Hey there, booze bestie! As a fashion-lover and cocktail connoisseur, I‘m always on the hunt for the coolest new ways to up my drinking game. So when I discovered ReserveBar, the online liquor store that delivers premium spirits right to your door, I knew I had to give it a try. Spoiler alert: I‘m officially obsessed!
What Is ReserveBar?
First things first, let‘s break down what ReserveBar actually is. Launched in 2013, ReserveBar is the ultimate destination for buying premium and luxury spirits online. They‘ve got an insane selection of over 2,000 different bottles, from high-end whiskey and tequila to champagne and liqueurs. Basically, if it‘s top shelf, they‘ve got it.
But ReserveBar isn‘t just about the booze itself. They‘ve also got killer gift options, like custom engraving and fancy schmancy packaging. So whether you‘re treating yourself or shopping for a fellow spirits snob, ReserveBar makes it easy to give a gift that feels super luxe and personal.
The real game-changer, though, is the fact that ReserveBar delivers to most states in the US. No more trekking to a bunch of different liquor stores trying to hunt down that elusive bottle of Pappy Van Winkle! ReserveBar has partnerships with premium brands and retailers across the country, so they can send your order from the closest location and get it to you ASAP.
By the Numbers: ReserveBar‘s Impressive Stats
Just how big is ReserveBar? Let‘s look at some numbers:
- 2,000+ premium spirits from 230+ brands
- Delivery available to 45 states + DC
- 200% sales growth from 2019 to 2020
- 1,500+ 5-star reviews on Trustpilot
- 150,000+ orders shipped in 2020
- 80% of customers are gift-givers
Clearly, I‘m not the only one who‘s fallen for ReserveBar‘s charms. They‘ve been featured in major publications like Forbes, Fast Company, and Food & Wine, and they‘ve even gotten shoutouts from celeb investors like Sean "Diddy" Combs and Jeezy.
My ReserveBar Review: The Good, the Bad, and the Boozy
Okay, so now that you know the basics, let me dive into my personal experience with ReserveBar. I‘ve placed a few orders over the past year (all in the name of research, of course), and I‘ve got thoughts.
The Pros
- Unbeatable Selection: I‘m not exaggerating when I say ReserveBar‘s selection is insane. They‘ve got all the big name brands you‘d expect, like Macallan and Don Julio, but they also have tons of small-batch and hard-to-find bottles. I snagged a bottle of WhistlePig Boss Hog IX: Siren‘s Song that I‘d been lusting after forever!
- Personalization Options: As much as I love a good bottle of booze, I‘m a sucker for the extras. ReserveBar lets you engrave bottles with custom messages ($50 extra), add a gift box ($20-40), or even include a fancy Christofle flask ($190). It‘s the perfect way to make a birthday or anniversary gift feel extra special.
- Quick and Reliable Shipping: In my experience, ReserveBar‘s shipping is scary fast. I placed an order on a Monday afternoon, and it was on my doorstep by Thursday. The packaging is legit, too – the bottles always arrive in perfect condition, and they even include a little sample-size bottle so you can taste before gifting!
- Stellar Customer Service: Okay, I‘ve gotta brag on ReserveBar‘s customer service for a sec. I had a minor hiccup with one order (the engraving was off-center), and their team handled it like total pros. They responded to my email within a few hours, sent me a new bottle with corrected engraving, and even threw in a $25 gift card for the trouble.
- Reserve Bar Rewards: If you‘re a frequent buyer like moi, you‘ll rack up the points fast with ReserveBar‘s loyalty program. You earn 1 point per $1 spent, and you can redeem them for rewards like a private virtual tasting with a master distiller (1,500 points) or a trip to the Jameson distillery in Ireland (15,000 points). It‘s a fun way to explore new bottles and experiences.
The Cons
- Premium Prices: I‘ll be real with you, ReserveBar is probably not the move if you‘re looking for budget bottles. Most of their selection starts around $40-50 and goes up (way up) from there. Personally, I think the prices are fair for the quality and convenience, but it‘s definitely a splurge.
- Shipping Fees: On top of the premium booze prices, ReserveBar also charges for shipping (typically $15-30 based on your location). The good news is they often run free shipping promos if you hit a certain order minimum, like $150+. Just something to keep in mind as you‘re browsing.
- No Returns: Due to tricky liquor laws, ReserveBar doesn‘t accept returns on any opened bottles. Basically, once you crack the seal, it‘s yours forever. They do have a decent customer service policy for damaged or incorrect shipments, but you can‘t send back a bottle just because you don‘t like the taste.
