Passion Pop and goon bags no more — we’re all grown up!
If you’re grabbing a tipple, there’s no better place to buy fine wines, premium spirits, beer and ciders than Adelaide’s iconic Booze Brothers stores. With four cellars across Unley, St Peters, Mile End and Coromandel Valley, the crew behind these independent bottleos has had our backs since 1985.
We caught up with Andy Pritchard, Manager of The Avenues store in St Peters to find out why Booze Brothers should be your number one stop when it comes to special events, dinner with friends, or getting jiggy with your loved one…
Photo :: Wayne Pearson
SA all the way
Home to some of the globe’s most touted wine regions, SA’s also pumping with inspiring distillers and brewers, and Booze Brothers are all about supporting local.
“We proudly back small boutique wineries, artisan gins, craft beers and ciders and we couldn’t be more spoilt for choice in SA,” Andy says.
“Being locally owned, we’ve got the relationships and flexibility to nab hard to find or exclusive first to market buys, rather than flogging big box brands at discounted prices. We care about the quality of what you’re buying.”
And it’s not just the producers who are top of mind, with customers’ opinions and curiosities holding weight.
“Our stores aren’t replicas of each other — we stock what works for our locals. Pop into any of our cellars and if we don’t have what you’re after, we’ll track it down.”
Photo :: Wayne Pearson
To beer, or not to beer?
Before craft beer was even a thing, the shelves at Booze Brothers were lined. Long-term dealings with the likes of Big Shed Brewing, Prancing Pony, Little Bang Brewery, Lobethal Bierhaus and Pirate Life mean they’ve got the best flavours coming out of our breweries.
“Our close contact with these talented locals means that as soon as a new beer is released, we’re one of the first to stock it and get the rundown on the who, what and why it’s so delicious,” says Andy.
A gin-gin situation
The gin wave has well and truly hit, with the white spirit skyrocketing in popularity.
“Two years ago, we had about eight basic imports, but we’ve followed what customers wanted and now stock upwards of 100,” notes Andy.
“It’s the botanicals that set SA gins apart and our distillers have nailed the art. From the get-go, we’ve been behind incredible brands like 78 Degree Gins, KI Spirits and Antipodes, and they continue to fly off the shelves. And don’t get me started on Four Pillars’ Bloody Shiraz, or 23rd Street Distillery’s limited-edition Violet Gin,” he adds.
Photo :: Wayne Pearson
Wine not?
Put down the cask, there’s a better way! Whatever your price point, whatever your preference, whatever the weather, Booze Brothers will find you the perfect drop for the occasion.
“We’re total wine-geeks and get a kick out of helping you explore different varieties and regions — not just picking up the same bottle because it’s what you know.”
Booze Brothers gives you access to labels that can be hard to come by outside their cellar door, like Alpha Box and Dice, Down the Rabbit Hole, plus limited releases like Ochota Barrels, for a more exclusive wine drinking adventure.
Photo :: Wayne Pearson
Hot tips
We’re keen as mustard to get Andy’s wine tips! Even though it’s like asking who his favourite kid is, he’s shared a few faves.
“The red trend is towards lighter varieties at the moment, including Grenache, Tempranillo and Pinot Noir. White drinkers are going for Pinot Gris, which isn’t as acidic as Sauvignon Blanc — Tim Adams in Clare Valley is one of our most popular.
“In terms of region, locals are supporting the Hills after the fires and they’re being rewarded with seriously good drinking. Anderson Hill, Mt Lofty Vineyard, Ashton Hills, Pike & Joyce and The Other Wine Co. are all top choices. Plus, you can’t go wrong with any of the range from Murdoch Hills!
“From McLaren Vale, my pick is a Tempranillo from Down The Rabbit Hole — it’s good easy drinking, not overly oaked or tannic — perfect with Friday night pizza. And best alongside a cheese platter? I can’t go past a Howard’s Pinot Gris, or their Gruner Veltliner.”
Em xx