Blanchard's Liquors

Once again, Phoenix readers, you’ve picked the Allston and Jamaica Plain booze outlet BLANCHARD’S LIQUORS as your top spirit purveyor, which leaves a slightly bittersweet taste in our mouths — and it’s not from the newsroom’s “morning Jägermeister shot.” It’s because the race was close — nearly a tie — between Blanchard’s and the second-place winner (and Blanchard’s Allston neighbor), MARTY’S LIQUORS, which closed in March after 60 years of service, due to rent hikes for their space on the corner of Harvard Avenue and Comm Ave. Whoa. So long, Marty’s, we’ll miss you and your fantastic wine selection, delicious made-to-order sandwiches, and mini-gourmet market at the front of the store (seven different varieties of hot sauces, anyone?). Blanchard’s, of course, has similar virtues and a huge selection of just what you’d expect — and a wealth of things you’ve never heard of. A great place to learn something new about your inner inebriate.

BLANCHARD’S | 103 Harvard Avenue, Allston | 617.782.5588 | various locations | blanchards.net