The Ohio Division of Liquor Control (OHLQ) has announced the Spring 2024 Bottle Lottery. The 2022 Spring Bottle Lottery had 55,272 entries for 966 total bottles available (1.748% odds of winning). I would expect this year to have at least as many entries.
- Heaven Hill Heritage Collection - $289.99 + tax
- 20-year-old corn whiskey. Non-chill filtered, this 115 proof whiskey
- A nose of toasted corn and oak spices delivers a flavor rich with aged oak and walnuts and a finish warmed with woody spices and hints of corn sweetness.
- King of Kentucky - $299.99 + tax
- An aroma of dark sorghum, resinous oak, and honey harmonizes with a medley of dried fruit and rich cigar tobacco. A flavor profile of robust oak spices resounds with notes of dried fruit and sorghum.
- Michter's 25 Year Bourbon - $1449.99 + tax
- An aroma of graham crackers and vanilla beans with a hint of fresh ginger graduates to a symphony of flavors, including buttered toast, pecan pie bars, and vanilla cake with a brown sugar glaze. A long finish features molasses, baking spices, chocolate, smoky notes, and accents of dried fruit, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Michter's 20 Year Bourbon - $1149.99 + tax
- A nose of intense black cherry unfolds to a flavor of rich molasses and honeysuckle, deepened with notes of roasted pecans and toasted charred oak.
- Mister Sam Tribute Whiskey - $299.99 + tax
- The nose is cigar box, pipe tobacco, Madeira cake, and toffee in that order of ascent, but then there’s a rush of oaky vanilla, limestone, flint, and sweetened breakfast cereal. Hearty but elegant, woody but grainy, and floral yet spicy, which is quite an achievement.
- The entry is high octane and scintillating followed by lush tastes of raisins, prunes, mince pie, candied walnut, chocolate-covered cherry, heather honey, toasted marshmallow, praline, nougat, and pecan pie.
- The aftertaste underscores the attributes at aroma, entry, and midpalate, bringing them into a grand finale that is hugely satisfying.
- Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond - $139.99 + tax
- An aroma of peppery baking spices delivers a rich palate of butterscotch, cocoa powder, and complex spice, with dried fig accents. A warm finish of baking spices, milk chocolate, and pepper satisfies with a flourish of toasted oak.
- Old Fitzgerald 19 Year Bourbon - $239.97 + tax ($0.02 lower than last year)
- A spiced aroma carries through to a complex buttery chocolate palate with notes of dried fruit and an oaky finish.
- Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2022 - $179.98 + tax
- An aroma of caramelized orange peel, cherry, vanilla bean, and graham cracker complements notes of toasted oak and cedar. A seasoned oak character elevates a palate of subtle fruit, roasted coffee, and dark chocolate, leading to a smooth, light, lingering finish with velvety notes of coffee and mocha.
- Parker's Heritage Collection 10 Year Rye - $184.99 + tax (up $10 from last year)
- A rich, fruity, sweet, and spice-forward nose opens to a decadent palate of black cherry, honey, cinnamon, and clove, transitioning to a spice and cherry finish.
- Last Drop Signature Blend - $4000.00 + tax
- The nose reminds me of walking into one of Buffalo Trace’s most famous warehouses, built all those years ago: the atmosphere, the history, and the provenance — it packs an evocative punch. Deep, dark fruit, figs, and dates on the nose, some raisins, and an aromatic spiciness, with citrus zest. There is some spiciness from the straight rye, and a creamy, vanilla from the bourbons, yielding a complex and layered flavor.
- To begin with, there are dark fruits, candy, and orange peel upfront. From there, we begin a journey through a veritable spice merchant’s storeroom, and into a saddle room full of worn leather and wax. The ages of the whiskeys in this blend, and the magnificent impact of the American oak are here in perfect balance with the individual elements of the blend. A crescendo of rich and raw spiciness transitions across your palate: that balance is pure magic.
- The spiciness is challenging the dark fruit, the chocolate notes, and the sweet vanilla. This is the balance and sophistication that arises only rarely when the tangy spice of the rye and the creamy chocolate of the bourbon whiskeys — combined with the sublime influence of the oak — all collide in perfect harmony.
- Van Winkle Reserve Rye 13 Year - $170.00 + tax
- A soft nose of chestnuts, spice, vanilla, and fruit reveals inviting flavors of cocoa, vanilla, spice, and white pepper. Accents of dry oak bring depth to a long, warm, and complex finish of caramel and spice.
In comparison to last year's Spring Bottle Lottery:
- Same: Michter's 20 Year Bourbon, Old Fitzgerald 19 Year Bourbon, Parker's Heritage Collection 10 Year Rye
- New: Heaven Hill Heritage Collection, King of Kentucky, Michter's 25 Year Bourbon, Mister Sam Tribute Whiskey, Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond, Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, Last Drop Signature Blend, Van Winkle Reserve Rye 13 Year
- Gone: Blanton's, Elmer T. Lee, Weller Single Barrel, Willett 6 Year Bourbon, Willett 8 Year Bourbon
In order to enter, you'll need to provide the following:
- 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
All entries must be submitted online at the OHLQ lottery website and must be purchased at the Ohio Liquor location designated during submission. Entry is free.
My Take
Oof. I can't afford a lot of these bottles but I'll be entering for anything under $290 with hopes of winning the Van Winkle.
What do you think? Drop a note in the comment box below.
Source: OHLQ
