough. Selection will eventually increase and prices will drop.
@40..I recall drive thru liquor stores and home delivery in San Diego many, many years ago. I too certainly miss those services.
Honestly, the number of retail outlets in the city and state increased exponentially overnight. They will be fighting for our business soon enough. Selection will eventually increase and prices will drop.
@40..I recall drive thru liquor stores and home delivery in San Diego many, many years ago. I too certainly miss those services.
49
Well, I was at a Costco today and I happened to see a display of Kirkland Signature tequila and Kirkland Signature vodka (made in France! like Grey Goose!). Being an infrequent drinker, I didn't make a mental note of the prices or whether they included the special liquor taxes. Sorry.
50
@49, of course it's made in France. Next year it will be in Spain. Google "wine lake". A lot of that surplus is made into car fuel. It makes our idiotic corn ethanol situation pale in comparison.
51
@32, I live in West Seattle a couple blocks from the (formerly state-run) Premium Liquor Store, which had a (relatively) awesome selection. The new owner is keeping the name and said he's going to stock a lot of products that the grocery stores won't. Their hours are going to be more limited than the big box stores, but I'm hoping I'll still be able to find fancy whiskeys for my sweetie at reasonable prices. If they're open tomorrow, and I remember, I'll look to see if they have your Zaya.
Someone commented on the West Seattle Blog that the WS Thriftway has a decent selection of NW liquors. Plus we have Beer Junction (love) and a few wine stores. I think we've got it pretty good in the alcohol department, which will come in handy during our regular weekend-long viaduct closures.
Someone commented on the West Seattle Blog that the WS Thriftway has a decent selection of NW liquors. Plus we have Beer Junction (love) and a few wine stores. I think we've got it pretty good in the alcohol department, which will come in handy during our regular weekend-long viaduct closures.
52
Back from Harvard Mkt. QFC, where I went to buy wine, but passed by the (nearly empty) liquor aisle out of curiosity. A bottle of Hendricks, my favorite gin when I can afford it, was $45 before the club card...and about $34 with the club card, before taxes. Glad I planned ahead and restocked the liquor cabinet on Monday. I don't think I'll be drinking top shelf at home again for a while.
53
So it's been 1 day and you have proved that it's no good?
Way to go John Stossel. Is this Fox god dam news! You might as well be working for them. Something about the Stranger working as the Morality police, bothers me.
In other news, it was cold this morning, and since it is June and still cold, we can safely rule that Global Warming is over! Next up global darkening!
How long did the WA state DMV or DOL or whatever have to operate their shit shops by comparison to the stores you mention? So 50 years compared to 1 day? That seems to be a safe comparison Mr. Stossel. Fuck you conservative douche bags. I am going to walk down the street and by some booze. You'll have to pry it from my cold dead hands!
Here is the thing, don't like it? Move the fuck out to Utah or Alaska.
Also, fuck Safeway, I think 20% of their sales go to support clubbing baby seals or some shit.
Way to go John Stossel. Is this Fox god dam news! You might as well be working for them. Something about the Stranger working as the Morality police, bothers me.
In other news, it was cold this morning, and since it is June and still cold, we can safely rule that Global Warming is over! Next up global darkening!
How long did the WA state DMV or DOL or whatever have to operate their shit shops by comparison to the stores you mention? So 50 years compared to 1 day? That seems to be a safe comparison Mr. Stossel. Fuck you conservative douche bags. I am going to walk down the street and by some booze. You'll have to pry it from my cold dead hands!
Here is the thing, don't like it? Move the fuck out to Utah or Alaska.
Also, fuck Safeway, I think 20% of their sales go to support clubbing baby seals or some shit.
55
Saw both Metro Market and Safeway in my neighbirhood. Both well stocked. I was aganist this, but it passed and the world keeps on turning.
56
The blame or credit for the liquor prices and selection is on the shoulders of the people who voted for the initiative.
58
Fnarf. So here's the deal from what I've been told at Wine World's. So there's a 17% tax that small private wholesalers like Wine World have to pay to the state when they buy alcohol from the distributors unless they're buying 200 pallets of booze. At that point they're either exempt from the tax or only pay a small amount of the tax. With that said, the only people who could afford to buy and store that many pallets are Costco and the large chain grocery stores.
