Upon moving to Fort Collins almost a year ago, I discovered a liquor store that surpassed all expectations and experiences I have encountered in my years of being of drinking age. Now some might think that silly, but take into account that I lived in Las Vegas for years—I know liquor stores (they are open 24/7 there!). In grad school, I lived across from the notorious Liquor Mart in Boulder—pretty stunning in size and selection, not much to look at or feel—in any way—elegant.

Wilbur’s Total Beverage defies the laws of liquor stores to engage its clientele in a sensory experience you might hardly expect in a modest town such as Fort Collins. Expansive, beautifully organized, helpful staff, and a variety that rivals any I’ve ever seen in one house. I feel as though I am in the New York City Public Library—only instead of Watership Down I am staring at a brand of beer I thought I could only buy in a small California township.

The wine selection is a pretty defining area of a liquor store. I highly doubt you will have trouble finding the wine you came for—but you may kill an hour or two wandering the labels of thousands of bottles.

The beer selection, a garden of varieties lining the North wall, will astound any aficionado. It represents every local microbrew, of course, but also a fine assortment of other American microbrews. The world’s finest beers sit proudly amongst the Americans.

Liquor sections tend to be predictable. Keeping up with their wine and beer sections, Wilbur’s hard liquors present a range of the finest to the cheapest. The Scotch choices are unbelievable. Not only that, they actually have amazing sales. The first time my husband encountered Wilbur’s he bought a favorite bottle, usually priced at $60, for $45.

Cigars, glasses, gift bags, even a computer that will tell you exactly what you need to make that special martini—nothing is forgotten by Wilbur’s. And no one will forget the Wilbur’s experience.

Wilbur's Total Beverage
www.wilburstotalbeverage.com
[where: 2201 S College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80525]
970-226-8662