The SAQ Depot concept--a bulk warehouse full of booze--could probably only fly in free-drinking Quebec. For years, I had wanted to visit the SAQ Depot in Montreal, but, living downtown and not owning a car, I never got around to it. But when I drove to Montreal with a couple of buddies for New Year's, we made a point of going first thing. It did not disappoint.
Imagine the last scene of Raiders of the Lost Ark, only with crates full of bottles instead of mystical relics. There is a so-so selection of beers, as with most SAQs. The back wall has spigots of wine, so you can bring your own jugs and fill 'er up if you're a wino throwing a party. When we went, we got enough beer and liquor to last five hard-drinking guys four days for around $150; that's about as economical as you can get. Just don't tell that to your liver.