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Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Columbus Bourbon Q&A - Part 4

It's been a long time since I did one of these, but welcome to the fourth edition of the Columbusbourbon.com Q&A. If you missed the previous editions, it was mostly people asking if I have any Blanton's to sell. You can check them out here:

Me at the Twins Stadium earlier this summer

As always, the submitted questions will have a name with them. General questions will not. 

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

OHLQ Announces Lux Row Distillers Exclusives - Arriving This Week (September 11th)

The Ohio Department of Liquor (OHLQ) has announced the availability of 18!!! exclusive Lux Row expressions, hitting shelves this week (Week of September 11th). The two expressions are Rebel Cask Strength (10 barrels worth @ $54.99 + tax) and Ezra Brooks Cask Strength Single Barrel (8 barrels worth @ $54.99 + tax).


Friday, September 8, 2023

A Peak Behind The Curtain... My Experience Selecting an OHLQ Exclusive

I was recently asked to participate in one of the OHLQ exclusive releases. The release was for an Old Pepper Rye Single Barrels. I know there is a lot of unknowns around how the barrels are selected so I thought it would be fun and insightful to write about the experience for the masses. 

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Rolling Fork Rum Releases 3 Exclusive Casks with OHLQ

I don't usually cover non-whiskey products, but the company reached out so I thought I'd share with my readers. 

Rolling Fork Rum announces its first release of three private casks of cask-strength, aged rums in partnership with Ohio Liquor (OHLQ).  OHLQ visited Rolling Fork at Starlight Distillery in southern Indiana to select three casks for release exclusively at OHLQ locations. One cask is part of The Lost Cask Collection (rare, single-barrel, long-aged rums). Two casks are part of The Rolling Fork Single Cask Series, which are created through secondary maturation in highly sought-after whiskey casks that are hand-selected by Rolling Fork co-founders Jordan Morris and Turner Wathen to bring unique and complex flavor combinations to the rums. 

Thursday, August 31, 2023

August 2023 Month-in-Review

Welcome to the June 2023 Columbus Bourbon recap. As always, A big thank you to all my readers! As a friendly reminder, follow ColumbusBourbon on Facebook


Miss Fiona enjoying summer on her bed

As a reminder, in honor of Baby Leo and his passing, I am collecting donations for the CHA Animal Shelter and I'll be matching every donation at 100%.

This month I posted 11 articles. The site saw 10,800+ page-views, up from the 8865 views in August of 2022. With ads turned off, the pageviews are up nearly 2x. It's bizarre. 

Hemingway Whiskey Company Announces Rye Whiskey Signature Edition

Hemingway Whiskey Company has announced the debut of its core expression, Hemingway Rye Whiskey Signature Edition. The first batch of Hemingway Rye Whiskey Signature Edition is a blend of straight rye whiskeys – 90% 6-year-old Indiana Straight Rye and 10% 4-year-old Kentucky Straight Rye.

Monday, August 28, 2023

Old Forester Announced 2023 Birthday Bourbon Release and Sweepstakes

Brown-Forman brand Old Forester has announced the 2023 release of their highly-coveted Birthday Bourbon. New this year is that in addition to bottles being available throughout the country, there will also be national sweepstakes running August 24 through August 31, 2023 where winners can pick up their bottles at the Old Forester Distillery in Louisville (details below). 

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 (Week of August 28th). 

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Watershed Distilling Bought by Multinational Conglomerate Marussia Beverages

Columbus based Watershed Distilling has been purchased by Marussia Beverages for an undisclosed price. Marussia's portfolio includes such brands as, Hatozaki Whiskys, 135 East Hyogo Japanese Gin, Mozart Chocolate Liqueurs, Barenjager Honey Liqueurs, Mamont Vodka, Mossburn Scotch Whiskies, STROH Rums, Schladerer Fruit Brandies, Lenz Moser Wines, to name a few.

Monday, August 21, 2023

Columbus Bourbon Going Ad-Free

I'm happy to announce, that as of today, I have turned off all ads on the site. The money wasn't worth the impact to the user experience. If I had all the ads turned on, I could pull in $30+ a month. To put them where they are semi-out of the way netted around $10 a month. 

As you may have known, all ad revenue was donated to the local Columbus animal shelter, Citizens for Humane Action (CHA). To make sure they are still supported, I'll be matching all donations made for my campaign for the 2023 CHA Dog Jog, this year I'm doing the run/walk in honor of my sweet Baby Leo.

