Results tagged “samswineandspirits”

We've been receiving a few e-mails and instant messages from readers asking if the warehouse sale at Sam's Wine and Spirits was still a go, especially in light of the news last week that Binny's agreed to buy Sam's.

Last night the Tribune broke the story of Binny's Beverage Depot agreeing to buy Sam's Wine and Spirits for an undisclosed sum. We can't say that this wasn't unexpected. Our most recent visits to Sam's have been funereal, if not downright depressing. It also ends with a whimper the aggressive competition between the two big-box liquor wholesalers that was waged for almost six decades.

The Tribune is reporting that Binny's Beverage Depot has agreed to buy Sam's Wine and Spirits for an undisclosed sum. We'll have more on this tomorrow. [Chicago Breaking News]

The last time Sam's Wine and Spirits had a warehouse sale we made out like bandits, buying nearly $600 worth of wine for just over $100 after discounts. They're doing it again from October 14-25, slashing up to 75% off of their inventory. Some lucky shopper will also win a six liter bottle of Reignac Rouge Bordeaux 2003, which will be given away in a raffle

Like most, our personal budgets have tightened significantly over the past year or so. Not that cash burned a hole in our pocket before. It's just that we're being even more cognizant of closeouts and deep discounts at the wine shop than ever before. Rare is the wine that we'll buy at retail.

On Monday, loyal customers of the South Loop location of Sam’s Wines & Spirits learned that the location was due to close this upcoming Sunday, August 9. The store opened with much fanfare in 2007 and included a rooftop deck and a wine bar. The Chicago-based chain spent a significant amount of money renovating the 16,000 square foot former Trailways bus terminal it was located in. The exact reasons for the close are unknown, but emails from Sam’s indicated that general economic malaise, as well as the particular difficulties in the South Loop housing market, helped lead to the store’s demise.

Here at Chicagoist Cocktail Labs, we’re somewhat skeptical about new spirits. All too often, they are artificially flavored grape-root beer-blue raspberry malt liquor concoctions masquerading as fine “vodka” with price tags to match. Believe us when we say VeeV is different. This stuff is tasty, addictive and compatible with tons of cocktails or sippable on it’s own.

Our standard go-to wine pairing for a turkey dinner — which seems so frequent and common this time of year — is a petite syrah. Actually, any red wine with upfront bright fruit flavors and minimal tannins would pair well with the Tom. This is also the time of year where our wine rack empties quickly as we attend these dinners.

For over 100 years the Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind has done amazing work attending to the needs of and empowering the blind and visually impaired. But they can't do it without raising funds,

First, a disclaimer: we've been thoroughly underwhelmed by Sam's new South Loop store, which just seems like it was thrown together ad hoc in order to start generating revenue for South Loop residents starved for retail and has all the charm of a run-down Armanetti's.