So the reason why Wine World and the small local stores will be charging more for liquor is b/c of the Costco Initiative.
So the reason why Wine World and the small local stores will be charging more for liquor is b/c of the Costco Initiative.
59
Marketime next to Seattle Center has a liquor application but the new shelving for spirits is still in plastic wrap, as of Midnight.
60
Every time someone uses the epithet "Mouthbreathers" of any sort, Henry N. Manney III laughs up there in heaven.
I don't know how, exactly, he would respond to "Mouthbreathing turd fondlers", as he was a man of culture and taste. But I am sure he would privately appreciate the humor. Well done, Fnarf!
I don't know how, exactly, he would respond to "Mouthbreathing turd fondlers", as he was a man of culture and taste. But I am sure he would privately appreciate the humor. Well done, Fnarf!
61
And by the way, I am looking for the 'like' button for COMTE's post. I am in the same camp, I would rather sip a fine $80 single malt than swill down some cheap frat-boy likker.
It is not a bad investment. Unless I share with friends, that $80 scotch will last several months. One does not make double-shot old fashioneds with it. And if I do share with friends, they also share theirs, out of the goodness of their boozy hearts.
I've plugged this before, but I'll do it again right here: Doug's Clearview Liquor, up on Highway 9 near Snohomish has an unbelievable selection of high-end brands (of all makes, not just scotch), and an especially good selection of single-malts. It is worth the trip north.
It is not a bad investment. Unless I share with friends, that $80 scotch will last several months. One does not make double-shot old fashioneds with it. And if I do share with friends, they also share theirs, out of the goodness of their boozy hearts.
I've plugged this before, but I'll do it again right here: Doug's Clearview Liquor, up on Highway 9 near Snohomish has an unbelievable selection of high-end brands (of all makes, not just scotch), and an especially good selection of single-malts. It is worth the trip north.
64
Interesting aside, Fnarf @28, is that while the state liquor stores offered few deathbed clearance discounts, the stock of rhums agricoles at the LQA store was routinely 25% off over the past month.
As impressed as I am with Zaya's richness/smoothness, do you ever find it to be just a little too much? Curious if you take it relatively straight, or if there's another ingredient with which you tend to mix it to provide balance and bring its excesses down a notch.
As impressed as I am with Zaya's richness/smoothness, do you ever find it to be just a little too much? Curious if you take it relatively straight, or if there's another ingredient with which you tend to mix it to provide balance and bring its excesses down a notch.
65
So for those of us who like to have a decent bottle around, but aren't loaded with cash, we are looking at about a 30% - 50% increase on anything that is not ultra mainstream. Laphroaig was $55 at the state store, now is $90+ after tax at QFC. Not that everyone can and should be buying expensive shit, but it just got entirely more inaccessible.
Thumbs down to Costco for lying to us about consumer benefits that are meager at best and thumbs down to the voters who believed them. They bought enough votes so the CEOs at Costco, Kroger, etc. can safely fill their swimming pools with your cash. Now we can all buy a fifth of Jäger at midnight at jacked up priced. Zippety-doo-dah!
Thumbs down to Costco for lying to us about consumer benefits that are meager at best and thumbs down to the voters who believed them. They bought enough votes so the CEOs at Costco, Kroger, etc. can safely fill their swimming pools with your cash. Now we can all buy a fifth of Jäger at midnight at jacked up priced. Zippety-doo-dah!
66
What is going to happen (and is happening) is each side is going to use various brands of booze to make the argument that it's cheaper or more expensive. The prices are going to flux depending on what you buy by going up or down. But at the end of the day the over all price is going to go up (private business wants to make a profit). So when you want to say it's cheaper, you're going to find something on sale at QFC with your club card that makes a little cheaper and if you want to say it's more you'll use something that isn't on sale.
And bullshit on comparing Washington State to other states. It is going to play out differently here given WHO wrote the initiative. And Costco didn't do it for the benefit of society. They did it to make more money and you get to pay the tab.
And bullshit on comparing Washington State to other states. It is going to play out differently here given WHO wrote the initiative. And Costco didn't do it for the benefit of society. They did it to make more money and you get to pay the tab.
68
@64, the solution to an overdose of Zaya's almost vanilla-extract flavor is to have a glass of One Barrel's brown sugar and butterscotch candy.
