The Wise Old Dog

This has been my new favorite package store since they opened their doors. I love the staff that works there. It's like walking into" Cheers." Where everybody knows your name.

Great store, STRONGLY recommended for special occasion purchases. I stopped by Wise Old Dog to buy a birthday gift for a close friend. I have limited cocktail related knowledge but wandered in with a budget, a gift basket to fill, and a dream. The owner assembled and packed a gorgeous, curated themed gift with me that I am super excited to give. Great store, even better customer service!

Interesting wine-focused liquor store with a variety of imports and smaller batch brands and varietals. Inventory is select and a little more on the high-end side; but a must for local connoisseurs. Very knowledgeable staff, great on recommendations. Also worth having a "profile" with them so you can remember the good finds from previous purchases!

Exactly what a small neighborhood liquor store should be. With extremely helpful staff.

when youre in hartford, there’s only one world class wine shop. to the wise old dog, you are the one. the staff here is not only knowledgeable but they actually want to see you get what youre after. why more places dont cultivate talent the way this spot does, who can say. I wasn’t so sure about hartford until I found this place. gives us all hope for the future. keep it coming

The staff here are knowledgeable, helpful, and relaxed. Browsing is like being in an art gallery — everything is gorgeous and has a good reason for making it on the shelves. Our favorite spirits store for nearly 10 years.

What's better than being greeted by cute dogs? Besides that, very nice people. Pretty good selection, but if they don't have something you're looking for they can help order it for you. Definitely recommend stopping by

There is no place like it in my experience. Every employee is kind, fun, and knows a lot. If they don’t know about what you’re asking for they’ll find someone in the shop who does. The prices aren’t the rock bottom prices you might find elsewhere, but let’s be honest you’re paying for the amazing staff who helped you find what you were looking for! Wise Old Dog’s team is living proof that amazing, personal, non-pretentious customer service is still alive and well.

This has quickly become my favorite wine shop. The owners and staff are really knowledgeable about their wines and always have great recommendations. While I tend to splurge there (their Sancerre selection is great!), they also have a good selection of lower price point wines. I always walk out of here with something new -- and bonus points for the Boston terriers who are usually working as greeters!

Very knowledgeable and friendly staff. Great neighborhood establishment. They will order something for you if they don't have it. They have wine tastings I believe or did they just give free samples? Maybe both.

Nice neighborhood (in NE terms) Packy that has recently been modernized to add to the discerning Spirit shoppers experience. Fancy words, but The Wise Old Dog has earned their Pedestal. The new shop boosts an impressive array of Ale & Lager coolers with a chilled behind-the-scenes browsing space. Ample shelf and floor displays for the bottled spirits and wines. Knowledgeable staff eager to assist & recommend. But most astonishing is their Fine Wine Closet (aka Environment Controlled Chiller). Yes, the prices do reflect the use of the Chiller, but again, if you're a discerning shopper or collector you've got to add This Wise Old Dog to your list!

My favorite local wine/liquor store. GREAT selections in every price point. Jacob, Thomas, and his staff are all friendly and knowledgeable, going to shop their is like visiting friends. They make great recommendations tailored to you. I've found bottles there I couldn't find any else.

One of the best package stores around! For a smaller store they have a huge selection. The employees are personable, friendly, and helpful. A great place to go pick up the essentials or to find something new!

A buddy of mine from Maryland called me over the weekend. He'll be in CT tomorrow for a charity event, and one of the things he talked about was a really good Australian Sauvignon Blanc he just discovered, and he asked if I could find a few bottles. The wine is called The Infamous Goose and the vineyard is Wild Rock. I made a few local phone calls without success before I remembered all the Yelp love and rave reviews directed at the Wise Old Dog. I called over the weekend and spoke with Jacob, one of the friendliest and most helpful folks I ever ran into. He was intrigued by my situation, and while we were chatting on the phone, he checked his computer to see if any of his sales reps carried it. Someone did, Jacob said it would be here Tuesday, and I picked it up tonight. The combination of Jacob's incredible customer service and the impressive inventory taking up nearly every cubic inch of the store easily justify the Wise Old Dog's 5 star rating over 42 reviews. Make that 43.