As always, if you would like to help out the site, please tell a friend or have them follow on the Facebook

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

OHLQ Announces Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Exclusives - Arriving This Week (August 14th)

The Ohio Department of Liquor (OHLQ) has announced the availability of Jack Daniel's single barrel selections hitting the shelves this week (week of August 14th). There are three different releases coming in and prices ranging from $49.99 to $65.99 (plus tax)

Monday, August 14, 2023

Ohio Division of Liquor Control (OHLQ) Summer Bottle Lottery Lottery is Live - Enter at Link Below

The 2023 OHLQ Summer Bottle Lottery is live. This lottery is for the chance to purchase the following:

  • Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel ($40.99 + tax)
  • Stagg Single Barrel ($49.99 + tax)
  • Rock Hill Farms Single Barrel ($59.99 + tax)
  • Blanton's Gold ($119.99 + tax)

Sunday, August 13, 2023

Ohio Division of Liquor Control (OHLQ) Announces Summer Bottle Lottery - Starting August 14

The Ohio Division of Liquor Control (OHLQ) has announced an upcoming lottery for bottles of:

  • Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel ($40.99 + tax)
  • Stagg Single Barrel ($49.99 + tax)
  • Rock Hill Farms Single Barrel ($59.99 + tax)
  • Blanton's Gold ($119.99 + tax)

The lottery will begin at 12:01 a.m. on August 14 and end at 11:59 p.m. on August 21 with winners notified on August 25.


Tuesday, August 8, 2023

Jeptha Creed Expands Spirit Shipping To 41 States - Including Ohio!

(Shelbyville, KY) Jeptha Creed Distillery, renowned for their commitment to crafting exceptional craft spirits, proudly announces a nationwide expansion as they are now able to ship their signature Bourbon, Vodka, and Moonshine to 41 states across the United States. This momentous achievement marks a significant milestone for the mother-daughter-owned distillery and reflects their dedication to delivering high quality, handcrafted spirits.

Monday, August 7, 2023

OHLQ Announces Rabbit Hole Cavehill Single Barrel Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Exclusives - Arriving This Week

Oof, what a headline... The Ohio Department of Liquor (OHLQ) has announced the availability of Rabbit Hole brand Cavehill single barrel selections hitting the shelves this week (week of August 7th). There are six different label designs across the selection, designed by artist Beppe Conti and are named after Shakespeare plays. Each bottle is $149.99 + tax. 

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

OHLQ Announces 2023 Maker's Mark Private Select Summer Exclusives - Arriving Week of July 31

The Ohio Division of Liquor Control (OHLQ) has announced the 2023 release of Maker's Mark Private Select titled 'Summer in Ohio'. This version contains five expressions and will sell for $74.99 + tax per bottle (up from $69.99 + tax last year). They will be available throughout the State starting the week of July 31st. 

Monday, July 31, 2023

July 2023 Month-in-Review

July was an incredibly sad month as my best friend and companion Leo passed away suddenly. He woke up breathing odd on a Wednesday... we rushed him to OSU emergency... and he coded and passed on Thursday. He was only 7 1/2. Our hearts are broken. As you can imagine, the website wasn't a priority during this time and we're still struggling coming to terms how Leo could have been perfectly healthy on a Tuesday (he recently helped me train for a half-marathon) and taken from us on a Thursday. 

I could write forever how much he meant to us and how wonderful he was. In honor of Leo, I am collecting donations for the CHA Animal Shelter and I'll be matching every donation at 100%. I would like to thank my readers for their grace in knowing that the volume of articles was scaled back and your patience as I get back into it. 



Thursday, July 27, 2023

OHLQ Announces Lottery - State Fair Only

The Ohio Department of Liquor (OHLQ) has announced the 2023 Ohio State Fair Bottle Lottery. To enter, you must visit the Ohio Department of Commerce booth in the Bricker Building to enter for a chance to win the opportunity to purchase Stagg Single Barrel or Rock Hill Farms Single Barrel Bourbon. 

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Wild Turkey Announces Latest Master's Keep - Voyage

Wild Turkey has announced the latest in their Master's Keep line... with this expression called 'Voyage'. This release is a 10-year-old bourbon finished with a secondary maturation period in Jamaican rum casks which previously held 14-year-old pot still rum. Master’s Keep Voyage comes in at 106-proof (53% alcohol) and was crafted by Master Distiller Eddie Russell in partnership with Dr. Joy Spence, the Master Blender of Appleton Estate rum. 

Monday, July 17, 2023

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). 

Tuesday, July 11, 2023

Heaven's Door to Open Distillery in Kentucky

Heaven's Door Spirits has announced plans to open a new distillery in Pleasureville, Kentucky. Additionally, I'm not sure if I'm allowed to write about Heaven's Door without mentioning that the brand was founded by native Minnesotan Bob Dylan (real name Robert Allen Zimmerman). Although this was just announced, the distillery has been under construction since 2017 and has been producing bourbon since 2018. 

