Tastings

City-wide compilation of upcoming whiskey tastings from NYCWhisky.com
Upcoming free tastings at Astor Wines & Spirits
Facebook page for Gramercy Wine & Spirits, updated daily (Wed-Sat) with the day’s free tasting

Favorite Stores in the City

Best Value: Warehouse Wines & Spirits

Their spirits selection isn’t as extensive as other stores and their website is not up to date.  For the most part their prices are unbeatable in Manhattan and they sell some surprisingly hard to find bottles.  It’s also conveniently located a block away from Astor Wines & Spirits in case what you’re looking for is unavailable.
Address: 735 Broadway, New York, NY 10003 (Broadway and Waverly Place)
Convenient Subways: R@8th St NYU; 6@Astor Place
Website: http://www.warehousewinesandspirits.com/
Phone: (212) 982-7770

Best Selection: Astor Wines & Spirits

Astor has one of the biggest selections offered in Manhattan, regardless of category.  They also have a great selection of rare and super-premium bottles, sometimes offering private taste profile evaluations in their back tasting room when considering a premium purchase.  In addition, they host weekly spirits tastings and offer classes on a regular basis.  And it’s just a block away from Warehouse Wines & Spirits if you want to easily compare prices.
Address: 399 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10003 (E 4th St and Lafayette St)
Convenient Subways: 6@Astor Place; R@8th St NYU
Website: http://www.astorwines.com/
Phone: (212) 674-7500

Best Service: Gramercy Wine & Spirits

Gramercy Wine & Spirits has a great selection and a better staff.  I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t stopped in just to talk with them and learn.  Their employees are clearly passionate about the work they do and the category they represent, and know many of their customers by name.  Gramercy Wine & Spirits is not always the best value, but the service and experience can overcome the cost difference.  They also offer weekly tastings in a more intimate setting than you’ll find elsewhere and you’ll find the employees can usually discuss the tasted spirit as in-depth as the company rep.
Address: 104 E 23rd St, New York, NY 10010  (E 23rd St and Park Ave)
Convenient Subways: 6,N,R@23rd St
Website: https://www.gramercywine.com/
Phone: (212) 505-0550