Ohio Division of Liquor Control (OHLQ) Announces Joseph Magnus Single Barrels - Available 9am on October 26

The Ohio Division of Liquor Control (OHLQ) has announced a limited release of nine barrels of Joseph Magnus available exclusively to Ohio. The release will start on October 26th at 9am at select stores (list below) and will sell for $101.99 + tax for a 750ml bottle. The State Liquor Control worked with first time with Master Blender Nancy Fraley to choose the barrels for this release.

For this release, the State selected 22 liquor agencies to participate. Each agency will receive bottles from a specific barrel so if a certain profile piques your interest, be sure to double check which agencies will have those bottles. As with all single barrel releases, each barrel will have a unique taste profile and proof which is detailed below.

Barrel #1363
Nose: Oak-forward
Taste: Brown butter, cinnamon, deep barrel spice
Finish: N/A
Proof: 105.96

Barrel #1319
Nose: Butterscotch
Taste: Vanilla and Cinnamon
Finish: N/A
Proof: 104.03

Barrel #1320
Nose: N/A
Taste: Toffee, butterscotch, traditional brown baking spices, and candied orange peel
Finish: N/A
Proof: 102.78

Barrel #1375
Nose: Candied orange peel, mint, and a hint of wood spice
Taste: Molasses and leather
Finish: N/A
Proof: 105.61

Barrel #1379
Nose: Warm doughy yeast rolls
Taste: Wood spices and cinnamon
Finish: Burn
Proof: 106.68

Barrel #1378
Nose: Vanilla wafers and sugar cookies
Taste: Brown baking spices, cherry, and wood spice
Finish: Red wine
Proof: 106.28

Barrel #1376
Nose: Maple syrup, molasses, and creme brule
Taste: N/A
Finish: Warm, lingering, and smooth
Proof: 107.32

Barrel #1356
Nose: Cherries, deep wood spices, and toasty
Taste: N/A
Finish: Cinnamon
Proof: 104.47

Barrel #1324
Nose: Lime blossom and candied orange peel
Taste: Toffee, dark ripe fruits, and allspice
Finish: Ripe fruity sweetness and cinnamon spice
Proof: 104.45

Our Take

It's incredibly confusing why the State ordered nine barrels of Joseph Magnus instead of some of the more popular releases (e.g. Elijah Craig (6), Old Forester (5), etc.). I did a mini-review of Joseph Magnus last December and found it heavy on cognac, but overall was solid. However, given the $100+ price point, this is one I'm skipping. I'd rather spend the money on multiple bottles at a lower price point.

If you end up going and grabbing a bottle, drop a note in the comments with your thoughts.

Locations (alphabetical by city)
Silver Spirits       
1482 North Portage Path, Akron
72 Bottles, Barrel 1379

Jungle Jim's     
4450 Eastgate Blvd., Cincinnati
60 Bottles, Barrel 1324

Arrow Wine & Spirits   
615 Lyons Rd., Dayton 
66 Bottles, Barrel 1378

1837 Wine & Spirits Emporium           
1383 Johnstown Rd., Gahanna 
60 Bottles, Barrel 1375

Giant Eagle     
2173 Stringtown Rd., Grove City
72 Bottles, Barrel 1363

Giant Eagle     
55 Meadow Park Ave., Lewis Center     
66 Bottles, Barrel 1363

Kroger
230 Lafayette St., London         
54 Bottles, Barrel 1320

O'Bryan's Wine & Spirits
8972 Columbia Rd., Loveland   
54 Bottles, Barrel 1320

Walt Churchill's Market
3320 Briarfield Blvd., Maumee 
60 Bottles, Barrel 1356

World Wines & Liquor 
8760 Mentor Avenue, Mentor 
72 Bottles, Barrel 1376

Middletown Fine Wine & Spirits
721 Breiel Blvd., Middletown   
66 Bottles, Barrel 1378

Giant Eagle     
1955 & 1959 E. Maple St., North Canton
66 Bottles, Barrel 1379

Chalet Premier
10000 Market St., North Lima 
60 Bottles, Barrel 1356

Royal Park Beverage   
12770 Royalton Rd., North Royalton     
66 Bottles, Barrel 1319
                                         
Giant Eagle     
15919 Pearl Rd., Strongsville     
78 Bottles, Barrel 1376

Green Road Liquor       
2181 South Green Rd., University Heights         
60 Bottles, Barrel 1319

The Wine List 
7381 Tylers Corners Dr., West Chester 
66 Bottles, Barrel 1324

The Hills Market           
7860 Olentangy River Rd., Worthington
60 Bottles, Barrel 1375


Source: OHLQ