Saturday, July 1, 2023

June 2023 Month-in-Review

Welcome to the June 2023 Columbus Bourbon recap. As always, A big thank you to all my readers! As a friendly reminder, follow ColumbusBourbon on Facebook

Me and Fiona celebrating Pride 2023!

This month I posted 5 articles. The site saw 8254 page-views, up from the 6429 views in June of 2022. This is the first month-over-month increase in traffic since July of 2021.  

This month, I earned a bit over $7 in ad revenue!! A reminder that all ad-revenue is donated to CHA Animal Shelter here in Columbus. 

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

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 previous releases, the list of stores will not be released until the morning of Saturday, June 24, 2023 on OHLQ.com. 

Monday, June 19, 2023

MGP to Acquire Penelope Bourbon LLC for $100+ Million... Making Us All Angry We Don't Have Our Own Bourbon Brand to Sell

MGP has continued their buying spree with the acquisition of Penelope Bourbon LLC for a jaw dropping $105 million dollars (up to a maximum cash payout of $110.8 million measured through December 31, 2025 if certain performance conditions are met). For those unaware (including myself), Penelope Bourbon LLC was founded in 2018 and was family and founder-owned and operated.

Monday, June 12, 2023

Get to Know Jeptha Creed Distillery

Welcome to the latest in my 'Get to Know' series. Today's turn is a unique distillery in Kentucky founded by mother-and-daughter Joyce and Autumn Nethery. What is amazing about this distillery is that it sits on 64 acres of farmland where they grow their Bloody Butcher Corn that is used to create their spirits making this a true ground-to-glass distillery.

Monday, June 5, 2023

Woodford Announces Release of Annual High-Proof Expression - 124.7 Proof

Woodford has announced the release of their 2023 High-Proof Expression simply called 124.7 Proof. This is the same mash bill as regular Woodford, but does not have water added to lower the proof. 

Thursday, June 1, 2023

Michter's Announces New Release of 10 Year Rye

Michter's has announced the latest release of their 10 year rye. This the first release of this variety since July of last year. 

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

May 2023 Month in Review

Welcome to the May 2023 Columbus Bourbon recap. As always, A big thank you to all my readers! As a friendly reminder, follow ColumbusBourbon on Facebook

Buckeyes need a road game

This month I posted 4 articles. The site saw 6000+ page-views, down from the 7413 views in May of 2022.  

This month, I earned a bit over $7 in ad revenue!! A reminder that all ad-revenue is donated to CHA Animal Shelter here in Columbus. 

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

OHLQ Announces Whiskey Gold Rush Event at Select Stores

The Ohio Department of Liquor (OHLQ) has announced what they are calling the Whiskey Gold Rush event which is a lottery to win the chance to purchase a bottle of Blanton’s Gold Edition Bourbon Whiskey. This event started at 9:00 A.M. on May 24, 2023 and all entries must be submitted by 11:59 P.M. on June 5, 2023 and is available at over 100 participating OHLQ locations. Additionally, there will be OHLQ Exclusives (list below). 

Monday, May 8, 2023

Get to Know James E. Pepper Distilling Co.

Did you know that it is claimed that the oldest brand of whiskey was founded in 1780 and is Old Pepper? Also, did you know that in 2008, the brand has been revived at the site of the Henry Clay distillery in Lexington, Kentucky? And did you know that it is rumored that James E. Pepper is credited with the creation of the Old Fashioned cocktail? And lastly, did you know that this brand has been revived and is the #1 rated destination in Lexington on Trip Advisor? I didn't know any of this, but let's learn together. 

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Having Perfected Shitty Beer, Molson Coors to Create Shitty Bourbon

In what seems like an April Fool's joke, but sadly isn't... Giant beer maker Molson Coors ($10.701 billion in revenue in 2022) has announced a new bourbon brand called Barmen 1873 that they will market to beer drinkers. 

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

OHLQ Announces Town Branch Single Barrel Releases - Coming Week of May 1st

The Ohio Department of Liquor (OHLQ) has announced the availability of fifteen(!!!) barrels worth of Town Branch Single Barrel selections arriving at select stores the week of May 1st. 

Sunday, April 30, 2023

April 2023 Month in Review

Announcement: This has already been happening but I never formally announced it. All revenue I make from this site will be donated to the CHA Animal Shelter via the CHA Dog Jog. When you come to ColumbusBourbon, you're supporting local animal rescue. 

With that said, welcome to the April 2023 Columbus Bourbon recap. As always, A big thank you to all my readers! As a friendly reminder, follow ColumbusBourbon on Facebook.

Me after finishing the Cap City Half Marathon yesterday

This month I posted 11 articles. The site saw 6900+ page-views, down from the 10,378 views in April of 2022. I don't understand why traffic keeps going down, but it's certainly depressing. Please tell a friend. 

This month, I earned a bit over $12 in ad revenue!!