How Does ReserveBar Compare to the Competition?
Of course, ReserveBar isn‘t the only online liquor store in the game. There are a few key competitors I‘ve checked out as well:
- Drizly: Drizly is great for more everyday bottle needs – think stocking up for a party or grabbing some mixers on the fly. They‘ve got a wider selection than ReserveBar (3,500+ products) and generally lower prices. However, they don‘t have as many premium/luxury options or personalization extras.
- Saucey: Another solid app-based delivery option, Saucey promises 30-min delivery for a slightly more limited selection. I‘ve used them in a pinch, but I find their packaging is hit or miss compared to ReserveBar‘s consistent quality.
- Caskers: If you‘re a whiskey nerd like me, Caskers is a great resource for rare and limited-edition bottles. They‘ve got some seriously drool-worthy options (hello, Macallan 72 Year Old Lalique Genesis Decanter). Like ReserveBar, they‘re not cheap, but they do offer a whiskey club membership for exclusive access and discounts.
ReserveBar‘s Gifting Game
Alright, can we talk about ReserveBar‘s gifting options for a minute? Because they are next level. First off, they have dedicated gift guides for pretty much every occasion, from Father‘s Day to housewarming parties. It takes the guesswork out of choosing the perfect bottle.
But the real winners are the personalization options. I‘m obsessed with the custom engraving – it looks so sleek and professional! You can add up to 3 lines of text (60 characters max) in a few different fonts. Turnaround time is about 3 business days, so plan ahead.
Here are a few of my favorite ReserveBar gift ideas:
- Custom Wedding Decanter ($160): For the whiskey-loving couple, a matching set of engraved Glencairn glasses and a decanter is such a functional keepsake.
- Birthdate Bourbon Gift Set ($140): Celebrate a milestone bday in style with bourbon crafted from barrels laid down on the recipient‘s birth year. Such a cool concept!
- Spirited Travel Kit ($84): For the jetsetter, this TSA-friendly cocktail kit comes with mini bottles of quality tipples and chic monogrammed tools.
The Coolest Bottles I‘ve Bought from ReserveBar
As a frequent ReserveBar shopper, I‘ve snagged some pretty incredible bottles over the years. Here are a few of my most prized possessions:
- Pappy Van Winkle‘s Family Reserve 23 Year ($3,500): A true unicorn bottle, this ultra-rare bourbon is consistently ranked among the best in the world. I had to stalk ReserveBar‘s new arrivals page for months to snag one, but it was so worth it.
- The Balvenie 50 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($45,000): Okay, I didn‘t actually buy this one (a gal can dream). But ReserveBar has been known to stock a few bottles of this insanely coveted release for high-rollers and serious collectors.
- Clase Azul Dia de Muertos Limited Edition Tequila ($1,000): This stunning ceramic decanter from Clase Azul‘s annual Dia de Muertos release features a hand-painted skeleton design. Inside is an incredible extra anejo tequila aged up to seven years.
ReserveBar‘s Current Promotions & Deals
Before I wrap up this review, I wanted to give you the scoop on some of the promotions ReserveBar is running right now. I‘m all about a good deal, so I always check their "Specials" page before I buy.
- Get $25 off your first order of $150+ with code WELCOME25
- Earn a $50 promo code when you refer a friend (and they get $25 too)
- Enter to win a trip to Italy with a purchase of Disaronno Originale
- Spend $250+ on select Johnnie Walker products, get a free bag and coasters
- Buy a bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, get complimentary engraving
Plus, they‘re always adding new (and bigger) promos around holidays like Valentine‘s Day and Derby Day. Pro tip: Get on their email list for first dibs!
Final Thoughts: Is ReserveBar Worth It?
When it comes down to it, yes, I wholeheartedly recommend ReserveBar for all your premium booze needs. Despite the slightly higher prices, I think the convenience, curation, and customer service are absolutely worth it.
Every bottle I‘ve purchased from them has been top notch quality, and the personalization options really do make for next-level gifts. Plus, with their rewards program and promos, you can definitely get more bang for your buck if you play it right.
If you‘re looking to treat yourself to a special splurge bottle or impress the spirits snob in your life, you can‘t go wrong with ReserveBar. Trust me, I‘m a bit of a snob myself. 😉
So go ahead, browse their selection, and see what rare gems catch your eye. Just don‘t blame me when you‘re suddenly obsessed like I am. Cheers!
