Narberth Beverage Co

Very expensive. Good selection. Very little beer knowledge. more

I read these reviews and was hesitant to visit Narberth Beverage. However, after going to 3 other distributors and finding that they had already cleared out their Sam Adams Summer Ale when it wasn't even the end of August, I decided to try these guys since they're within walking distance. \r \r The customer area is extremely small (smaller than my living area) and is full of a potpourri of beer cases. There was barely enough room for 3 customers.\r \r I saw other Sam Adams but did not see Summer Ale. When I asked the clerk, I expected to hear they were out for the season. However, the clerk (presumably the owner) said he had stocked up at the end of production so he had cases. The case was pulled from the back and another clerk brought it to me outside.\r \r I could not verify the fees another reviewer stated were imposed. Full disclosure: I did not buy a cold case so I don't know if they charge extra. However, there was no indication of a cash discount or credit card surcharge. The price was given before I pulled out any payment and my credit card was charged exactly what was stated. The price seemed high but included tax so it was in line with what I had paid elsewhere.\r \r I do agree that I hate this backwards structure in PA and I usually buy smaller packs in MD or DE, but for the times when I need beer now this was a nice establishment. Pros: Good selection, smart inventory decisions, personal service Cons: Extremely small store more

This place is a shining example of what's so terribly wrong with the beer distributor scheme in Pennsylvania. First, they act like it's a privilege for you to be in their store. Then come the extra ""add-on"" charges to the already inflated prices: an extra charge for a cold case, an extra charge if you use a credit card (is that legal?), etc. The selection is medicore at best, they heavily push what's on the floor right in front of you and discourage other orders off their outdated list. Until Pennsylvania's idiot legislature wises up and I can buy 6 packs or 12 packs at the Acme across the street, I will go to Jersey for my beer, thanks. Pros: Convenient to Where I live Cons: Bad Pricing, Poor Service, Weak Selection, Bad Attitude more