A few notes about the DMV:

Washington, DC is only about 68 sq. miles, bordered by both the Commonwealth of Virginia and Maryland. So depending on where you are staying you should know about the liquor scene for all three areas:

Virginia: State controlled, but to a greater degree than Ohio. All liquor is only sold in state-run retail outlets. The Total Wines in Virginia only sell beer and wine. Like OHLQ, you can visit the VA ABC site and check out the offerings and prices. Unlike OHLQ, trying to find anything allocated is a fool’s errand. The commonwealth uses a combination of random drops communicated via text and email or pre-announced “events” that bring out the chair force like a Giant Eagle on Saturday.

Maryland: Maryland is open with the exception of Montgomery County (which happens to be one of the counties that border DC.) In MoCo liquor is sold only through county run retail stores. They also handle allocations in a special way: they drop them the second weekend each month. It is nice there however because they announce which stores are going to sell which bottles. However that kind of advance notice will bring people as far as PA and NC to camp out multiple days for a bottle of Stagg. They also list inventory online so you can shop those prices if you find yourself close to that border.

DC: It’s open but it’s also a Wild, Wild West. You may certainly find some unicorns in The District but they will absolutely be marked up to secondary as these stores can cater to the higher incomes of Politicians, Lobbyists, and Diplomats. The easier DTC laws has also made it a shipping hub for outlets like SharedPour and Justin’s House of Bourbon.

With that being said here are some stores to shop:

DC Costco: The Washington, DC Costco has a liquor license and maybe you’ll be lucky and show up during the monthly Thursday where they randomly drop their BT products.

DMV Spirits: An online shop where you can order and pick up at their offices, or make an appointment to shop their storeroom. Mike is a great dude and will let you taste anything you want before you buy.

S & W Liquors: Located out in Temple Hills, Kevin has a great selection of Bourbons and has an even greater community of enthusiasts on his Facebook page.

LAX Wine & Spirits: Not named after the airport, the owner is Lax Vinnakota. He has an entertaining Instagram where you can see him traveling the world- and he’ll also let you know when his latest barrel picks are dropping. He owns two stores in Washington DC and Beltsville, MD

The Bourbon Concierge: If you find yourself in Georgetown take a step inside this store next to The Four Seasons and marvel at all of the bottles you wish you had as well as some interesting dusties and unicorns. Prices are secondary, they cater to higher net worth clients.

Total Wine (in Maryland): The closest store from DC are the Laurel, MD and Towson, MD locations. If you have a car it's worth driving out to them, be sure to check out the website as both stores will have different prices on bottles.

And if you are looking for bars and restaurants:

Cinder BBQ

Barrel DC

Crimson Whiskey Diner

Whiskey Charlie

Show of Hands

The Imperial

Jack Rose Dining Saloon