ABC Fine Wine & Spirits #77 - Largo

Travelling Tumbleweed

2 months ago

★

I came here on the recommendation of a friend that thought I may enjoy the variety of choices offered. A man approached me asking if he could help. I was happy he asked and I mentioned a particular whiskey/bourbon variety I had been looking for. Blanton's bourbon. He said and I quote; "that variety is reserved for our loyalty points members" I asked if I could join, and certainly wasn't looking for a discount. He said I sell at MSRP not the inflated pricing of any local competitors, and no I won't offer that variety to someone coming in to buy a "one off" bottle. What??? A sale is a sale. It was something I'd like to try, on a further recommendation of a friend. Apparently we were and I quote..."not getting him to fly like that". What on earth does that mean? Asking if you carry a certain variety is now offensive? He continued by telling us that he had sampled every item in that store and that he was a sommelier, and if it doesn't appeal to him it doesn't see the shelf. Great that he owns the only palate that counts. He repeated that he wouldn't even order that variety in for us, even though I was happy to await its arrival. He rudely, and I do mean rudely, repeated his position though no one had countered his comments. When he was done, I said to him--wow, that was quite aggressive, and unnecessary. I wandered off to look at other items I was looking for. He followed, and overheard me tell my partner I was looking for Liberty School red wine. He looked on the shelf and declared that too, wasn't available in his store. Ok..He pointed 10 ft away at 4 or 5 other wines, provided no references to appreciate about why he selected those except that if 2 or 4 bottles were purchased I would get $4 off. I didn't need a discount, I simply wanted a glass of wine for the balcony tonight, or a cocktail. I purchased Conundrum because I literally felt completely disrespected, and quite frankly--uncomfortable, let alone totally unwelcome in the store and just wanted to get out if there. So wild because when he asked if he could help me with something, I thought he was quite pleasant. That moment was quite fleeting. He disappeared after offering $4 discount details. I made our purchases, and we left. We were nicely dressed, had just driven hours to get to our condo, and made hurried purchases instead of focusing on something special. We are business owners, and couldn't believe that man impacted our evening in such a negative way. We got to our car and said what on earth was that? What just happened? At any rate, we went to a grocery store picked up a few things after. Delightful staff that asked how we were and immediately asked whether we were Canadians. Yes we are we said, well welcome said the gentleman. How sweet and then it dawned on me...that "sommelier" must have taken issue with our citizenship, maybe not, but it was beyond aggressive and bizarre. Word of advice, manners are basic, but clearly the "sommelier" lacks basic "taste". Not to worry, we won't be back, and neither will our many friends that will now take their purchases elsewhere. Being kind costs nothing..being rude costs a business in one swift swoop. You cannot measure the sales you've lost...remember that.

talia leon

5 months ago

★

Don’t come here if you’re younger than 47. They will follow you around the store and harass you about ID. I was with two of my family members (ages 24+). The store associate followed us to the back of the store, asked us if we had our IDs. We told him we did and continued to shop. After picking what I wanted the large man followed me to the front and mouthed to the cashiers to watch me. I went to check out and the cashier asked if I was with anyone else. I replied yes and he told me I couldn’t cash out until he could check everyone’s ID. I wonder if they do this to everyone or if we were just profiled. Terrible service and I felt extremely uncomfortable for doing nothing wrong. Mind you I’m a 26 year old, female veteran. I never gave them a hard time about showing my ID. They were immediately hostile because we look young. Terrible service, I will never purchase from this establishment again. Better off going to Publix liquors or another store with better prices and quality service.

Damaris Velickovich

4 months ago

★★★★★

My husband and I would like to thank William for his help in suggesting the bourbon Jypsie, it was excellent. William also recommended an excellent wine 🍷 which I plan to try 😉. You can always count on William for his support to suggest the best 👌 of the best. We are looking forward to seeing him again.

Sean Slaughter

2 months ago

★

Sold me watered down vodka told me to come up and he would fix it. I came there he said sugar makes 80 proof vodka freeze. Managers name was Joe. Tampering with alcohol bottles should be illegal

Thomas Schoenagel

2 months ago

★★★★★

Autograph session with Rob Schaefer founder of Horse Soldier Bourbon.