I drink all my rum on the rocks. I like to let it warm up on my tongue. The effort keeps me from swilling the stuff; if I wasn't paying attention I could pretty easily glug a half-pint of Zaya down before I realized what I was doing!
@60, I used to devour my friend's Road & Tracks back in high school, but I don't remember Henry N. Manney III. I must have read him, though. Perhaps I absorbed some of his style without noticing it.
I drink all my rum on the rocks. I like to let it warm up on my tongue. The effort keeps me from swilling the stuff; if I wasn't paying attention I could pretty easily glug a half-pint of Zaya down before I realized what I was doing!
@60, I used to devour my friend's Road & Tracks back in high school, but I don't remember Henry N. Manney III. I must have read him, though. Perhaps I absorbed some of his style without noticing it.
70
Ah, @68. I tend to take my rum just slightly "opened up," whisky-style, with the tiniest splash of water or a single ice cube. I guess I just have to be in the mood for Zaya. Curious if there's something with the robustness of a Barbancourt but the subtlety of a higher-end spirit.
(I have found reviews that recommend balancing out Zaya's decadence with dry vermouth and bitters, or even mixing it with ginger beer.)
(I have found reviews that recommend balancing out Zaya's decadence with dry vermouth and bitters, or even mixing it with ginger beer.)
71
There's now an Android app so you can calculate the cost of liquor while you're in the liquor aisle.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/detai…
https://play.google.com/store/apps/detai…
72
I'm a Washington distiller, and I know this much:
If I sell directly to the retailer (whether store or bar) I have to pay the same 10% distributor "fee" that any other distributor has to pay. No break there.
If I sell directly to the consumer, I have to pay the same 17% tax that every other retailer has to pay. No break there.
With the new (voter-approved) taxes and fees provided for in I-1183, in order to come anywhere close to my former shelf price, I had to narrow my own margin uncomfortably and beg my distributor to do the same. Now it's up to the retailer to decide whether to use their standard pricing formula or not.
So far—in spite of both my distributor and myself both taking narrower margins, the total retail price for my product is, on average, 30% higher than it was under WSLCB. Fortunately the price to on-premise retailers (bars) is pretty much the same as it was.
Yes, it's possible that things will even out eventually, and yes, there are some good points to the new system, but my fervent wish and advice to you all is:
The next time an initiative comes around making attractive promises, READ THE WHOLE THING instead of watching commercials and repeating unverified anecdotes about it. Find out who is paying for it and think about what their motives might be.
If I sell directly to the retailer (whether store or bar) I have to pay the same 10% distributor "fee" that any other distributor has to pay. No break there.
If I sell directly to the consumer, I have to pay the same 17% tax that every other retailer has to pay. No break there.
With the new (voter-approved) taxes and fees provided for in I-1183, in order to come anywhere close to my former shelf price, I had to narrow my own margin uncomfortably and beg my distributor to do the same. Now it's up to the retailer to decide whether to use their standard pricing formula or not.
So far—in spite of both my distributor and myself both taking narrower margins, the total retail price for my product is, on average, 30% higher than it was under WSLCB. Fortunately the price to on-premise retailers (bars) is pretty much the same as it was.
Yes, it's possible that things will even out eventually, and yes, there are some good points to the new system, but my fervent wish and advice to you all is:
The next time an initiative comes around making attractive promises, READ THE WHOLE THING instead of watching commercials and repeating unverified anecdotes about it. Find out who is paying for it and think about what their motives might be.
73
There's now an Android app so you can calculate the cost of liquor while you're in the liquor aisle.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/detai…
https://play.google.com/store/apps/detai…
74
@ Comte, why is that you ask? Let's go to the tape...
You're right. Having refined taste ALONE doesn't make one a snob. You have to be willing to judge those without it as inferior to become a snob. See all the sections I bolded for that.
And look at your privileged whining. Oh noes, I can't walk to three different liquor stores any more. The people of Omak shed copious tears for you. Jackass.
More...
"More convenience" may have been a factor for those of you who live out in the sticks, but I for one had THREE WSLC stores within walking distance of my home and work...
See, here's the thing: I tend not to drink bottom-shelf swill, so price and selection ARE important to me. The two QFC's I stopped at tonight didn't even have several of what I consider STANDARD stock...
