State Liquor Stores to Offer Samples Starting September

Starting September, customers will get to try out samples at some liquor stores around the state, including Gig Harbor.

The was picked as one of the 30 stores participating in a year-long spirits tasting pilot program. The Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB) released the list of stores today.

The pilot was established by Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1202 during the 2011 legislative session. 

According to WSLCB, the Distillery Representatives Association of Washington (DRAW) requested the legislation as a way to introduce premium products to store customers.

Pilot Details

• The pilot will take place between Sept. 1, 2011 and Sept. 1, 2012.
• Sampling will be limited to ¼ ounce with four samples maximum.
• Only product sponsors, such as a distiller representative, may serve samples.
• Servers must have Mandatory Alcohol Server Training (MAST) permit.     

In addition, stores are permitted one tasting event per week. The tasting events will be either Fridays or Saturdays from 4 to 6 p.m. Upcoming tasting events will be posted at the 30 stores, as well as on the Events page of the Stores and Products section of the WSLCB website at www.liq.wa.gov.

The pilot was established by Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1202 during the 2011 legislative session. 

The enabling legislation was at the request of the Distillery Representatives Association of Washington (DRAW) as a way to introduce premium products to store customers.

"The spirits sampling pilot is a win for both consumers and producers,” said Carrie Tellefson of DRAW. “With so many products available, the tasting events offer consumers a valuable opportunity to taste spirits in a controlled environment, learn about new, premium products and provide valuable feedback for distillers." 

“We are excited to have this opportunity for our customers to taste new and interesting products in our stores,” said WSLCB Chair Sharon Foster. “With more than 1,100 spirits products available in state stores, customers can now enhance their product knowledge by trying something they may never have considered before and learn first-hand about the products from distillers’ representatives.”

(The information was provided by The Washington State Liquor Control Board.)