OHLQ Announces One Day Release – Elijah Craig Private Barrel Barrel Proof and Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 8-Year – 3/29

The Ohio Division of Liquor Control (OHLQ) has announced a bonus release of an exclusive selection of Elijah Craig Private Barrel Barrel Proof, as well as a limited supply of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 8-Year. These products will be released at 9:0…

The Ohio Division of Liquor Control (OHLQ) has announced a bonus release of an exclusive selection of Elijah Craig Private Barrel Barrel Proof, as well as a limited supply of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 8-Year. These products will be released at 9:00 a.m. at select OHLQ locations and will be available until sold out.

For this release, the State has 27 (!) barrels worth of product from Elijah Craig ($84.99+ tax) and an undetermined amount of Old Fitzgerald ($109.99 + tax). The tasting notes for the Elijah Craig are:

Elijah Craig - All barrels will have a different proof. You can check locations here.
  • Barrel #6294465 - Notes of rye spice, rich toffee, and chocolate greet the nose, opening to a palate of roasted vanilla bean, comforting cinnamon, and luscious chocolate for a finish as sweet as confectionary.

  • Barrel #6349251 - Enticing aromas of brown sugar and dew-kissed foliage give way to warm notes of rich caramel and creamy vanilla, and a finish of warm baking spice.

  • Barrel #6568739 - Caramel, toffee, and fresh leather notes on nose reveal a rich palate of baking spices accented by bright candied citrus and the embrace of a moderate to long finish.

  • Barrel #6684016 - Freshly baked maple donuts harmonize with baking spice to delight the nose, opening to notes of candied orange peel and allspice that linger on the palate with a subtle wisp of smoke.

  • Barrel #6684017 - Delicate floral aromas on the nose introduce delectable layers of soft vanilla balanced with warm spice.

  • Barrel #6694910 - Alluring aromas of spiced cake, ginger, and nutmeg greet the nose before cascading into a palate of tart dark cherry and crisp candy apple with a sweetly spiced finish.

  • Barrel #6748019 - A bouquet of buttery sweet aromas and notes of freshly cut wood welcomes a palate of warm clove and dark cherry. A long finish of sun-kissed stone fruit and spice completes the experience.

  • Barrel #6752132 - Hints of toasted oak mingle with ripe fruit and candied orange before blossoming into flavors of smooth butterscotch with a nip of white pepper, fading to a finish of seasoned oak and leather.

  • Barrel #6822991 - Scents of ripe currant and warm allspice entice the nose; a balanced palate of sweet fig and grassy notes of hay finishes with robust spice and clove.

  • Barrel #6822992 - Inviting aromas of homemade caramel apple pie with a buttery crust intertwine with rich flavors of spiced molasses cookie and toasted oak, winding down to a spiced finish with a hint of char.

  • Barrel #6822993 - Playful aromas of spun sugar and sun-dried apricot mix on the nose, pairing with notes of stone fruit, savory toasted hazelnut, and a hint of spice on the palate.

  • Barrel #6822994 - Nostalgic Saturday morning breakfast aromas of cinnamon toast cereal complement a palate of warm honey-glazed donuts and caramelized sugar.

  • Barrel #6822995 - Aromas of fresh-baked sweet rolls and an intriguing hint of barley satisfy the nose; expand to adventurous flavors of Chinese five-spice and malt, and finish with subtle, earthy notes of hay.

  • Barrel #6822996 - Comforting notes of cinnamon and sugar delight the nose, while warm baking spice, vanilla toffee, and toasted oak deliciously embrace the palate.

  • Barrel #6822998 - Step into a vintage ice cream parlor, as aromas of vanilla bean ice cream and waffle cones allure the senses, opening to a sweet palate of baking spice, caramelized sugar, and toasted oak with a hint of nuttiness.

  • Barrel #6823000 - Zesty orange and lemon candy aromas give way to a gentle palate of dusted sugar with hints of nutmeg and warm cinnamon, finishing with a pleasant, sweet heat that lingers on the palate.

  • Barrel #6862804 - Sweet scents of caramelized sugar and vanilla open to a balanced palate of luscious Honeycrisp apples and warm, lightly toasted oak for a complex and enjoyable sip.

  • Barrel #6862805 - A fusion of melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar aromas unite on the nose, opening to a harmonious palate of warm spice and comforting sweetness, with a lingering, confectionary finish.

  • Barrel #6871222 - Pleasing aromas of honey, vanilla, and cinnamon invite a palate of dates, buttery crumble, and baking spice, all accented by smooth vanilla.

  • Barrel #6871277 - Scents of fresh spiced cookies awaken the senses, giving way to a pleasant palate of milky caramel and spice that finishes with a hint of charred oak.

  • Barrel #6871278 - Notes of sweet vanilla, butter, and toasted oak envelop the nose, leading to a balanced profile of sweet, nutty, delicate spice that warms and briefly lingers on the palate.

  • Barrel #6888517 - The inviting aroma of nutty toffee greets sweet layers of vanilla and cinnamon that meld on the palate.

  • Barrel #6888543 - Hints of brown sugar-drizzled apples and vanilla caramel cremes dazzle the palate, along with flavorful notes of baking spice and deep oak.

