DC Dream: Chevy Chase Wine & Spirits
Tuesday, May 13th, 2008 by EdBeyond its burgundy-trimmed exterior, under the somewhat generic liquor sign, a wine and beer lover’s paradise awaits. It’s not one of those chain liquor megastores and that is its charm and appeal. In fact, if you’re taking a stroll just south of Chevy Chase Circle in Washington, D.C., you may pass right by it if you’re not paying attention.
Let me introduce you to Chevy Chase Wine and Spirits - the
latest find on my list great places to shop if you’re out to whet your whistle.
You see, I recently had the misfortune of having to travel to D.C. for a family medical emergency, but don’t worry, I won’t buzz kill this post with the details. In one of the few, brief moments I had as “down time” during my trip, I stumbled across this gem of a store.
Many who know me personally will tell you that I went into the store as part of my ongoing quest to source Bitburger Beer in the United States - which many of you may recall from one of my previous posts. They aren’t completely wrong.
Although the store’s main focus is wine (yeah, I’d say that carrying over 5,000 wines from around the world constitutes a focus), it is their beer selection - which boasts a hefty 1,200 brands - that really got my immediate attention. Truly, this store is the stuff from which dreams are born.
Shelf upon shelf is stacked with single-stocked rows of bottled beers from around the world and the U.S., reading like the Library of Congress for bottled beer. You’ll never see the same beer twice. Go on, name one. Chances are they have it.
Excuse me for a moment while I act like a kid in a candy store.
In fact, CCWS was the recipient of great recognition by Beer Aficionado Magazine. It’s not surprising that Chevy Chase Wine and Spirits have received such high praise. After all, they’ve been in business since 1934 and their staff has a combined 70 years experience in the business.
If neither wine nor beer is to your taste, perhaps CCWS can also tempt you with their great, big selection of vodka, scotch, cognac, bourbon, rum and other spirits, including our latest fav, absinthe.
If CCWS doesn’t have what you’re looking for, they’ll get it for you. In fact, I’ve already reserved a six-pack of my favorite German beer for my next trip to D.C. I can hardly wait.
Thank you, Chevy Chase Wine & Spirits!
TAGS [ CHEVY CHASE WINE AND SPIRITS | WASHINGTON DC | LIQUOR STORES | WINE | ABSINTHE ]
Food is one great way to enjoy the remainder of your beer. Check it out:



Some people stand by the “line cook/chef” analogy. These people believe that the term “bartenders” describe people who have a job making drinks - like line cooks, “bartenders” follow procedure and do the grunt work behind the bar without any original flare. “Mixologists” however, are like executive chefs filled with creative visions. These professionals have dedicated themselves to a career embracing the art form of making cocktails. To be a mixologist requires extensive product knowledge, an understanding of cocktail history and an inspired passion for the art form.
you’re interested, here’s my take: Over the years, the role of the bartender has evolved. Back in the day, most bar owners tended their own bars and took great pride in their jobs. Working behind the bar allowed them direct control of their liquid assets and a full view of their investment. They obviously had a vested interest in the success of the bar – so whether they were impressing patrons with new cocktails, entertaining or playing bouncer, they put their heart into it. That traditional role is a thing of the past in most bars today. Most often security personnel handle drunks, managers take care of employees and guests and electronic liquor control systems control liquid assets for us, so bartenders are left to mix drinks and talk to people. As the responsibilities of the “bartender” were whittled down, the job required less dedication. Thus, it became less common for bartenders to take their profession to the next level. 