Stopped in for a wine tasting...cellar school! The set up for this event was very impressive with a long table and chairs (a new addition). This was my first time in the store, so the set up was definitely a WOW factor for me. I didn't do much browsing around the store, I do plan to go back to check out their selection, however from what I saw it was well organized and clean. During the hour and half time of the wine tasting there was a steady flow of customers which was nice to see. For the main event, the cellar school, I wasn't overly impressed. I have gone to a few wine tastings and I was hoping for more information on the actual wine we were tasting. The tasting i attended just focused on the geography of the wine, which does have a purpose and place when talking wine but I was hoping for more information on notes we were tasting and things to look for in the wines. I will definitely be back to check out the store and I will probably end up at another tasting to see if I just hit an off night. There is a parking lot! The owners see very nice and knowledgeable. If you haven't checked this place out you should pop in!

Good wine and spirit selection at good prices. Decent selection of mezcal, which for CT is saying a lot. Where the do a truly AMAZING job is in community engagement. Like...really...amazing. Regular events, excellent support of those in need (of ABV beverages) through these trying times, very knowledgable. Really an amazing place that I'll be back to on a regular basis.

If you're looking for a friendly, knowledgeable, neighborhood liquor store, look no further. I've been a fan of this store since it used to be in the smaller space next door and can't say enough good things about it. Jacob, the proprietor, is happy to expound on the deliciousness of a particular wine or grape but is also happy to point you to the best bottle of a particular type within my budget. One thing I particularly love about this store is the Thursday night classes that they put on. Not always about wine, sometimes the classes address hard liquor or beer, I always come away a bit buzzed and a bit more informed. I have no hesitation in recommending this delightful store.

Stopped in for the first time last week per a friend's recommendation. I've visited a few liquor stores in the area and man these guys are the best. The atmosphere of the store is alive and vibrant. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Jacob, the owner, is well versed in wine and spirits and though they were quite busy that day, still made time to ensure I found what I was looking for. Was also very pleased with the variety of wines/spirits. I've been searching for a liquor store close by that carries El Dorado rum and was pleasantly surprised to see a few familiar bottles and ones that I'd never heard of. Jacob was nice enough to talk me through a few of the ones I hadn't tried before and I walked away with a bottle of single barrel rum that was quite a hit at the Easter bbq. And for all you wine lovers out there, for only $5 you can get the rosé passport and get 10% all rosés through Labor Day weekend. If that's not motivation enough, you also have a chance to win a very nice bottle from Jacob's personal collection. Overall, an awesome experience. I would've given five stars but the store was a little tight on space but only because of the sheer volume of fine wine and spirits. Can't really fault them for that though. Will definitely be back!

Wow, I wish this spot was my local liquor store. Even though it's smaller than most discount places, their beer selection is top notch, and the prices are still competitive. They had some beers I haven't seen at some of the "magnum" type stores. They're also able to pack in a small but unique selection of wines. The people here are friendly and offered some great advice around beer and a bottle o' bubbly. I look forward to coming back!

Stopped in to The Wise Old Dog today to pick up some RIPE Bloody Mary Bar Juice, as they were the closest purveyor in the area. I was pleasantly surprised that this tiny package store carried such a great variety of vodkas, rums, and tequilas. They guys working were very helpful, and able to tell us which spirits were made locally and which would mesh best with the mixers we were purchasing. The Wise Old Dog also carries and excellent selection of bitters, for you prohibition-style cocktail lovers. I was really pumped to see this! If you're looking for a wonderful selection of spirits from which to replenish your at-home bar, The Wise Old Dog should absolutely be your first stop.

One world, it's a battleground One world, and we will smash it down So, going from point a to point b, this Wise Old Dog crossed my path. it looked like a remake of the little neighborhood wine store but there were a few beer neons in the windows so i made my way into that parking lot to peruse the coolers. beer guy was very friendly and after talking a while he maybe gets to know what you are looking for and might like and make some suggestions. i picked up some of that 961 beer from lebanon and it is one of my current favorites. the selection here isn't really that big, but it is very diverse and the guy knows what he has. he could probably talk about beer all day.

This spot is one of the best local spots to grab craft beer and amazing wine. I asked for a box of 12 reds based on what size knew I already liked, and the box put together for me was FANTASTIC. They're also amazing and offering free delivery right now in the midst of this pandemic- tipping option included for the awesome staff delivering all over Hartford county! Highly recommend this spot for all of your alcohol needs!

