This is where I've been buying my booze since that thankful day I turned 18 back in 2009…read more Convenience is a pretty big factor for why I come here as it's usually on route to or from home. But besides that I also enjoy coming here because the service is always friendly and I've had quite the memorable chats in here before a big night out. There always seems to be a vast selection of things, which is good because I can be a bit indecisive sometimes. Nevermind that there's beer, wine, spirits and RTD's galore in here so I always walk out with something to get the night started in a good way. There's recently been a bit of a re-vamp inside, which has changed the layout slightly. But the store itself is still as good as it's ever been.

Independently-owned wine shop in Mairangi Bay, close to the supermarket and offering a good…read moreselection of wine and spirits. Can't say I buy much wine here but it's definitely my go to for liqueurs, more often brandy or gin for cakes, but today it's Baileys for fudge. Not quite the same service now that Dean's gone, but I'm looking forward to some wine tasting events.

Mairangi Bay Fine Wines is exactly what the name suggests. An alcohol store, which is a little bit…read morefancy. There is a wonderful selection of wines here and although the specials may not measure up to the $7 selection of cheap savs you find in the supermarket, the quality of some of the wine makes up for that fact. The service is friendly and helpful and best of all, you may sometimes be treated to a bit of a tasting when you head in. And nothing beats a quick thirst quencher in the way of delicious wines! They always religiously check ID here and although it's a hit to the self-esteem to be mistook for a baby buying a bottle, I personally think that's always a sign of real quality liquor shop.

Nestled alongside the swanky Elliot Stables, you will this beautiful little store. There isn't an…read moreextensive range of accessories but the selection of whisky here is amazing. Scotch, bourbon, even New Zealand whiskey and then a selection of gin and vodkas for good measure. The quality of the product in The Whiskey Shop is first class and they offer tasting and appreciation experiences along with helpful tips on their website. The staff in-store were a little preoccupied during our Sunday excursion there however it is a great little specialist shop in the CBD.

Money can't buy you happiness but it can buy you whiskey which is pretty much the same thing. Never…read morea truer statement I don't reckon. The Whiskey Shop is a real mans man sort of store. Dark wood veneers, sumptuous leather couches. All you need is a cigar in one hand and a tumbler of whiskey in your other and you could be the perfect picture of the country squire. They stock all imported and hard to find bottles of whiskey here, many of them aged to perfection. And if whiskey ain't your thing, you can find a mixture of other alcoholic drops in their Spirit Store. I found a 21 year old bottle of Appleton rum here which was so out of my price range to be laughable, but I coveted it anyway. For an interactive experience they do whiskey tastings that cater to whiskey newbies to self proclaimed connoisseurs. I'm planning on attending the next friend bring a friend event!

Being a loyal Milford resident I am chuffed that we have such a great local bottle shop. Flag…read moregeneric supermarket wines, here you'll find interesting wineries from New Zealand and further abroad. What's more, I've always found the staff to be friendly and knowledgable. They're happy to recommend a bott or two based on your tastes.

Frog in a Barrel is a really good local independent wine shop. The staff are very friendly and…read moreknowledgeable and they often have a few reds and whites open for a quick wine tasting while you are deciding what to buy. A good variety of NZ wines coupled with a wide variety of French wines - not surprising as the owner is French - which you can try when you are feeling adventurous. Overall a definite place to pick up something different on your way to a dinner or a friends place

I came to Auckland New Zealand back in 2014 for the world cricket game in Christchurch but had a…read morelayover for few days in Auckland. I stumbled upon this beautiful cigar shop. It was unusual to see that you don't see the cigars displayed anywhere in the store but you pick them out from a list of the companies menu and the they bring them out to you in a tray it must be something that has to do with the local laws against smoking not surprised. I had an awesome time with the lady who ran the store front she was very knowledgeable about her stogies knowledge. The store was very clean and they did offer a huge selection of premium Cuban cigars and accessories. I bought 5 boxes of cigars and she dropped them off at the airport for pickup so I didn't pay any VAT value added tax. I will travel again soon hopefully and will definitely stop here. I never meet such a wonderful helpful and honest people like the people of New Zealand. Cheers

Havana House is by far the best place in Auckland to purchase cigars from. The staff have such a…read morewealth of knowledge and friendly demeanor you will happily take their suggestions and recommendations on board. The humidor keeps everything fresh and just-right while circulating such delicious smells around the store that it will make your mouth water. Their selection of cigars and high quality accessories, accompanied with some single malt whiskeys is impressive. Five star merchandise. Greatness and cigars go hand in hand- from Churchill to Freud. Become one of the Greats.

Last week I ran into the wine barrel on my way out. I was in a hurry as usual, very eager to get to…read moremy friends house and perch outside in the sun with a nice glass of wine. I tend to get a little bit stressed in shops like this, where the walls are lined ceiling to floor with bottles of wine. I don't have the time to sift through and read labels and get a good feel of the selection. But I also don't want to end up with a disappointing bottle! To make matters even more difficult I'm stingy as can be and don't want to be parting with an excess amount of money for something, which will be gone in the amount of time it takes to exchange some gossip. Because of all this, I thought it was best to just ask at the counter. "I'd like a good sav for under $20 please". It was as easy as that. In a few minutes I'd been shown some options and there was a clear winner. I bought the bottle and was surprised to receive a free plastic cup with it. (Not quite the classy thing I was going to be sipping out of that night... but perfect for a picnic for sure). I thoroughly enjoyed my bottle and was very happy with the quick, easy service I got here. Will be sure to return!

Once upon a time, I could get my hands on a product called Pamplemousse from Namibia; sweet and…read morebitter grapefruit schnapps that is served ice cold. It was the kind of schnapps that you would put on ice and sip. It was my default shooter, and I must have been their biggest fan. Unfortunately this product is either been discontinued, or simply harder to get hold of, so now I need a fresh sipping schnapps. Luckily I popped in at my local liquor shop on Monday, only to find Litchi schnapps on promotion, and boy was that a yummy find. No heavy in alcohol, but full of flavour, enough to round off an evening, or as penalties after golf.