Where to buy liquor in St. Louis

Well, I think I have been to most of the larger liquor stores in St. Louis and without a doubt the best place, for both price and selection is

The Wine and Cheese Place in Clayton. 

When I moved back to St. Louis two years ago I was a Lukas Liquor fan.  At that time I thought no one could beat their price or selection.  I went to Dirt Cheap, Shop N Sav, and other local liquor stores, and nothing compared.  I knew about The Wine and Cheese Place because I was a Clayton Police Officer when it opened.  However, an assumption I made (I now know is wrong) was that being in Clayton it will be overpriced.  Now keep in mind, I base and compare most of the scotch prices with BevMo, a large liquor store in Arizona and California.   This is where I bought all my liquor when I live in Phoenix.   About 1 1/2 years ago I saw a scotch tasting at The Wine and Cheese Place and I went.  I WAS SHOCKED AT THE PRICES.   They beat Lukas by an average of about $5 a bottle on scotch, and had just as large of a selection, if not bigger. 

  Recently I went to The Wine Merchant, also in Clayton, because they advertised themselves as the largest scotch collection within 250 miles.  WRONG!!!.  They may have had some different selections, but it wasn’t bigger.  Plus, they were an average of $8 to $10 a bottle more expensive. 

  I also tried Friar Tucks in Crestwood.  At least $10 a bottle more expensive, plus a smaller selection.  Same goes with Paradise Liquor at I-44 and 141. 

  As a bonus at The Wine and Cheese Place, they have one hell of a selection of wine and beer.  They also have the wines rated, and they put additional notes for each.  I have bought several bottles of the less expensive wines for my wife based on the ratings and she really liked them.   Their cheese selection is outstanding, and they have other neat items like bacon, coffee, and chocolate. 

  The employees are helpful and knowledgeable.  In fact, I asked Paul Hayden (the manager I think) if he could find Doug and I an affordable Ben Nevis scotch, and he did!  These guys will go out of their way to help their customers and find something you are looking for.  I recently asked him about some affordable Japanese Whiskey and we’ll see if he pulls through again.

  The Wine and Cheese Place has three locations, plus a market, but their largest location is in Clayton.  This is well worth the drive.