Stopped by today after passing by the Wise Old Dog numerous times in the last year. I was instantly welcomed by Jacob and his staff and felt more than at home. Jacob walked me through the layout of the store and even chatted me up about some selections I had made. I have heard that there are tastings here and I will absolutely come back to be there for those. I would highly recommend this store to ANYONE who wants to try a new beer and wants a suggestion. The staff here are top notch and the store itself is beautiful!

Every time I'm in CT to visit family, this is my spot to get our wines, beer, and bottles. I usually take their recommendations on what to buy that I won't find back in Detroit. Never need disappointed with any of their help. Super cool group of guys that run it.

The Wise Old Dog has one of the best liquor selections in the area; the owners really know what they're doing and put effort into their selection of whiskys, tequilas, rums, etc. Right next to the register, there is also an impressive array of bitters to pair with that exotic whisky you just picked up. Mole bitters, anyone? The three employees I met during my first trip there were super friendly, and a quick conversation I overheard between an employee and a customer who is clearly a regular shows the effort they put in to get the beer and liquor people want. The only (and I mean only) downside I saw was the beer selection wasn't that large in terms of sheer volume, but it was definitely made up for in the quality of its choices. And in this case, quality trumps quantity. I could see some people wishing there was a larger selection, but it was fine for my first time there. I will be back!

Wow. How have I not been here before? Jacob, the owner, is helpful, passionate and altogether a joy to chat with about beer, wine and whisky. He even pointed me to a nice collection of sample-size cocktail bitters to play around with (just $20 for 5 bottles). They've also got a nice representation of Japanese whiskey! This store is perhaps West Hartford's greatest secret. Take a peek at the class schedule ranging from $8-12 per person (in addition to free tastings!). Overall a total delight with high end selections while eliminating all the junk.

I liquor store is a liquor store right? WRONG! The owner of this store is amazing. He knows everything about the origins and making process of every line of beverage he carries. He's suggested wine's, scotch, and different beers to me for many different occasions now and has not steered me wrong yet. He remembers myself and my wife and offers a very personable atmosphere that makes you want to come back there. If you are a Bud drinker go somewhere else, but if you have a refined taste that likes complex and drinks of the pricier variety (not that everything he carries is pricey, he'll suggest stuff to your budget), then stop here. You will not be disappointed.

I had been to this location before when it was owned by another person, however this was my first trip under new ownership. One word: Impressive. On this trip I was looking for beer (which they had more than a large supply), but immediately is realized the large supply of Wines. After making my decision, I began chatting with the very personable owner, who is a great guy. One last thing, one review said that this is not a place for Bud or Natty drinkers, I respectfully disagree, the place has mass produced American beers as well so this makes me think they will enjoy the The Wise Old Dog as well!

I went to a Thanksgiving wine tasting at the Wise Old Dog and felt compelled to write about my experiences there. Certainly not my first visit, but I'm always amazed at the knowledge and helpfulness of Owner Jacob and his amazing staff. I've always felt the employees at the WOD are ready to jump in and help, especially since, while I appreciate great wine, I am by no means a connoisseur. These guys have helped me pick out a fabulous celebratory bubbly, a romantic red for a special date, quality wine (in my limited price point) to bring as gifts for Thanksgiving day plans, and unique every-day Chardonnays for myself. I love how they always seem to have suggestions about smaller, quality vineyards and varietals as I love trying new wines. Their new larger space on South Quaker has such a warm, open, inviting vibe. The tasting area is right in front and really encourages conversation and fosters a sense of community. The work they did on their new space is amazing. The WOD is always hosting, or partaking in community events and always has an interesting tasting to look forward to. As I mentioned, they are knowledgeable without being arrogant and pushy and really listen to what the customer is looking for. The Wise Old Dog is a West Hartford gem. If you are looking for a bottle of wine that's sure to please, head on down and the staff will be ready and willing to find you just what you need. You'll wonder why you didn't pop in sooner. Cheers!

Great service. Extremely knowledgeable. Always has the best of the best when it comes to beers and wines. Im never disappointed

Wise Old Dog has become my go to in West Hartford. They utilize a relatively small space very efficiently. Excellent selection across the board. Prices are in line with 'discount' liquor stores. They turn over product quickly so beer freshness is never a concern (something I obsess over because I drink a lot of hoppy beers.) Top notch whisk(e)y, bourbon, rye, scotch selection. Staff is very knowledgable, friendly, and consistent. Tell Jacob what you like, or what you're cooking for dinner, or what mood you're in that day and he'll give you a range of options. Jack has gotten to know my beer tastes and makes recommendations every time I go. Get on the email list. Fun free tastings and Cellar School classes.

