The Better Beer Store

The Better Beer Store has an extensive selection of domestic beer and a handful of impressive imports. Nice variety of beers– not just trendy IPAs, which many beer & wine stores tend to stock these days. They also have beers on tap for growlers (in cans, even!)
I was pleased with the overall experience, selection, and value and was looking forward to going back again. New to the area, I was relieved to have found a quality beer store so quickly.
I went back a few weeks later with my husband, excited to show him a beer store that was indeed better than the other alternatives. Instead of the older couple, a younger couple was manning the store. The woman was friendly, but after noticing a price discrepancy between a four-​pack of Boulevard Tank 7 and the cost of the singles (the four-​pack was priced at $ 13, while the singles were priced around $ 2.50), we had a disappointing and unpleasant experience.
The man-​half of the couple was very rude when we pointed out the pricing problem and indicated we’d just buy four singles since they cost less than the 4-​pack. At that point he said in a confrontational way, «I prefer you don’t do that.» We seemed confused, at which point he said he would fix the problem by raising the price of the singles– at the register as we were trying to buy them.
It was so strange, awkward, bizarre and uncomfortable that I doubt we’ll go back. $ 13 is not a particularly competitive price for a four-​pack of Tank 7– they generally run around $ 10 or $ 11, so I am more inclined to think the pricing problem was with the 4-​pack and not the singles.
In any case, even if I wasn’t right about the source of the pricing problem (though I’ve bought a lot of Tank 7 in my life), in the world of retail, the customer is always right. Being confrontational and raising prices at the register to make something «right» is not a way to earn loyal customers. It honestly scared us off. In hindsight, I’m thinking his customer service skills just need honing, but I’d prefer not risking a replay.

Always a growler refill must when driving through Winchester, VA. The beer selection is unique from local craft brewers to old world German styles. Over 10 beers on tap and now the can can beer for you in-​site if you don’t have a growler.

Growler filling taps? Check. Make-​your-​own six pack? Check. Regional and national representation? Done and done.
Winchester now has two quality options for craft beer, including the Country Store over on Senseny Road. When you walk into this retailer the staff is more than happy to help both the neophyte and seasoned beer geek get something of interest.
A wall of cooler space on the left, which leads back to the 6 – 8 taps for growler fills. Their selection of 750mL and 20oz bottles are on the far right, with a cashier in the middle of it all. Plenty of space to walk around and all the beer is clearly displayed on metal shelves; my only concern is with the bull windows letting in so much sunlight, but I haven’t had a problem with a purchase, so I expect they go through their stock quickly enough.
Reasonable prices, a nice selection, friendly service and their location close to I-​81 make this place a winner. I hope they continue to do well! They even had Route 11 chips for sale.

Awesome, purely awesome. The staff are great, they really know their craft beer and can help you to navigate through the immense selection. They have tastings almost every weekend and a rewards club. Absolutely urge anyone who appreciates craft brew to swing by!

Great selection of beers from all over the country and especially local breweries. The staff was very knowledgeable and it is great that they offer tastings.

The best place in town for craft beers and owned n operated by locals.

WHAT?! The Better Beer Store?! Sweet! New place! I swung the car around to pop in and check it out! Eeeeee weeeeellllll this place is no country store… Which in my opinion has the best craft beer selection FOR MILES! That being said it has a decent beer selection and if you don’t feel like driving all the way out to the country store this place has alot to offer if you want something new to try! The overall ambience & vibe when you walk into the store is very boring. They have a small bar & taps on the wall for tastings which is a cool idea except nothing about the place makes me wanna hang out! If that was improved being so close to the Alamo people might wanna pop in to do a tasting hang out and peruse the selection before they go to a movie! The potential is there & I hope to give them a higher rating in the future!