  • Barrel #7047190 - A bouquet of toasted oak, fresh fruit, and a delicate swirl of vanilla, blossoms into sweet spice, revealing notes of cinnamon and faint hints of oak and new leather.

  • Barrel #7059797 - Strong aromas of butterscotch, vanilla, and oak land on the nose before revealing bold flavors of spice and caramel on the palate.

  • Barrel #7061106 - Woven aromas of toasted oak, toffee, and creamy milk chocolate give way to sweet and nutty flavors of brittle before a crescendo of spice delivers a warming finish.

  • Barrel #7149531 - Smooth and buttery notes of caramel captivate the nose before opening to a viscous palate of candied cinnamon and burnt sugar, culminating in a lingering finish of sweet spice and toasted oak. 
My Take

This is an absolute no-brainer if you see the Old Fitzgerald. Those bottles are highly collectable and very rate. I wish there were more details about that part of the release. For the Elijah Craig, it's worth grabbing a bottle if you see it, but I wouldn't be making special trips to pick this up. 

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


Source: OHLQ

OHLQ Announces Brown-Forman Exclusives – Woodford and Old Forester – Arriving This Week

The Ohio Department of Liquor (OHLQ) has announced the availability of ten blends of Woodford Reserve and six barrels worth of Old Forester products hitting the shelves this week (week of July 17th). Woodford ReserveThe 10 expressions of Wood…

The Ohio Department of Liquor (OHLQ) has announced the availability of ten blends of Woodford Reserve and six barrels worth of Old Forester products hitting the shelves this week (week of July 17th). 

Woodford Reserve

The 10 expressions of Woodford were selected by OHLQ in collaboration with Woodford Reserve. They sell for $49.99 + tax for a 1 liter bottle, come in at 90.4 proof (45.2% alcohol), and will be limited to one bottle per customer. The 10 expressions are:

  • Buckeye Blend #6-A - Sweet notes of brown sugar and cherry vanilla cola mingle on the palate with lively anise and cinnamon stick, culminating in a baking spice finish. 
  • Buckeye Blend #6-B - The aroma of buttery shortbread delivers a vanilla and spice cookie flavor, rich with toasted oak. 
  • Buckeye Blend #6-C - Fragrant hazelnut introduces a comforting flavor of honey, brown sugar, and baking spices.
  • Buckeye Blend #6-D - A sweet and malty aroma reveals an orchard fresh flavor of apple and pear drizzled in maple syrup. 
  • Buckeye Blend #6-E - A nose of creamy vanilla expands to a warm, buttery, wheat cereal flavor, enlivened with notes of nutmeg, molasses, and brown sugar. 
  • Buckeye Blend #6-F - An intriguing herbal and minty nose develops into a cherry flavor with pleasant bitterness, deepened by anise and cedar notes.
  • Buckeye Blend #6-G - The inviting aroma of banana bread welcomes a malted caramel flavor that delights with accents of baking spice and green apple.
  • Buckeye Blend #6-H - Aromatic coffee and chocolate melt into a nostalgic s’mores flavor of oak, campfire, and toasted marshmallow, finishing sweetly with a flourish of butterscotch candy.
  • Buckeye Blend #6-I - Opening notes of citrus blossom into a tart, green apple flavor with floral features.
  • Buckeye Blend #6-J - An enchanting butterscotch aroma delivers a caramel apple flavor with nutty accents.

Old Forester

There are two Old Forester expressions that are part of this release with each having three barrels worth of product. The first is Old Forester Single Barrel 100 Proof (50% alcohol) ($49.99 + tax) and the second being Old Forester Barrel Strength ($79.99 + tax). The barrels are:

Old Forester Single Barrel 100 Proof

  • Barrel #7005 - Warehouse I, Floor 4 - A nose of tart cherry and lemon with floral notes opens up to a unique, full-bodied caramel and vanilla flavor that lands front-of-palate with a long, woody finish.
  • Barrel #7032 - Warehouse I, Floor 4 - An aroma of brandy and dark fruit expands into a caramel and brown sugar flavor with a buttery mouthfeel and a smooth, spiced, lingering finish.
  • Barrel #7047 - Warehouse J, Floor 2 - A walnutty nose delivers a tropical fruit and coconut flavor influenced by the toasted oak of the barrel, culminating in a spicy finish. 

Old Forester Barrel Strength

  • Barrel #6798 - 127.6 Proof (63.8% alcohol) - Warehouse G, Floor 4 - The aroma of a spice cabinet invites a round, apple butter flavor that satisfies with a warm, long finish. 
  • Barrel #6914 - 127.7 Proof (63.85% alcohol) - Warehouse G, Floor 6 - Green apple and bright lemon notes welcome a honeyed, cedar-inflected flavor that zings with citrus zest and finishes smoothly with sweetness at the front and spice at the back of the palate.
  • Barrel #6926 - 126.7 Proof (63.35% alcohol) - Warehouse G, Floor 6 - Aromatic cinnamon delivers a malted, grain-forward flavor that delights with oaky, nutty sweetness.

