Category: OHLQ

OHLQ Announces Watershed Exclusives – Arriving This Week (August 28th)

– 8/22/23 update: I heard from Watershed and each bottle is aged 4 years. The Ohio Department of Liquor (OHLQ) has announced the availability of seven exclusive Watershed single barrel selections for $59.99 + tax hitting shelves this week (We…

- 8/22/23 update: I heard from Watershed and each bottle is aged 4 years. 


The Ohio Department of Liquor (OHLQ) has announced the availability of seven exclusive Watershed single barrel selections for $59.99 + tax hitting shelves this week (Week of August 28th). 

Greg Lehman, Founder of Watershed Distillery says:
As Ohio bourbon producers, it's been incredible to see the expansion of the OHLQ private barrel pick program over the years, and we are grateful to be partnering again this year. We have chosen seven incredible barrels from Watershed’s barrel room that have some special qualities and character that bourbon lovers will get excited about.
The seven barrels are:
  • Campfire Bonbon - A light and sugary delight, notes of marshmallow on the palate create an inviting sensation. Its approachable nature makes it effortlessly smooth, ensuring a pleasurable sip every time (129.5 proof). 
  • Caramel Cream Delight - A sweet and inviting aroma, followed by notes of vanilla cream, butterscotch, caramel, a hint of brown sugar, and a satisfying punch of robust oak spice in the finish (131.1 proof).
  • Honeypot - Harmonious notes of honey nut cereal, banana bread, wheat, honeycomb, and a satisfying bite in this flavorful tasting experience (128.9 proof).
  • Malted Heaven - A single malt-like experience, with notes of craisins and tartness, complemented by a satisfying mouthfeel and a lingering, memorable finish (128.2 proof).
  • Plum Crazy - A rich and complex profile, reminiscent of brandy, scotch, or tawny port, with a luscious blend of plum and raisin flavors (128.2 proof).
  • Scrumptious Brown Sugar - A delightful aroma of candy, a consistently sweet brown sugar flavor, reminiscent of a cognac, providing a comforting and warm embrace with every sip (128.4 proof).
  • Stonefruit Nectar - A light, buttery nose leads to flavors of apricot and green tea, with a refreshing, creamy note and smooth finish (130.0 proof).

 You can check this site to find bottles near you.

My Take

I was invited to an event around the release of the 2022 edition of the OHLQ single barrel release and came away with a few favorites. I didn't get to try this year's so I don't have a specific favorite or recommendations, but I think the Honeypot would probably be the one I would gravitate towards. The pros of this release are the huge proofs and the con being no age statements. If you like Watershed, it's worth a $60 flyer to track down a bottle.

What do you think? Drop a note in the comment box below. 


Source: Watershed Distillery

OHLQ Announces Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel – Coming Saturday June 24th

The Ohio Department of Liquor (OHLQ) has announced the availability of fifteen barrels worth of Russell’s Reserve Private Barrel Selection Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey selections arriving at select stores at 9am on Saturday June 24th. Unlike …

The Ohio Department of Liquor (OHLQ) has announced the availability of fifteen barrels worth of Russell’s Reserve Private Barrel Selection Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey selections arriving at select stores at 9am on Saturday June 24th. Unlike previous releases, the list of stores will not be released until the morning of Saturday, June 24, 2023 on OHLQ.com. 

As mentioned, the State has 15 barrels worth of product. These are bottled 110 proof (55% alcohol). Each bottle is $64.99 + tax (up from $59.99 last year and $54.99 in 2019) with a limit of one bottle per customer. 

Check their website the morning of the 24th for locations. I anticipate they will add them to this page. 