Incredible customer service, stock and prices. I am truly impressed altogether. Better than anything even NYC has to offer!

Hands down the best store I've ever been to. Not just the best liquor store, but the best customer experience I've ever received. Jacob, Thomas, and the rest of the staff know every bottle on their shelves and will give you an honest, fair, and spot-on recommendation for any occasion. They are also invested in their customers and will remember the types of wine or beer you enjoy and have other recommendations available based on your preferences. Additionally, their tastings and education events expose you to wide variety of wines from regions around the world often with the wine producers themselves or experts in the field. Cannot recommend this place more.

I went in for a white zinfandal. This was for my mother.( white lady im mixed) She drinks beranger. I asked for her drink or an equivalent or above. The front man blue eye blond hair dress shortguy. told me because of the holidays they are completely out of zin. Yelled to the back guys are we out of zin. Im not a wine guy but could see zin everywhere (how many pink wines can you have with none of them being zin. I started to point to one of the front staging areas and noticed the color of my skin on my arm. He kindly directed me to park ave he knew they would have it. And that is where i should be.

These guys redefine what liquor store should be. The staff is happy to work there in it shows in every interaction with their costumers. They are helpful, engaging, and funny. Their location is convenient and the selection is great for a store of their size. I highly recommend them!

Unsure how I've not given you guys a review on Yelp yet...it's been like, 4 years. So. Sorry 'bout it. Feels appropriate that I'm the 50th to review. This place is the best place in Hartford county, and possibly the world. Will update my review if anything changes.

The owner and his team are exceptional. They are passionate and knowledgeable and will never talk you into spending more than you need to for a great bottle of wine. They don't carry products they don't personally recommend in the store. They're so friendly - so glad to have them in the neighborhood.

Love this shop! Jacob and Tom are always helpful and great to talk with. They do a lot of tastings, have solid recommendations, and treat their customers really well. Glad they are successful and moved into a larger store.

This is a beautiful space staffed by knowledgeable people who are passionate about what they do. Jacob, the owner, is a joy, and he introduced me to what is now my favorite wine. I love supporting local businesses, and this one is well worth a visit.

Jacob and his team at The Wise Old Dog are not only friendly and welcoming , their knowledge of their trade is endless. Shopping here is like going to a friends house, you will always feel welcome no matter how busy or how small a purchase you make. From my first trip in I have felt as though I had know the staff for years. All that aside, the products are top notch and prices are basically at cost. Jacob always welcomes special orders with a smile. If your looking for a killer top shelf wine, a small batch craft beer or a 6er of miller you must make the wise old dog your spot. CHEERS!

These guys are a blessing to all the drinkers in West Hartford... Jacob, Jack & Quinn deliver on customer service and friendly prices, which a lot of the area boutique stores fail to do. The knowledge and the advice they impart to the novice or those asking is beyond reproach. The "Cellar School" events that they hold (basically beer/liquor/wine classes & tastings) are really fun & informative with absolutely no pressure to buy. You also get a crystal Reidel glass to go home with!!! No matter what your potent potable of choice happens to be, the fellas at the Wise Old Dog will have you covered & your wallet will be sure to appreciate it.

We like this shop and the owner/staff so much that the last time we stopped in we told Jacob that we really didn't need any wine or gin (though of course we bought some of each), but had just come in for the laughs. And WHERE ELSE ON THE PLANET would the owner down-sell you? He made me put back the bottle in my hand and pointed me to one less expensive he thought I would like as much. Cannot recommend highly enough.

Great staff great management Real family atmosphere. The staff kills it. You can tell management had really stepped up and trained them well. When ever I go in they know what I want what I goes well with and they treat me with the upmost of respect. If you live in the west Hartford area forget any other store and step on into The Wise Old Dog they will treat you like family

Great selection of products and very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Will definitely be back when I'm in the area.