That being said, I'm looking forward to hitting Costco over the weekend, just to gaze in awe at the 200 foot-long aisle stacked 20' high with carton after carton of double-packed 150 Liter plastic bottles of Kirkland Brand Vodka, Gin, and Whisky, and the credulous rubes grabbing it by the cart-load thinking they're in heaven....
And why is that @36? Simply because I happen to enjoy a few of the finer things in life? I realize that, when it comes to alcohol at least, most people are perfectly happy drinking the cheapest mass-produced ethanol they can get their hands on. But developing a taste for something even moderately better doesn't make one a snob; I'm not talking 100 year-old Cognac or 80 year-old champagne here, just a decent bottle of something that doesn't give off the aroma of an ARCO station when you pour it, or taste like it was filtered through week-old cigarette butts.
Hell, I'm not above imbibing a little locally made moonshine when occasion permits, but you can bet your last dollar it's WELL-MADE moonshine, because the people who make it take PRIDE in crafting their product.
As my late grandfather taught me: "don't be ashamed if you can't afford to buy the best; be ashamed if you DON'T buy the best you CAN afford."
You're right. Having refined taste ALONE doesn't make one a snob. You have to be willing to judge those without it as inferior to become a snob. See all the sections I bolded for that.
And look at your privileged whining. Oh noes, I can't walk to three different liquor stores any more. The people of Omak shed copious tears for you. Jackass.
75
Those of you talking about how "competition will bring down prices" don't seem to have a working understanding of how the game is played.
All the retailers are buying from the same distributors. If you want Jameson you get it from Southland -- doesn't matter if you're OFC, Safeway, Costco or the bar down the street, you only can get that product from one place.
And THEY are the ones setting the prices now.
All the retailers are buying from the same distributors. If you want Jameson you get it from Southland -- doesn't matter if you're OFC, Safeway, Costco or the bar down the street, you only can get that product from one place.
And THEY are the ones setting the prices now.
76
@74, your vagina is unusually sandy today. May I recommend Vagisil Wipes? So soothing.
@70, as a vermouth aficionado as well, I find the idea of putting some in my Zaya rum to be completely insane, like putting milk in my whisky or M&Ms on my pizza. I love the taste of it as it is.
One ice cube is about right; it depends on the weather and how I'm feeling (and how much I've had). I usually go with three. If I pace myself, the first two melt into the glass (and open it up, as you say), while the third one remains for licking and sucking after it's dry. No, you probably don't want to watch me drink! I make soft moaning and grunting sounds, too.
If you're looking to step up from Barbancourt, you could always try the Barbancourt 15 Year Old, the one in the colorful box. They have it at Wine World. Expensive, though. It's definitely a step up, though regular Barbancourt is pretty good, probably the best in its price tier.
The weirdest thing of all is seeing The Glenlivet for sale in Bartell's Drugs. $44.95 after all taxes (shown on the shelf tag, yay), which is only $5 more than WSLCB.
@70, as a vermouth aficionado as well, I find the idea of putting some in my Zaya rum to be completely insane, like putting milk in my whisky or M&Ms on my pizza. I love the taste of it as it is.
One ice cube is about right; it depends on the weather and how I'm feeling (and how much I've had). I usually go with three. If I pace myself, the first two melt into the glass (and open it up, as you say), while the third one remains for licking and sucking after it's dry. No, you probably don't want to watch me drink! I make soft moaning and grunting sounds, too.
If you're looking to step up from Barbancourt, you could always try the Barbancourt 15 Year Old, the one in the colorful box. They have it at Wine World. Expensive, though. It's definitely a step up, though regular Barbancourt is pretty good, probably the best in its price tier.
The weirdest thing of all is seeing The Glenlivet for sale in Bartell's Drugs. $44.95 after all taxes (shown on the shelf tag, yay), which is only $5 more than WSLCB.
77
@72 -- I agree that the first Costco initiative was far better. But it got derailed by the beer distributors and by "OMG they might sell booze at 7-11" concerns. In 2 years I hope we can get tweaks through the legislature to iron out inequities and lower the booze taxes.
78
This is all kinda funny to me, since I just moved to a state where you can't even buy BEER in a supermarket.
79
Portland is less then 3 hours from Seattle. If you drink so much a few extra dollars will kill you drive down and stock up.