The barrels are:

  • Barrel #22-0174 - Warehouse #CN-A - Floor #4 - A traditional Russell’s aroma invites heavy notes of caramel and butterscotch; a kick of spice lands back-of-palate, delivering a bold finish.
  • Barrel #22-0176 - Warehouse #CN-A - Floor #4 - A sweet, candied nose delivers a buttered caramel flavor with a smooth and creamy finish on the palate.
  • Barrel #22-0201 - Warehouse #CN-A - Floor #3 - This true gem entices with vanilla and spice on the nose, and a complex and full-bodied traditional bourbon flavor.
  • Barrel #22-0204 - Warehouse #CN-A - Floor #4 - A soft nose of vanilla and oak opens up to a candied baking spice flavor and departs with a long finish of spice.
  • Barrel #22-0212 - Warehouse #CN-A - Floor #4 - A rich butterscotch and vanilla palate creates a smooth pour with a quick finish, perfect for early evening enjoyment. 
  • Barrel #22-0337 - Warehouse #TYR-B - Floor #4 - Brimming with corn on the nose, this non-traditional Russell’s bottle surprises you with an off-profile taste; a unique bourbon to share. 
  • Barrel #22-0374 - Warehouse #TYR-B - Floor #4 - Hints of orange zest and citrus on the nose invite balanced notes of cinnamon and bread pudding on the palate, and relax into a long, warm finish.
  • Barrel #22-0378 - Warehouse #TYR-B - Floor #4 - A candied nose with spice lands with full flavor and unexpected gentleness on the palate, culminating in a deeply satisfying finish.
  • Barrel #22-0388 - Warehouse #TYR-B - Floor #4 - A fragrant, floral aroma transforms to a chocolate-covered cherry flavor with an oily, creamy mouthfeel that coats the palate for a lingering finish. 
  • Barrel #22-0389 - Warehouse #TYR-B - Floor #4 - With whispering softness, a gentle nose delivers an ultra mellow flavor with traditional complex notes on the palate, and an extra-long finish.
  • Barrel #22-0390 - Warehouse #TYR-B - Floor #4 - Inviting brown sugar and molasses create an aroma that opens up to a buttered toffee and burnt vanilla flavor with hints of strong oak throughout, and a lasting finish.
  • Barrel #22-0391 - Warehouse #TYR-B - Floor #4 - A fruity nose with cherry inflections welcomes a delectable cherry vanilla palate that encourages prolonged sipping, and a relaxed finish of spice and cinnamon.
  • Barrel #22-0392 - Warehouse #TYR-B - Floor #4 - Cheerfully sweet on the nose, the flavor of caramel and toffee rewards the palate at first sip. A rounded and delicate finish seals the deal in this highly likable bourbon.
  • Barrel #22-0393 - Warehouse #TYR-B - Floor #4 - Pure Kentucky Spirit, but with more kick, a burnt sugar palate with subtle notes of tobacco and leather resonates in a highly pleasing mouthfeel.
  • Barrel #22-0590 - Warehouse #TYR-M - Floor #4 - Extremely smooth with a very sweet, caramel-rich taste, this bourbon lands back-of-palate with bold cinnamon and a long finish.
My Take

Nice to see the State get a good allocation of barrels. Fifteen barrels worth should provide ample opportunity for people to be able to track down a bottle. It's a bit disappointing that the price went up 8% from last year, but that's how things are. 

What do you think? Drop a note in the comment box below. 



Source: OHLQ

2022 OHLQ Winter Bottle Lottery Announced (Pappy Van Winkle and Buffalo Trace Antique Collection)

Like 2021, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the The Ohio Division of Liquor Control (OHLQ) has announced the Pappy Van Winkle and Buffalo Trace Antique Collection bottle lottery. This is a lottery to win the opportunity to purchase a hard …

Like 2021, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the The Ohio Division of Liquor Control (OHLQ) has announced the Pappy Van Winkle and Buffalo Trace Antique Collection bottle lottery. This is a lottery to win the opportunity to purchase a hard to find bottle of select Buffalo Trace products at retail prices. The 2022 edition began today at 12:01 a.m. (Monday, Dec. 12) and runs through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 19.

