Special-release bourbon coming to a select few local liquor stores starting Friday

The Ohio Division of Liquor Control has a message for local bourbon lovers who occasionally complain that the small-batch “good stuff” never makes it to the Buckeye state:

Stop by Friday.

 >> NEW TODAY: Applebee's launches legal battle against its own franchise owner for control of Dayton-area restaurants

A special sales offer of an exclusive Russell's Reserve Barrel Program product from the Wild Turkey Distillery is launching Friday, June 15 at just seven state liquor-agency stores in Ohio — and three are in southwest Ohio: Arrow Wine & Spirits' "Centerville store" on Lyons Road in Washington Twp., Jungle Jim's International Market's Fairfield store on Dixie Highway, and O'Bryan's Deli on Columbia Road in Loveland.

>> Downtown Dayton restaurant De'Lish to shut its doors for good, but intends to go out with a flourish

Each store will have bottles from its own special barrel, and each bottle will be priced at $54.99 for a standard-sized “fifth” (750 ml). Each barrel contains bourbon that has been aged for just over 10 years.

Let’s let Jim Canepa, the superintendent of the Ohio Division of Liquor control, pick up the story from here. Here’s what Canepa said in a release:

>> New liquor store could open by Thanksgiving in Centerville

“I hear you . . . Ohio loves bourbon! That’s why we are bringing an exclusive product from Wild Turkey to the consumers of Ohio.”

“While visiting the distillery in February, we were greeted by Master Distiller Eddie Russell himself. Eddie had pulled out several barrels from some of his favorite rickhouses (B, D and H) and floors (third–fifth). Each carefully crafted barrel has a unique flavor profile with rich, creamy toffee vanilla flavors.”

>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Three new liquor stores coming to the Miami Valley

“Before we ended our visit, Eddie personally selected eight of his best barrels for the bourbon aficionados of Ohio. These hand-selected bourbons will be available for sale at seven agencies across the state beginning June 15. Each bottle is labeled Ohio Private Selection, and notes the barrel number, warehouse, floor and the length of time the barrel was aged.”

>> RELATED: No contract awarded for Piqua liquor agency

“As one who enjoys bourbon, I can tell you these are special barrels that are sure to not disappoint!”

Canepa himself will head to a Columbus liquor store Friday morning to celebrate and call attention to the Russell's Reserve Barrel Program launch.

Under Canepa’s direction, the division has been focusing on upping Ohio’s game in sales of spirits, with an increasing focus on educating consumers about craft spirits and adding new stores in under-served areas.

The division recently awarded contracts for new liquor-agency stores in south Centerville and Mason.

About the Author