80
@79, and you can also visit Powell's Books! Of course, that would simply eat up whatever monies you saved on liquor.
82
I'd be all over buying booze at Safeway, but frankly now that I have diabetes, I can't even begin to look at a bottle. Considering alcohol is made of sugar, I wonder why Bloomberg isn't banning liquor?
83
Thanks, @76. I am regretting that I never picked up a Barbancourt 15 Year prior to May 31st. With bar prices relatively stable, I'll just have to spend more time trying out the deep cuts on La Isla's list.
Well said, @72.
Well said, @72.
84
In short order we will have liquor super-stores like they do in California. These places will be 10,000+ feet of booze buying nirvana. And since they will have such a large physical footprint they will be able to stock most of what anybody would ever want. They will also be big enough to buy large quantities from distributors. How do i know? Because there is a demand for it, therefore it will happen. They will draw customers with lower prices and greater selection. Just because they aren't here on day one doesn't mean they won't be here on day 101.
85
wine world is price gauging hard core. they wanted 54.00 for a 750 ml of Belvedere which is the price that the 1.75 liter was at the state store. forget that place.
86
@ Fnarf, I think you're projecting your sandy itch there, old pal. Probably because what I say about Comte applies to you as well, eh? Too bad - I don't tend to think of you as a snob because you don't usually come across as a judgmental prick, but it's not surprising to see that such empty attitudes are shared by you.
87
I should clarify - you ARE a judgmental prick about a lot of things, but most of the time they're things that matter. Taste, OTOH, is one area where one's inferiority of character is demonstrated by one's affectations to the contrary. Refined taste = good, thinking that it makes your shit smell sweeter = bad.
88
@49 (Fnarf): Maybe Kirkland Signature vodka will be made in Spain next year, but unless Costco changes the label, it won't be made out of surplus wine. I visited Costco again yesterday, and the label on Kirkland Signature vodka says basically the same thing as the Grey Goose label, except that it doesn't mention the master distiller by name -- distilled at least five times from fine grain, using Gensac spring water, etc. It's obviously meant to compete with Grey Goose (which Costco also carries for a considerably higher price).
Currently, the Seattle Costco warehouse carries roughly 40 (maybe 50) different brands of liquor, including (from memory) Johnny Walker Red, Seagrams, Jack Daniels, Southern Comfort, Jägermeister, Absolut (in a couple/few variants), Skye, Cointreau, a silver tequila and a dark tequila, an amaretto, a Korean mash vodka, and an artisanal Washington State vodka and gin. Plus, a premixed margarita with an alcohol content roughly the same as wine; I wonder if liquor taxes apply nonetheless. The special sales tax and liter tax are NOT included in the price, although there are stickers here and there stating what those tax rates are. Actually, I did see one "demo" price card for Kirkland Signature vodka showing the retail price, the sales tax, the liter tax, and the register price. (For a 1.75 liter bottle, it was around $27 retail and around $43 at the register. I wish they would do this for all of their liquor. The excuse is probably that purchases for restaurants and bars incur a lower liquor sales tax and they would have to post two different register prices, one for consumers and one for restaurateurs. Weak excuse, especially for not including the liter tax.) I overheard a Costco employee telling other shoppers that all of the liquor Costco carries is priced lower at the register than it used to be at state liquor stores.
Anyway, Costco's selection is a small fraction what the old state liquor stores carried, but its prices are -- supposedly -- lower. If you guys want detailed brand and price reports, you'll have to get the Stranger to send one of its lavishly compensated interns to do the job.
More...
Currently, the Seattle Costco warehouse carries roughly 40 (maybe 50) different brands of liquor, including (from memory) Johnny Walker Red, Seagrams, Jack Daniels, Southern Comfort, Jägermeister, Absolut (in a couple/few variants), Skye, Cointreau, a silver tequila and a dark tequila, an amaretto, a Korean mash vodka, and an artisanal Washington State vodka and gin. Plus, a premixed margarita with an alcohol content roughly the same as wine; I wonder if liquor taxes apply nonetheless. The special sales tax and liter tax are NOT included in the price, although there are stickers here and there stating what those tax rates are. Actually, I did see one "demo" price card for Kirkland Signature vodka showing the retail price, the sales tax, the liter tax, and the register price. (For a 1.75 liter bottle, it was around $27 retail and around $43 at the register. I wish they would do this for all of their liquor. The excuse is probably that purchases for restaurants and bars incur a lower liquor sales tax and they would have to post two different register prices, one for consumers and one for restaurateurs. Weak excuse, especially for not including the liter tax.) I overheard a Costco employee telling other shoppers that all of the liquor Costco carries is priced lower at the register than it used to be at state liquor stores.
