There was some dismay last week with the release of what appeared to be a government statement announcing that alcohol was to be banned for the foreseeable in an effort to preserve our covidly-challenged immune systems. Luckily it turned out to be an April fools gag and plenty of businesses have risen to the challenges that lockdown has brought to start offering delivery of the good stuff. If ever there was a time to drink the special wine, or use the fancy glassware, this is it.
1) Frank's
Camden Street Wine Bar Frank’s has begun a pick-up and delivery service, with a selection of cases including Frank's favourites (six bottles, €125), a mixed case of six organic or biodynamic including red, white and orange (€140), a seasonal case (€105) containing six spring worthy wines, and the cosy reds selection, yours to enjoy during thisprolonged couch season for €130. Also available is a set of two Frank's branded wineglasses (€25) or a gift hamper containing two wine glasses in a custom box and one bottle of Drac Magic Catalunya (€45), possibly a better gift this Easter than a chocolate Egg. Order for collection here.
2) Beau Vino
Little sister of The Lo-Cal Kitchen, Castleknock wine bar Beau Vino was just hitting its stride when they had to close their doors. As of last week however, they've begun offering a local wine, cheese and charcuterie delivery within a 5km radius of Castleknock. A cheese and charcuterie board for two with a litre of house wine is €45, or a three bottle selection is €55/€65 depending on your choices. Welcome news for those living in that neck of the woods where exciting food and drink options are pretty limited. Check out their offer here.
3) Catch Events
If quarantine cocktails are more your thing, bespoke event planners Catch Events are making dreams come true right now. Their Quarantini boxes are delivered weekly in the greater Dublin area and every Friday night they hold a live cocktail masterclass on IGTV to help you perfect your Friday night Flirtini (or whichever cocktail they happen to be showcasing that week). There are two boxes available, the Quarantini Box (€40) complete with shaker, measure, two glasses and ingredients to make four cocktails, or the Ingredients Only Box (€25) which just includes the important stuff. Order yours here.
4) 57 The Headline
Clanbrassil Street’s 57 The Headline has also diversified with a new drinks delivery service. Delivery costs €5 countrywide and they have an impressive selection of craft beers and wines available, along with a Dingle Gin and Tonic package for €45. The craft beer selection includes mixed boxes from White Hag, Third Barrell, Whiplash and Third Circle Brewing. Have a browse here.
5) Deveney's, Dundrum
Dundrum staple Deveney's are also offering a zero contact collection and delivery service should you need to make some unusual additions to your home cocktail bar. We're intrigued by the Akal Chai Rum (€69.90) and the Ancho Reyes Chili Liqueur (€54.90), which could make for an interesting take on the Bloody Mary, but there's a vast selection of excellent wines and beers available too should you be feeling slightly tamer. Owner Ruth is always delighted to tell you what her favourites are this week. Check them out here.
6) Station To Station
The guys at Station to Station have been very busy christening their wine selections lately. You could go for the good value 'Covin Collection' - €150 for a mixed case of 12 including eight reds and four whites, or maybe the 'Game of Rhones', featuring six Rhone reds curated for your enjoyment. The Wiseguys Italian Half Dozen (€135) transports us back to the heady days of Ray Liotta and Joe Pesci together in cinematic glory, and they get bonus points for free delivery in Dublin during the lockdown period. Have a look at what they're selling here.
7) Craft Central
With no minimum order and €5 for delivery, ordering from Craft Central seems like almost too good an opportunity to expand your craft beer horizons. With options to search by beer style or by brewery, the selection is vast to say the least, but we are particularly feeling the Wylam Imperial Macchiato Double Hazelnut Praline Coffee Porter, which sounds good enough to eat, drink and bath in. Browse their beers here.
8) The Big Romance
If freshly poured draft beer is what you're craving, The Big Romance is where you need to be ordering from. All of their beers come in one litre growlers (from €7.50), the equivalent of just under two pints which they advise enjoying fresh or within two days - no problem. There are zero contact delivery or collection options and deposits of €4 on the glassware which is refundable. A small selection of wines are also available in litre bottles (from €16.50) and should your wardrobe need updating they've got t-shirts too. Delivery in Dublin is €3.
9) WineLab
The wine on tap guys at Winelab have also entered the home delivery market with their Bottle Project range, designed to complement their tap collection. You can choose from one of their bespoke collections or give them a price point and an idea of the wines you usually enjoy and they will do the rest of the heavy lifting. Selections start at €55 for their Everyday Heroes range (reduced from €80) or go top shelf all the way with the Top Of The Rock selection reduced from €230 to €150. You can also buy a four pack of fizzy liquid fun pop Ramona for €18. See what they've got here.
10) The Dublin Liberties Distillery
Another one with free delivery in Dublin, the Dublin Liberties Distillery also donate 10% of their online sales to Age Action which is a nice thought at this weird time. They have an impressive selection of Whiskey ranging from €22 for the Dubliner Whiskey and Honeycomb Liqueur to a whopping €2700 for the Liberties Whiskey King of Hell – 27 Year Old Single Malt. See what they've got here.
