Americans are too damn busy. Mostly we just like to complain about this fact—but a few intrepid souls are doing something about it, building an entire high-tech economy in which convenience is king. Need your clothes washed? Your house cleaned? Your groceries delivered? There are apps for that. Too lazy to drive to the liquor store? Drizly has you covered. I tried the service to see whether it lived up to the hype. Tough job, but somebody had to do it.
Process
- 1. Download the app.
- 2. Enter your email and delivery addresses.
- 3. Pick your poison.
- 4. Pay.
- 5. Wait for the alcohol to arrive.
Pros
- Interface: The app is attractive and intuitive. Products are sorted by category (beer, wine, etc.) with each section subdivided by style (pinot grigio, malbec, etc.). Pictures and descriptions make decisions easier. And if you’re looking for something specific, a search tool makes finding it quick.
- Selection: By working with retailers with huge inventories, including Randall’s Wine & Spirits and the Craft Beer Cellar, Drizly is able to offer plenty of products to match any taste. I ordered a four-pack of Urban Chestnut Count Orlok Pumpkin Ale and six-packs of Negra Modelo and Avery White Rascal.
- Speedy Delivery: I ordered at 6:10 on a Monday evening, and the driver arrived at my front door within 30 minutes. (To be fair, though, I live less than a mile from Randall’s.)
Cons
- Order Mix-Up: Shortly after I entered my order, a nice guy from Drizly called to say they were out of Avery White Rascal. I asked for a different Belgian beer. He suggested Leffe Blonde and promised that it would save me a dollar, but the buck never came off my bill.
- Store Choice: Users can order from only the closest store to their delivery address. So even though Craft Beer Cellar might have had that White Rascal in stock, I was limited to the Randall’s by my house.
- Beer Temperature: When ordering delivery, I’m looking for instant gratification. My beer arrived at room temperature, requiring a couple of hours in the fridge before it was ready to be enjoyed. To some extent, that defeated the purpose. You might consider specifically requesting cold beer. Obviously this isn’t an issue for liquor or red wine.
- Price: A $5 fee is applied to every Drizly order, whether it’s a $10 pack of beer or a $300 bottle of wine. Add in a tip for the driver, and only large orders seem worth the additional expense.
Six Situations That Demand Drizly
- You’re a frat guy whose keg has tapped out earlier than expected. Nobody is fit to drive, but everybody wants to keep the party going.
- You forgot your 10th wedding anniversary, and a Champagne delivery might increase your chances of surviving to anniversary No. 11.
- You need a holiday gift for your hard-to-please father-in-law. He loves Scotch, and a delivery means that you don’t have to actually see him in person.
- You’ve been slaving over the stove for hours, preparing for a dinner party, and there’s just no time for a trip to the wine shop.
- You’re the reclusive owner of a certain local sports franchise. Your plans to betray your loyal fans make appearing in public imprudent.
- Everybody is over for the game. You’re out of booze, but running out for more would mean missing the fourth quarter.
Drizly’s Top Sellers in St. Louis
- Beer: Bud Light (followed closely by Budweiser and Bud Select)
- Liquor: Tito’s Handmade Vodka
- Red wine: Apothic Red Blend
- White wine: Cupcake Sauvignon Blanc
- Sparkling: Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label
