My partner is more of a drinker than me, so he's the one who found this gem. But we couldn't be…read moremore in love with the space and the selection. Don't miss this spot

We found this place by sheer chance. One day I was sitting around on Facebook and I stumbled upon…read moretheir page because they had a sponsored ad with a White Merlot tasting. Intrigued, I dug further and found out they are local in New London, and offer free beer and wine tastings every Friday night! Excited, I put it on our calendars, and counted down the days. Located in the heart of downtown new london, walking distance from the amtrak station and the city center, Thames is the only craft liquor store for many miles. Parking on the street has never been a problem for me, but may become so if their popularity increases. The store itself is well organized, with an entry area with a deli feel, stocked with craft cheeses and meats. This area is also where they taste their beers, and provide wonderful food pairings. Behind the food area is a boutique area with a case of chocolates and gifts surrounding it, along with cigars and a cold case of rosés. Alongside this area is another long room with the spirits, beers and wines. This is where the wine tasting is located, and features vintages from all over the world. I have been very pleased with the suggestions from staff on our purchases, and have yet to leave with a bottle of something that I dislike. They do have some amazing items we return for repeatedly, like the Tonic syrup to make custom gin and tonics, and many not-to-miss California reds. Downsides are price, which seems high comparatively across the board, and sometimes selection, which rotates constantly. If you're trying for something specific, they may be out and offer something similar which I think is fun but may be annoying to some.

Super friendly staff, especially Melissa the manager she's awesome! Everything is clean and easy to…read morefind and the staff is very friendly!

Great selection! Very helpful staff and friendly. In a good location as well and easy parking lotread more

I have always had a good experience here, with cheerful, helpful employees. They go out of their…read moreway to help, and will special order for me.

Warning hygiene and state code issue at this place. I stopped in for a bag of ice for cocktails…read more Didn't buy it there after I saw the staff half eaten lunch and open drink containers in the cooler right on top of the ice bags. If this wasn't enough, there is a huge spill stain in the bottom and side inside the ice cooler, something like a coco cola. ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING. Not a respectable liquor establishment. Cannot imagine what you will find in the back of the store if the management showcase this by the front door. BASIC : Get a dedicated staff fridge and don't keep your open personal food and drink containers on top of the customer good. Yikes!

Local business that suppled our wedding, I was not sure what we needed but they worked with us to…read moreget exactly what we wanted! The staff is always friendly and helpful when you go in, they even discount bottle returns! This is my go to package store!

I cannot believe how fantastic the customer service is at this liquor store, and I wish other…read morestores (of all types) would get on board! It feels nostalgic, even: They're friendly & polite, ask if I need help finding anything (especially if I look lost or confused), have been extremely knowledgeable any time I've asked for a recommendation, and just yesterday surprised me when they even offered to gift wrap any of the liquor if I needed it. They put the bottle in a silver bag and tied it off with ribbons after offering me my choice from the colors available. Remarkable. Another level of service that is rare to find anymore. I stopped by this store for the first time about 8 months ago, and now I try to only shop here. I'd highly recommend them.

They solely market alcoholics, they open at 8am and close at 8:30 mon-thurs. Then Fri and sat, they…read moreclose conveniently at 9:40pm (EVEN THOUGH ITS 9PM MOM-THURS AND 10 PM FRI-SAT and forget sundays, just be there before 5, even though its legally 6pm.. Even though they advertise 9pm mon-thurs and 9:40pm fri-sat.and 6pm sunday (Do not fall for internet times and they will lie to you if you call- they don't make tips and have no desire to please their customers. Like all package stores in Connecticut, they became "necessities" after Covid. Which gave them the permission to treat their customers however they felt. We are -promised income- to them so they can do and charge whatever they want. They have roaches in their store, not surprised between George Washington Carver and the crazy folks home behind the store they found a highway to spread. Ask them to turn the lights off for five minutes and see how many roaches are caught off guard. The prices change daily with your commitment to their store. They play games with the prices to see if you are paying attention. Trust me, PAY ATTENTION. they refuse to clean their store and also do not keep up with expired items in the non-alcoholic cooler. When you do speak up against wrongful treatment, they ask you to leave. The fact that they don't kick you out, because they want your money tomorrow is a great example of their corruption. Do yourselves a favor and avoid this garbage can. There are extremely cleaner stores the exact distance in both directions from this store. Also, Wine Merchant on broad St opens at 8am as well to the alcoholics!. (Both buildings are very infested with bed bugs- BE CAREFUL!)-

I've lived in New London for many years so I've been familiar with the staff changes over time at…read morethis store. I hadn't been there in a while and stopped by en route to running errands etc. Walked in, spoke to the cashier and got a stone face in reply. "Ok" I said to myself. In comparison to the former owner he leaves much to be desired. The former owner, who was also the manager, was always pleasant and helpful. This person, never. This person has never been what I call "cordial", ever. I also don't see other employees so it appears this place is another one of those establishments run solo. Anyway, I'm good patronizing a place that appreciates my business with a friendly demeanor. I miss the former owner and his lovely employees.

Kind and helpful staff, and a cute dog working the register Will definitely be returning.read more

I have never been to a package store before, that's why 4 stars and not 3. They seemed to be out of…read morea lot of things like regular sized wines and spirits. They did have ice and were very polite and nice. The guy working there even helped me to my car.

Nice quiet mom and pop package store. Decent selection of beer and wine. Seemingly had a nice…read morespirit selection and will return to take a closer look. The charm of the store is the location and the overall local vibe. There was a nice wine tasting on property when I went in to grab some weekend adult beverages and the lady was super friendly and informative (almost got me to purchase a bottle). Had I not had planned beverages I would have sprung for a bottle of red. Can't go wrong with a nice bottle of dry red. All in all a very pleasant purchase. Between the vibe, selection, and interaction with what I believe to be ownership at check out, I would recommend a visit for all your adult beverage needs!! Cheers to the weekend!!

We found a reliable amount of cold beer and cider, and an impressive amount of chilled wine (and…read moreroom temp beer and wine of course), plus some local beer and wine offerings to extend the range of our small-town vacation. Since our little one was patient with us, the kind clerk gave her a lollipop when we left. Carmine's isn't large as Total Wine or CBM but isn't exactly a shoe box either, and seemed well-stocked for its size. Perfect!