Forget the Cheap Avocados We're Here for the Alcohol Deals at 365 by Whole Foods

Epics/Getty Images
Epics/Getty Images

For years, Whole Foods had a reputation as the priciest grocery store around—the place you’d go to drop a day’s pay on bulk heirloom beans. But the company has done a lot to change that perception in recent years. After Amazon purchased Whole Foods some of those changes were immediately apparent, like an avocado price drop that resulted in a minor nationwide freakout. But years before Amazon came and scooped it up, Whole Foods developed a series of spin-off stores called 365 by Whole Foods. There are currently seven 365s open with another 17 in the works around the country. All of them offer a more stripped down, budget conscious but still high quality version of the original. They also offer deals on alcohol so good you may never go to a liquor store again.

Like the store’s selection in general, the spirit selection is a little slim, but from single malt scotch, to mezcal, to craft gin, it covers all the major booze groups with quality bottles filling out each. A rep from Whole Foods said that what is in stock can vary by store and that prices can change with along with the market, but the listings they have will definitely get us through the doors.

Here’s just a smattering of legit bargains from the 365 website along with nationwide averages from the Wine Searcher database:

St-Germain (half bottle)

365 price: $13.99

Average price: $38 for full bottle

The elderflower liqueur has become a delicious staple in a variety of cocktails and brings a floral sweetness to everything it touches in everything from a Sour to a Sangria.

Glenlivet Single Malt Whisky 12 year:

365 price: $29.99

Average price: $41

The slightly sweet, well-loved Speyside scotch is a great bottle if you’re just getting into single malts or know someone who is.

Grey Goose Vodka

365 price: $29.99

Average price: $35

The French wheat vodka is super smooth and exceptionally clean tasting. If you’ve never pulled the trigger and bought a bottle of the world’s first “ultra premium vodka,” try it in a strong, stirred cocktail. Just make sure to use plenty of ice in the mixing glass.

St. George Terroir Gin

365 price: $29.99

Average price: $35

This aromatic California gin has the scent and taste of the forest and makes a great base in simple gin-forward drinks like a Martini or a G&T.

Woodford Reserve Bourbon

365 price: $29.99

Average price: $35

Even if it isn’t Derby season, the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby makes a hell of a Mint Julep.

Del Maguey Vida Mezcal

365 price: $33.99

Average price: $38

The most affordable bottle in the library of the first company to bring the mezcal to America, Vida is a perfect stepping stone for people looking to get into the agave spirit or a great mixing mezcal to use in a Margarita.

BRB, gotta go to Whole Foods.