Entrants must be an Ohio resident 21 years or older and the following is required:

  • Ohio Driver’s License Number / Ohio Identification Card Number
  • First Name
  • Last Name
  • Street Address
  • Date of Birth
  • Email Address
  • Preferred OHLQ store location for purchasing the product if you win

Winners will be notified on December 23 and will have the opportunity to purchase one bottle. 

The following brands will be available in the lottery.

Pappy Van Winkle Collection (same prices as 2021)
  • Old Rip Van Winkle 10, $69.99 plus tax
  • Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year, $79.99 plus tax
  • Pappy Van Winkle 15, $119.99 plus tax
  • Pappy Van Winkle 20, $199.98 plus tax
  • Pappy Van Winkle 23, $299.99 plus tax
Buffalo Trace Antique Collection Products (same prices as 2021, however, George T. Stagg was not released in 2021)
  • Eagle Rare 17, $99.99 plus tax
  • Sazerac Rye 18, $99.99 plus tax
  • Thomas H. Handy, $99.99 plus tax
  • William Larue Weller, $99.99 plus tax
  • George T. Stagg, $99.99 plus tax

You can enter the lottery at this link. 

My Take

An absolute no-brainer to enter. This is our only opportunity ever to purchase one of these bottles at retail prices. Best of luck to all my readers... May we win all the bottles!

What do you think? Drop a note in the comment box below. 


Source: OHLQ

OHLQ Puts Out Press Release ‘Don’t Participate in Secondary Sales’

In what reads like an press release from The Onion, The Ohio Division of Liquor Control has advised consumers NOT to participate in secondary liquor sales. These are sales that “often occur on the internet including on social media websites such a…

In what reads like an press release from The Onion, The Ohio Division of Liquor Control has advised consumers NOT to participate in secondary liquor sales. These are sales that "often occur on the internet including on social media websites such as Facebook and other sites such as Craigslist. Typically, sellers will purchase bottles of liquor and turn around to resell them."

The press release notes that in the entire year of 2021, The Ohio Division of Liquor Control and the Ohio Investigative Unit issued 34 referrals resulting in 32 warnings and two arrests... This is actually down from 2020 when there were 50 referrals, zero arrests, and 47 warnings... so to put that into prospective... in two full calendar years... there have been 79 warnings and two arrests. This tells me if you want to resell in Ohio, you basically have carte blanche because the entire department issues less than 1 warning a month and averages 1 arrest a year... sounds like a great use of taxpayer money. 


Even more comical is this quote from Division Superintendent Jim Canepa:
We appreciate the efforts OIU takes to keep the market fair and consumers safe, Ohio consumers who purchase their liquor the right way support small businesses that sell these products legally and avoid buying counterfeit or tampered with products.

This is ridiculous on so many levels... the fact that you'd be supporting small business when most of the OHLQ stores are embedded in Fortune 500 grocery stores or that there is a huge market of counterfeit or tampered with products, and arresting 2 people in the last two years has suddenly solved this imaginary problem.

The reality is that Ohio has ridiculous liquor laws that inhibit small businesses from being able to enter the market or even small distillers from being able to sell their products because everything has to be approved, bought, and allocated by OHLQ. This press release also tells me they aren't even trying to care about the secondary sales issue. 

If The Ohio Division of Liquor Control and the Ohio Investigative Unit gave a single F, they could do the simplest of Facebook searches and find things like this... but instead, there is the bare minimum of appearances so they can keep the status quo to keep funneling money to Jobs Ohio (that's where the liquor profits go) which can give giant corporate subsidies. 





What Should Be Done? 

I've written numerous times about how dumb our liquor laws are in Ohio. I'd love to see stores be able to stock whatever liquor products they want and let the market dictate supply and demand. This would be better for Ohio because there would be more sales, thus more taxes, and it would be better for consumers because there would be better products. 

Since it doesn't seem like there is a lot of traction for changing the way liquor is distributed in Ohio, there are other things that can be done... first and foremost... start cracking down on the people who camp out ahead of time for limited releases and then turn around and resell them immediately. This does two things, it keeps the people who actually want the product from getting it, and it creates an untaxed black market. 

