After spending six months as a Flaviar member and exploring numerous spirits through their platform, I’m ready to share my comprehensive experience with this premium spirits subscription service. Let me walk you through everything you need to know before deciding.

First Impressions and Ordering Experience

When I first landed on Flaviar’s website, I was immediately impressed by its sleek, modern design. The sign-up process was straightforward, though I noticed they only offer two subscription options: quarterly ($95) or annual ($349). While this might seem steep at first glance, I’ve discovered more value here than meets the eye.

The ordering interface is intuitive, and I particularly appreciated how they organize their vast collection of spirits. Whether you’re hunting for a rare Japanese whisky or an artisanal mezcal, the filtering system makes navigation a breeze. I found the detailed product descriptions particularly helpful – they go far beyond basic tasting notes.

The Quality of Selection

I’ve been genuinely impressed with Flaviar’s spirit selection. With access to over 15,000 different bottles, I’ve discovered brands I’d never encountered in local stores. What sets them apart is their curation process. They’re not just throwing any spirits on their platform; each selection seems thoughtfully chosen.

During my membership, I’ve ordered several tasting boxes, and the quality has been consistently high. One of my favorite experiences was their “World of Whiskey” box, which included samples from Scotland, Japan, and America. The variety helped me develop a more refined palate and understand subtle differences between regions.

The Tasting Box Experience

Let me break down what you get in a typical tasting box, as this is a core part of the Flaviar experience. Each box arrives beautifully packaged – it’s clear they put thought into presentation. Inside, you’ll find:

• Three 1.5oz samples of premium spirits
• Detailed tasting notes and background information
• A Flaviar coaster (a nice touch)
• Access to online tasting guides

I’ve found these boxes to be perfect for hosting small tasting parties with friends. The sample size is just right for 2-3 people to get a good taste of each spirit.

Educational Value

This is where Flaviar truly shines, in my opinion. As someone who was fairly new to the premium spirits world, I’ve learned more in six months than I did in years of casual drinking. Their “School of Spirits” content is exceptional, offering:

• In-depth articles about different spirit categories
• Virtual tasting sessions with industry experts
• Production process explanations
• Food pairing suggestions
• Interactive tasting note exercises

The mobile app has become my go-to reference when I’m shopping for spirits, even outside of Flaviar. I’ve found myself confidently discussing spirit profiles and production methods with friends who’ve been collecting for years.

Value Proposition and Costs

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room – the price. Yes, Flaviar is more expensive than buying directly from liquor stores, but here’s how I’ve found value in the membership:

• Quarterly credit for a full-size bottle
• Free shipping on the quarterly bottle
• Member-exclusive pricing (often 10-15% below retail)
• Access to rare and exclusive bottlings
• Educational content and events

I’ve actually saved money on some rare bottles that would have cost more at specialty retailers. However, if you’re mainly interested in readily available spirits, the membership might be harder to justify.

The Community Aspect

One unexpected benefit I’ve discovered is the community. Flaviar’s Vault (their community platform) has introduced me to fellow enthusiasts who share tasting notes, recommendations, and collections. I’ve participated in several virtual tasting events where members from around the world connected to taste and discuss specific spirits.

Shipping and Customer Service

In terms of logistics, Flaviar has been reliable. My boxes typically arrive within 3-5 days of ordering, well-packed and protected. The one time I had an issue (a damaged bottle), customer service responded within hours and shipped a replacement immediately. They also provide tracking information and require an adult signature for delivery – something I appreciate for security.

Areas for Improvement

To provide a balanced review, there are some aspects where I think Flaviar could improve:

• More flexibility in subscription options
• Faster shipping for time-sensitive gifts
• More customization options for tasting boxes
• Better availability of popular items (they sell out quickly)
• More frequent rotating selection of sample boxes

Final Thoughts

After six months with Flaviar, I can confidently say it’s worth the investment for certain types of spirit enthusiasts. If you’re someone who:

• Enjoys discovering new and unique spirits
• Values education and wants to develop your palate
• Appreciates having access to rare bottles
• Enjoys guided tasting experiences
• Likes being part of a community of enthusiasts

Then Flaviar could be an excellent choice for you. However, if you’re more interested in casual drinking or prefer to stick with familiar brands, you might find better value purchasing directly from local retailers.

The service has genuinely enhanced my appreciation for fine spirits and helped me develop a more sophisticated palate. While the cost is significant, the combination of education, access to rare spirits, and community aspects has made it worthwhile for me. It’s not just about the spirits you receive; it’s about the journey of discovery and learning that comes with them.