My Take

Some good opportunities here. I am a big Woodford fan so this is a good opportunity to get some single barrels. The Old Forester 100 Proof doesn't really excite me. That's a lot to pay for Old Forester. The Barrel Strength is a different story. I think those are definitely worth picking up if you see them out and about. 

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


Source: OHLQ

OHLQ Announces Woodford Reserve Bourbon Barrel – Buckeye Blend #5

The Ohio Division of Liquor Control (OHLQ) has announced the release of twelve batches of a special Woodford Reserve Blend called Buckeye Blend #5 appearing in stores this week (week of July 11th) at a price of $49.99 plus tax. As far as I can tell, th…

The Ohio Division of Liquor Control (OHLQ) has announced the release of twelve batches of a special Woodford Reserve Blend called Buckeye Blend #5 appearing in stores this week (week of July 11th) at a price of $49.99 plus tax. As far as I can tell, this is just smaller blends of regular Woodford that is being sold at a premium price (these are 1 liter bottles... regular liter price is $43.99 + tax). 

The tasting notes for the twelve batches are (all come in at 90.4 proof (45.2% alcohol)):
  • Batch #WR205522 - Apricot and peach on the nose; woody toast and rye spice with long chocolate on the finish

  • Batch #WR205523 - Floral nose with hints of brown sugar and caramel; sweet notes on the palate with low spice 

  • Batch #WR205524 - Dried fruit on the nose with tart fruit and some honey on the palate and peppermint on the finish 

  • Batch #WR205525 - Floral notes on the nose; brown sugar and spice on the palate 

  • Batch #WR205526 - Smoky oak notes and cinnamon on the nose; earthy-herbal fruit notes on the palate with a lingering finish 

  • Batch #WR205527 - Floral nose with hints of pine wood; brown sugar stands out on the palate with a medium finish 

  • Batch #WR205528 - Vanilla and cherry notes on the nose; brown sugar and nutty on the palate; spicy finish 

  • Batch #WR205529 - A lighter touch all around; cherry on the nose; light pepper and oak on the palate 

  • Batch #WR205530 - Bold flavors; apple & white pepper on the nose; dark chocolate and orange on the palate with a long soft finish

  • Batch #WR205531 - Classic bourbon flavor; sweet brown sugar nose; pecan, brown sugar, baking spices on the palate; long oaky finish 

  • Batch #WR205532 - Heavy cherry notes on the nose; cherry and vanilla on the palate 

  • Batch #WR205533 - Floral nose with a lighter malt on the palate

It is not known how many bottles make up each batch. To locate a bottle, you can use the OHLQ bottle finder.

My Take

This seems like a giant cash grab by Woodford and the State of Ohio. This release is basically a smaller batch blend of regular Woodford Reserve. Don't get me wrong... Woodford is my favorite bourbon, but this release doesn't excite me. Perhaps if I knew something about how the batches were chosen or the reasoning behind it... however, without that... this seems like a few barrels were thrown together in a release so they can try to create excitement and charge and extra 14% more.

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


Source: OHLQ

OHLQ Announces Old Forester Exclusives – Old Forester Single Barrel 100 Proof and Barrel Strength

The Ohio Division of Liquor Control (OHLQ) has announced the release of five barrels worth of Old Forester starting this week (week of July 11th) at select OHLQ locations across Ohio. The Single Barrel 100 Proof is for $49.99 plus tax while the Barrel …

The Ohio Division of Liquor Control (OHLQ) has announced the release of five barrels worth of Old Forester starting this week (week of July 11th) at select OHLQ locations across Ohio. The Single Barrel 100 Proof is for $49.99 plus tax while the Barrel Strength will set you back $79.99 plus tax. 

The tasting notes for the five barrels are:

Old Forester Single Barrel 100 Proof
  • Barrel #6281, Location: Warehouse K, Floor 6
    Tasting Notes: Maple syrup, apricot, and plum nose with pepper spice throughout

  • Barrel #6357, Location: Warehouse L, Floor 3
    Tasting Notes: Long, well-rounded vanilla and caramel nose, bold oak and light spice on the palate

Old Forester Single Barrel - Barrel Strength

  • Barrel #6269 - 131.0 Proof, Location: Warehouse K, Floor 6
    Tasting Notes: Rich nose, long, bold yet approachable spice

  • Barrel #6345 - 128.1 Proof, Location: Warehouse G, Floor 7
    Tasting Notes: Confectionary, caramel-vanilla nose, peripheral spice, easy and smooth

  • Barrel #6261 - 130.9 Proof, Location: Warehouse K, Floor 6
    Tasting Notes: Buttery, maple-waffle nose, chewy on mid palate with balancing spice

To locate a bottle, you can use the OHLQ bottle finder at the following links: 100 Proof, Barrel Proof

My Take

It feels like the State has run out of things to do and brings in single barrels as something to do. This one doesn't excite me. I don't know why these have to be exclusive releases and can't randomly show up. I'd also like to see the State approving more brands and stocking shelves so we have more variety and actually have product available when consumers want it instead of focusing on bringing 5 barrels into Ohio. 

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


Source: OHLQ