The other thing is to legalize bourbon shipments into Ohio. They are already happening as I have sooo many friends who have bottles delivered all the time. Ohio gets zero tax money from this and this is much more likely to have counterfeits than some random dude on Facebook. 


Anyway, based on the press release, do what you want with impunity... because the State surely isn't going to do anything. 



What do you think? Drop a note in the comments below.

OHLQ (Ohio Liquor Agency) Announces Availability of Single Barrel Crown Royal Selections

The Ohio Division of Liquor Control (OHLQ) has announced the release of six single barrel selections of Crown Royal hitting stores this week (week of April 18th) at select locations throughout the state. Each bottle comes in at 103 proof (51….

The Ohio Division of Liquor Control (OHLQ) has announced the release of six single barrel selections of Crown Royal hitting stores this week (week of April 18th) at select locations throughout the state. 

Each bottle comes in at 103 proof (51.5% alcohol) and costs $54.99 + tax. The six barrels are: 
  • Banana's Foster - Barrell #L13352S189
    Tasting Notes: Banana, brown sugar, oak balanced

  • Snickerdoodle - Barrel #L13352S103
    Tasting Notes: Baking spice, rye, sweet, caramel

  • Orange Creamsicle - Barrel #L13352S108
    Tasting Notes: Fruity, floral, bright, orange, citrus, lighter style

  • Taffy - Barrel #L13352S187
    Tasting Notes: Sweet, sugary banana

  • Orange Pound Cake - Barrel #L13352S186
    Tasting Notes: Citrus, floral, buttery

  • Cherry Bonbon - Barrel #L13352S101
    Tasting Notes: Cherry, spicy, oak
You can check availability here. This is a limited release so once they are gone, they are gone for good.

My Take  

The names on these are interesting. In terms of Canadian Whisky, Crown is my favorite of the brands I've tried. At $54.99, this is a good price for a single barrel and the expressions sound unique. If you see this out and about, I'd recommend picking up a bottle or two. 

What do you think? Drop a note in the comments below. 


Source: OHLQ

OHLQ Announces High West Double Rye Barrel Select & High West American Prairie Barrel Select Availability

The Ohio Division of Liquor Control (OHLQ) has announced the release of High West Double Rye Barrel Select & High West American Prairie Barrel Select bottles hitting stores this week (week of April 11th) at price of $54.99 + tax per bottle.For this…

The Ohio Division of Liquor Control (OHLQ) has announced the release of High West Double Rye Barrel Select & High West American Prairie Barrel Select bottles hitting stores this week (week of April 11th) at price of $54.99 + tax per bottle.

For this release, the State has secured eight barrels (3 double rye and 5 Prairie Barrel). The barrels were selected by the distiller and OHLQ and will only be available in Ohio. The eight barrels are:
  • Barrel #18429 -  100.8 Proof
    Whiskey Type: High West Double Rye
    Barrel Type: Aquavit
    Finish Time: 1 year and 1 month
    Tasting Notes: Aniseed, fennel, caraway, subtle juniper, and citrus

  • Barrel #19438 - 101.2 Proof
    Whiskey Type: High West Double Rye
    Barrel Type: Reused Manhattan
    Finish Time: 1 year and 4 months
    Tasting Notes: Sweet herbal and botanical complexity with cherry hard candy and orange peel

  • Barrel #19534 - 101.4 Proof
    Whiskey Type: High West Double Rye
    Barrel Type: Aquavit
    Finish Time: 11 months
    Tasting Notes: Aniseed, fennel, caraway, subtle juniper, and citrus

  • Barrel #19779 - 99.2 Proof
    Whiskey Type: High West American Prairie Bourbon
    Barrel Type: Peated Whiskey
    Finish Time: 8 months
    Tasting Notes: Dark chocolate, burnt marshmallow, and briny peat

  • Barrel #20126 - 97.8 Proof
    Whiskey Type: High West American Prairie Bourbon
    Barrel Type: Grenache
    Finish Time: 10 months
    Tasting Notes: Strawberry, fig, and dates

