S&R Liquor Store
The Story: S&R Liquor Store is a family owned liquor store located just off of the Farragut West metro stop on 18th street in Washington, D.C. S&R Liquor store was started by Vinnie Manocha and his father VS Manocha in 1995; Ray Manocha (Vinnie’s brother) joined the business in 2004. Vinnie and Ray pride themselves on having a large selection of international, domestic, and local spirits, beer, wine and whiskey. S&R was recommended to me by several of my favorite whiskey collectors in the D.C. area, and the store did not disappoint.
Experience: I usually stop by two to three liquor stores a week; S&R is by far my favorite. Generally, I do not consider a trip to the liquor store an experience, but Vinnie and Ray or (“the Brothers” as many affectionally call them) create a fun and welcoming environment. As soon as a customer walks in the store, they are greeted by name and, in my case, a hug. More impressively, you will not find a bottle on the shelf that the Brothers cannot give you tasting notes on and in most cases a sample of the precious liquid inside the bottle.
Every time I go in I find something new and rare to add to my personal collection. They have a large whisky collection, including personal barrel picks and rare whiskies that I have not been able to find on my cross-country travels. Many stores will place a high mark up on rare or popular whiskies, but S&R has some of the best prices I have found across the country, especially in the D.C. area.
Recommendation: I recommend S&R to anyone looking for a rare or special bottle in the D.C. area. Whiskey hunters will not be disappointed with a stop by S&R. Do not be deterred if you are not a whiskey fan; they carry a wonderful selection of all spirits, beer, and wine. Stop by on Thursday and Friday afternoons for a variety of hosted tastings. Speaking of that, I am off to S&R, for my weekly yoga session, Cheers!
Japanese Whisky Tasting w/ “The Way of Whisky” Author Dave Broom hosted by Jack Rose Dining Saloon