Saturday, April 29, 2023

Lux Row Announces Rebel 100 Rye

Lux Row Distillers announced the newest variant in the Rebel brand family: Rebel 100 Straight Rye Whiskey. Rebel 100 Rye will retail at a suggested price of $19.99 per 750 ml bottle.

Friday, April 28, 2023

Chicken Cock Releases Double Oak Kentucky Whiskey

Chicken Cock has announced the release of an 8 year aged Double Oak Kentucky Whiskey. This release is bottled at 92 proof (46% alcohol) and comes in their replica apothecary style bottle. 

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

OHLQ Announces Sagamore Spirit Barrel Select Rye Whiskey Release - Coming Week of April 24th

The Ohio Department of Liquor (OHLQ) has announced the availability of four barrels worth of Barrel Select Rye Whiskey arriving at select stores the week of April 24th for $59.99 + tax. This is aged 7 years and is a mixture of their single barrel 95% high rye mash bill and their 52% mid-rye mash bill. 

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Stephen Curry Launches New Bourbon Brand

NBA and Golden State Warrior superstar Stephen Curry is launching a new bourbon brand called Gentleman’s Cut Game Changer. According to the announcement (an Instagram post), this looks to be a sourced bourbon from Boone County Distilling

Monday, April 17, 2023

Last Day to Enter OHLQ 2023 Spring Bottle Lottery (Blanton's, etc.) - Do it Now!

Today is the last day (April 17th) to enter the Ohio Department of Liquor (OHLQ) 2023 Spring Bottle Lottery for the following:

  • Blanton's - $150 + tax
  • Elmer T. Lee - $40.99 + tax
  • Michter's 20 Year Bourbon - $1149.99 + tax (up $400 from last year)
  • Old Fitzgerald 19 Year Bourbon - $239.99 + tax
  • Parker's Heritage 16th Edition - $174.99 + tax (down $100 from the 15th edition)
  • Weller Single Barrel - $49.99 + tax
  • Willett 6 Year Bourbon - $131 + tax
  • Willett 8 Year Bourbon - $235.98 + tax

Saturday, April 15, 2023

Heaven Hill Announces Latest Heritage Collection Release - 20-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Corn Whiskey

Heaven Hill has announced the 2023 release of the Heaven Hill Heritage Collection. This is a 20-year-old Corn Whiskey. Bottled without chill filtering bottled at 115 proof (57.5% alcohool) and is made with their traditional corn mashbill of 80% corn, 8% rye and 12% malted barley.

Friday, April 14, 2023

Middle West Spirits Announces 14 Acre Expansion for Second Production Plant

Columbus based Middle West Spirits, owners of Middle West, OYO, Vim & Petal, and Lux & Umbra brands, has announced a new 14-acre campus that will be located at 1165 Alum Creek Drive in Columbus, Ohio. Distilling will continue at the original Courtland location in the Short North, which also houses their Service Bar restaurant and retail Bottle Shop.

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

OHLQ Announces Two Single Cask Selections of Smooth Ambler Old Scout Releases - Coming the Week of April 10

The Ohio Department of Liquor (OHLQ) has announced six barrels worth of single cask selection of Smooth Ambler Old Scout Bourbon and four barrels worth of the Smooth Ambler Old Scout Rye hitting stores this week (week of April 10th). Both selections will sell for $49.99 + tax at select OHLQ locations. 


Monday, April 10, 2023

OHLQ 2023 Spring Bottle Lottery is Live - ends at 11:59 p.m. on April 17, 2023 - Enter at Link Below

The Ohio Division of Liquor Control (OHLQ) 2023 Spring Bottle Lottery is open for entry. This lottery is for the chance to purchase the following:

  • Blanton's - $150 + tax
  • Elmer T. Lee - $40.99 + tax
  • Michter's 20 Year Bourbon - $1149.99 + tax (up $400 from last year)
  • Old Fitzgerald 19 Year Bourbon - $239.99 + tax
  • Parker's Heritage 16th Edition - $174.99 + tax (down $100 from the 15th edition)
  • Weller Single Barrel - $49.99 + tax
  • Willett 6 Year Bourbon - $131 + tax
  • Willett 8 Year Bourbon - $235.98 + tax

Friday, April 7, 2023

Ohio Division of Liquor Control (OHLQ) Announces 2023 Spring Bottle Lottery - Starting April 10

The Ohio Division of Liquor Control (OHLQ) has announced the Spring 2023 Bottle Lottery for Blanton's, Elmer T. Lee, Michter's 20 Year Bourbon, Old Fitzgerald 19 Year Bourbon, Parker's Heritage, Weller Single Barrel, Willett 6 Year Bourbon, and Willett 8 Year Bourbon. Last year's 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.