For regulars at Royapettah's Express Avenue Mall, the TASMAC Liquor Shop in the basement is well known. It’s one of the few liquor stores located in malls with a full license to sell alcohol as long as you are above the age of 21. And if you’re thinking that they won’t have anything exciting or fancy, we’re here to tell you otherwise. Granted, Old Monk and Sula wine are not available in our wonderful city, but there are alternatives and we’ve got the lowdown for you.
In the back of the store, TASMAC has set up two glass door refrigerators with beers – domestic and imported – so you can pick and choose from different brands. If you’re interested in more something more local, they have British Empire and the new kids on the block, Sterren and Kolt, both of which are brewed right here in our fair city. They also have the obvious choices of Kingfisher and Heineken Priced between INR 150 – INR 300. And if you’re interested in something imported, they have Sol (it’s a Mexican brand similar to Corona), Hoegaarden (a Belgian beer) and sometimes their shelves even carry Leffe (another Belgian beer).
Coming to rum, we don't have Old Monk in Chennai (for various reasons), however, there are other options at TASMAC and mostly in the Bacardi range of rums. TASMAC also has a massive collection of wines. Kingfisher's Bohemia, Chenin Blanc Chardonnay (white wine), South African Pinotage (red wine), imported wines like Two Oceans (also from South Africa) and Jacob’s Creek (from Australia) are all available here. They even have champagne and other bubblies to choose from.
TASMAC even offers a standard selection of McDowell’s, Royal Challenge, and Johnnie Walker (if you’re lucky), along with some locally made whiskies. Although, it’s best that you do your research before buying something you’ve never heard of, even if it might be cheaper than everything else on the shelf.