  • Barrel #20144 - 98.8 Proof
    Whiskey Type: High West American Prairie Bourbon
    Barrel Type: Malbec
    Finish Time: 10 months
    Tasting Notes: Rich with plum, blackberry, and jammy fruit

  • Barrel #20853 - 99.6 Proof
    Whiskey Type: High West American Prairie Bourbon
    Barrel Type: Portuguese Brandy
    Finish Time: 1 year and 1 month
    Tasting Notes: Pear, apple, floral bouquet, and honey

  • Barrel #21842 - 97.8 Proof
    Whiskey Type: High West American Prairie Bourbon
    Barrel Type: Oloroso Sherry
    Finish Time: 9 months
    Tasting Notes: Oxidative character with toasted pecans and milk chocolate
You can check availability here. This is a limited release so once they are gone, they are gone for good.  

My Take

I don't have a ton of experience with High West. After a bit of research, this is a brand owned by Constellation Brands, which also owns Corona, Modelo, Svedka, and many others. If you're a High West fan or looking for a single barrel at a reasonable price, might be worth giving this a go. 

What do you think? Drop a note in the comments below. 


Source: OHLQ

Ohio Division of Liquor Control (OHLQ) Announces WhistlePig Home-Field Hog Batch – Coming Week of Dec. 13

The Ohio Division of Liquor Control (OHLQ) has announced a never-before-released mash bill blend for Ohio from WhistlePig called Home-Field Hog Batch. It will be available in select stores the week of December 13 with a price of $64.99 plus tax. I…

The Ohio Division of Liquor Control (OHLQ) has announced a never-before-released mash bill blend for Ohio from WhistlePig called Home-Field Hog Batch. It will be available in select stores the week of December 13 with a price of $64.99 plus tax. 

In order to track down a bottle, you'll need to head to this website (link) to see if any stores in your area were allocated any bottles. Per the State website, store locations will be made available on a daily basis as stores receive their shipments so, if interested, you may need to do a fair amount of work to find a bottle. 

The mash bill for this release is 50% Rye/ 40% Wheat/ 10% Barley and features 50% of WhistlePig’s farm-to-bottle rye whiskey. It comes in at 86 proof (43% alcohol). 

My Take

In theory, this seems like a good deal. Sadly, there were no details given on how much allocation there will be so trying to find this, may be a waste of time... especially with the people who seem to know ahead of time and camp out at stores... I think the reddit thread below sums up the limited releases by OHLQ. If you are lucky enough to stumble on this, I'd recommend picking up a bottle. The price seems reasonable and this could be a good starter on getting to know WhistlePig a little better. 

What do you think? Let me know in the comments. 


Source: OHLQ

Ohio Division of Liquor Control (OHLQ) Pappy Van Winkle and Buffalo Trace Antique Collection Lottery is Live – Enter at Link Below

The 2021 Ohio Department of Liquor (OHLQ) Pappy Van Winkle and Buffalo Trace Antique Collection bottle lotteries are live. These lotteries are for the opportunity to purchase the following:Pappy Van Winkle Collection (same prices as 2021)Old Rip V…

The 2021 Ohio Department of Liquor (OHLQ) Pappy Van Winkle and Buffalo Trace Antique Collection bottle lotteries are live. These lotteries are for the opportunity to purchase the following:

Pappy Van Winkle Collection (same prices as 2021)
  • Old Rip Van Winkle 10, $69.99 plus tax
  • Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year, $79.99 plus tax
  • Pappy Van Winkle 15, $119.99 plus tax
  • Pappy Van Winkle 20, $199.98 plus tax
  • Pappy Van Winkle 23, $299.99 plus tax
Buffalo Trace Antique Collection Products (same prices as 2021)
  • Eagle Rare 17, $99.99 plus tax
  • Sazerac Rye 18, $99.99 plus tax
  • Thomas H. Handy, $99.99 plus tax
  • William Larue Weller, $99.99 plus tax
  • George T. Stagg, $99.99 + tax
You can enter at this site starting today (12:01 a.m. Monday, Dec. 6) and ending at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 13. In order to enter, you'll need to provide the following:

Entrants must be an Ohio resident 21 years or older and the following is required:
  • Ohio Driver’s License Number / Ohio Identification Card Number
  • First Name
  • Last Name
  • Street Address
  • Date of Birth
  • Email Address
  • Preferred OHLQ store location for purchasing the product if you win
If you didn't see the link above (not sure why it isn't showing up clearly), CLICK HERE FOR THE OHLQ SITE to enter.