You know what's great about this place? Everything. When I want something a little extra special, or have a specific taste in mind and don't know what exactly to buy, this is where I go. Jacob, the friendly and funny owner, has a wealth of knowledge about the products he carries, and he and the other staff have given me excellent recommendations and info every time. If you go in on a Friday evening to get stocked up for the weekend, you will most likely be handed a sample of wine/beer/booze as you shop. I really appreciate the high level of service that comes with each visit to the Wise Old Dog, and one if these days I'm going to have to join for one of the tasting classes they hold. Yay!

Oh Wise Old Dog, How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. 1. The knowledge and service is impeccable. You can always count on Jacob to pinpoint a fabulous wine, beer or scotch for whatever meal/event you are attending. 2. The atmosphere is what I would describe "Friday at 5 PM" feels like. Beautiful and fun painted windows on the outside, while the inside is a cozy and clean store that frequently plays movies on a big screen TV behind the register, or classic rock from the speakers overhead. 3. The employees treat you like family and are always happy to assist their customers by carrying bags to their car. 4. The loyalty and pride that the Wise Old Dog has for not only their store, but other local businesses is what makes this shop so special. Every Friday a local brewery or winery is featured to promote and teach the customers about their product and how it's made. I never leave empty handed (thanks Jacob...) but couldn't be happier to support this local business! I could go on and on but you must experience it for yourself!

Small space, but packed with options and a staff full of information willing to share. I was surprised by the bourbon options and a great selection of wines. Maximum beverage has gone down hill so I gave them a try. I will be shopping here going forward.

I like this place, because the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable about wine and then everything else. I like how you can hang out and talk shop about liquor. Small shop, but they seem to have what I like, and they seem to have a pretty good selection of beer. They hold wine tastings which are good.

If I could take this place back home to Miami with me, I would. I love walking into a place where the staff is not just personable but extremely knowledgable and isn't afraid to make recommendations. Thank you!

Have been here only twice and I am amazed. Real Customer Service here confirmed by other reviews. Local, friendly, knowledgeable. Always happy to support cool guys in my neighborhood.

These guys are the best!! Always helpful and very informative time after time. They have given me numerous suggestions and opinions from experience and not one has disappointed. There's no up-selling or trying to persuade you to buy something more expensive, just good honest advice. I do not live anywhere near the store but make it a point to get there when my liquor reserves are running low.

After surviving on Yelp! for years this is my first official review. That is how highly I think of this place - Jacob, Jack and the rest of the great staff. Whether your budget is big or small, your tastes are bud light or the best craft beers in the world or if you prefer a glass of red or white or even the hard stuff...this place is for you. Perfect store made even better by a great staff of knowledgeable and friendly employees.

West Hartford has some top-notch package stores, and this is right up there with the best of them. It's not the biggest one, that's for sure, but they've used the space they have wisely, offering lots of interesting selections (at least in the beer and whiskey sections...you wine drinkers are on your own). The owner and staff are always super-helpful, too. Stop in and chat them up...you're certain to come out a little smarter, with something you haven't tried yet.

Checked this place out today based on the great reviews, and I was not disappointed. At first I was skeptical because the beer section is fairly small, but they use the space very well and offer an impressive selection of rare craft beers. The staff is very knowledgeable and eager to help. Good prices.

This is a great stop for wine. For what the selection lacks in size it more than makes up for in outstanding selection and pricing. The owner Jacob is extremely passionate and knowledgable and always up for helping you find a great bottle. I recently purchased two bottles for under $40 that would have cost $70+ in any other store. Definitely make this a wine stop and check out the selection.

Excellent wine selection and super helpful staff! Loved the prosecco that was recommended to me.

New to yelp, or I would have written this review a long time ago. With Jacob, Allie, Thomas and the crew you can't go wrong. They treat every customer like a friend. Jacob's memory is amazing. He calls me by name, but also refers to me as #5 because I was the fifth ever customer of "The Wise Old Dog." Not only am I directed to the perfect wine for my budget by Jacob and Thomas, but they do a great job pairing it with the food you will be eating and remind me whether I have bought this before (ya, I'm more of a beer guy). But, that's not even the best of it. Go there on a Friday night, usually between 4-7 ish. That's when the sampling of wines, and beers generally occur. You will see Jacob not only educating the customers, but taking the lead on conversations, and funny stories. The only thing I can compare it to is what I picture the old time barber shop atmosphere to have been. Sure you are getting a hair cut, but that's not the only reason you are going there.