Local liquor stores getting creative as shortages continue
DELMARVA – As holiday festivities begin, some people may be stocking up on beer, wine, and liquor.
But like many products in the past year, certain liquors could be in short supply. I’m told tequilas, cognacs, and even some high-end liquors like Hennessey aren’t as easy to come by.
A representative from Tax Free Liquor in Delmar tells me, “A lot of our products are just coming in slowly, and we have to order certain alcohols in smaller batches. Some people will just have to think about other types if they can’t find what they need. But business is picking up, so we’re managing.”
While some liquor stores may be experiencing some liquor shortages, places like Eastern Shore Wine and Beer Supply are showing community members there’s another alternative to get their alcohol. Co-owner Donna Fischer says they started it as a side business back in 2008, and now over a decade later, they’re bringing a whole new meaning to BYOB. Now it’s MYOB – make your own beer and wine.
“So there’s so many different variants you can do, with wine you can. If you have grapes back in your backyard and you don’t know what to do with them, you can make wine,” said Fischer.
All you do is pay to use their facility and equipment, bring your own ingredients or purchase some there, and you’re on your way. Donna says, people seemed to like the idea. In fact, they saw an uptick in business during the pandemic.
“We’ve been especially busy with it which is what we want because we want people to be able to come in and we want the people to talk to them.”
And I’m told this past year is a preview of how successful their business can be.
“Some people aren’t into the big hoopla they do and they just want something small and private this way they can do that,” said Fischer.
Fischer also tells us they’re hoping to expand their business once her husband retires. They’d like to host small parties to let people experience what they do.
If you’d like to learn more about Eastern Shore Wine and Beer Supply, click here.