Good luck everyone and I hope my readers win all the bottles!

Let’s Have An Honest Talk About These OHLQ Lotteries

Ohio laws are such that the only way liquor can be sold is through the State. It’s a ridiculous system that harms the consumer by allowing a monopoly and limits the availability and flow of the products that consumers actually want. I would also argue …

Ohio laws are such that the only way liquor can be sold is through the State. It's a ridiculous system that harms the consumer by allowing a monopoly and limits the availability and flow of the products that consumers actually want. I would also argue that it costs Ohio millions and millions in lost tax revenue by consumers going to neighboring states to buy bottles they can't get in Ohio. Another casualty of this policy is that no liquor can be ordered online, neglecting Ohioans the opportunity to buy many wonderful bourbons. 

Additionally, the State runs several lotteries throughout the year... presumably to fairly allocate a limited supply of hard to find bourbons and whiskeys... These lotteries are becoming more and more prevalent each year... in fact, this year alone, we're already on our 7th lottery. 

All this is fine in a vacuum... the lotteries are supposed to make to make the high demand bourbons available to everyone in a fair way.... the allocation of bourbons are supposed to make it so everyone and all various locations across the State have fair access when non-lottery bourbons are released, and not having online sales is supposed to keep consumers safe? Not really sure on the logic on the no online sales. Let's focus on each one individually. 

Lotteries

Since the start of COVID, the State has relied more on lotteries than geographical limited releases. This makes sense in order to limit in-person interactions... especially before there was an effective vaccine. Everything was going fine until some eyebrows were raised when 5 individuals won multiple times in the same lottery (in this lottery, there was a Pappy Van Winkle and a Buffalo Trace lotter). The odds of winning one bottle were 0.364% (around 1 in 270)... I'm no mathematician, but I'm fairly confident the odds of winning two are going to be worse than winning one... and for it to happen 5 times certainly brings up questions. 

The second issue with the lotteries is the complete lack of transparency from the State. I did an information request from the October lottery so I could report to the wonderful people of Ohio what the final odds were. This hasn't been a problem in the 20+ lotteries I've covered... however, this time, the State has outright refused to provide this information, even questioning when and where the data would be published... If the State won't provide information on how winners are chosen (I've heard rumors that it's through an excel query), or provide the number of entries or other information, it's hard to believe that the lotteries are done in a fair way. 

Allocation

There are countless stories of people somehow knowing about allocation before the inventory is available... Check this reddit thread of someone who got an 'insider tip' and arrived at the store at 3:30am only to find 12+ people already there. 

Another issue I've personally seen is stores hoarding the allocated releases behind the counter or in the back office and not making them available to the general public (Arena Liquor, I'm looking in your direction). It also means that if you want a hard to find bottle, the only option you have is to troll various sites or Facebook groups to find ahead of time when allocation leaks, and then stand in line with the others for ungodly amounts of time. A better system would be to decentralize everything and allow the stores to compete on price and selection

Summary

With everything detailed above, it's fair to question the Ohio Department of Liquor (OHLQ) practices and if everything is above board. Without providing lottery specifics (number of entries, way users are selected), I'm beginning to question the fairness and legitimacy of the lotteries and with so many issues about allocation, it's time to start thinking about OHLQ in a bigger picture and start questioning many of their processes, which have become antiquated and adversely impact all Ohioans. I think we can all agree this isn't the System we want.... it's sad that it's our only option.