Anyway, Costco's selection is a small fraction what the old state liquor stores carried, but its prices are -- supposedly -- lower. If you guys want detailed brand and price reports, you'll have to get the Stranger to send one of its lavishly compensated interns to do the job.
89
I did notice this "lack of variety" in several stores I visited over the weekend. I also found a lot of empty shelf space. Everyone I talked to at the stores said that a lot of what they are planning on putting out there is on back order; it simply hasn't arrived yet. Once the distribution settles down, you will see better variety and they will be able to price check everyone else, and market competition will ensue.
I still think getting the state out of the liquor business was a smart move for Washington State. Just give it a little time to settle in.
I still think getting the state out of the liquor business was a smart move for Washington State. Just give it a little time to settle in.
90
Don't buy liquor all the time, then it won't be such a big deal that the prices are a few bucks more! If it really bothers you that much about the price increase....you're probably an alcoholic :)
91
Aaaah, thanks for doing this!
Also, the WSLCB has (had?) all their liquor store prices online if you wanted to compare tequilas.
Also, the WSLCB has (had?) all their liquor store prices online if you wanted to compare tequilas.
93
This conversation is better suited for 6 month to a year from now when the dust has settled and the free market, where liquor belongs, takes its course through competition and demand.
95
But the private sector always does everything so much better with greater efficiency, right? That explains the generic selection, empty, poorly stocked shelves, higher prices, correct? I am sure former state store employees everywhere are having the last laugh, they can enjoy a nice relaxing summer off from the stupidity of the voting public.
96
@88, Costco has a "silver tequila and a dark tequila" so no problem, right?
I am a Costco member but was seriously disappointed by their shitty selection and the 'lets beat the WS liquor prices by 5 cents' attitude. We dont like Absolut, Bacardi, Makers or any of the other meh brands, and I'm not risking $45 for a 1.75L bottle of mystery tequila. I can get 0.75L of Espolon for $20, incl shipping mail order over the interwebs. That $4 less than WS stores had it, and its damn tasty. Better than overrated Herradura, let alone Jose.
I am just going to mail order stuff until the real liquor stores come in - fuck the greedy retailers.
At that point Costco will probably have to compete for reals, like they do in Cali.
I am a Costco member but was seriously disappointed by their shitty selection and the 'lets beat the WS liquor prices by 5 cents' attitude. We dont like Absolut, Bacardi, Makers or any of the other meh brands, and I'm not risking $45 for a 1.75L bottle of mystery tequila. I can get 0.75L of Espolon for $20, incl shipping mail order over the interwebs. That $4 less than WS stores had it, and its damn tasty. Better than overrated Herradura, let alone Jose.
I am just going to mail order stuff until the real liquor stores come in - fuck the greedy retailers.
At that point Costco will probably have to compete for reals, like they do in Cali.
Advertisement
Most Commented on Slog
-
It's Spring! Who's Ready for Street Harassment? by Cienna Madrid
-
New Gun Enthusiast... by Dan Savage
-
SL Letter of the Day: Gonna Boil My Laptop After Answering This One by Dan Savage
-
Bigot Florist Files Countersuit by Dominic Holden
-
America Doesn't Care About Black People by Charles Mudede
-
US Military Grants Itself the Power to Police American Streets and "Quell" "Civil Disturbances" by Brendan Kiley
-
SL Letter of the Day: Living Discomfortably by Dan Savage
-
Slog Super Poll: Who Should Be Mayor? by Dominic Holden
-
Black Market Elimination Fail: Draft Pot Rules Call for Ban on Hash and Hash Oil by Ben Livingston
-
Tim Burgess Quits the Mayor's Race by Dominic Holden
Stranger Personals
The Stranger
RSSSeattle Art & Performance Quarterly
A complete guide to Seattle's current art, film, dance, and theater season.
Facebook
Twitter
Comments (96) RSS