Ohio Liquor Shines as Best Practices Winner

In an impressive testament to innovation and community spirit, Ohio Liquor has been awarded the StateWays Overall Best Practices Award for 2024. This accolade reflects an unwavering commitment to enhancing education, advancing industry standards, and encouraging compliance within the whisky sector. This acknowledgment not only affirms Ohio’s position in the distilled spirits landscape but also underscores the successful collaboration between the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control and JobsOhio Beverage System.

Ohio’s finest spirits in the spotlight.

Established eight years ago, Ohio Liquor was born from a need to leverage profits from high-proof liquor sales. These funds have been pivotal in driving job creation and facilitating substantial capital investment throughout the state. The impressive growth and transformation seen within the organization is a narrative of perseverance and focused strategy.

Regulating nearly 27,000 private companies involved in the production, distribution, or sales of alcohol, the Ohio Division of Liquor Control ensures that stringent compliance standards are upheld. The implementation of an advanced inventory management system has led to substantial improvements in distribution and retail operations.

One notable initiative contributing to this recognition is the Whiskey Gold Rush, a unique lottery program. In May 2023, this campaign invited whisky enthusiasts to enter for the exclusive opportunity to purchase a bottle of Blanton’s Gold—a whiskey renowned for its rarity. Participating retail locations saw significant footfall as collectors and fans flocked to partake in the excitement.

“The collaboration between DOLC and JOBS has been a spectacular success for Ohio, maximizing the revenue that fuels JobsOhio’s economic development efforts.” – Lorraine Terry, JobsOhio

The accolades do not stop there. Ohio’s partnership with Bord Bia has paved the way for an extraordinary collection of Irish whiskey and gin. The Irish Cask and Craft initiative not only brought premium spirits to Ohio but also fostered relationships between distillers and local bar owners. With over 20 renowned distilleries participating, such events have become essential social hubs within the whisky community.

Showcasing the best of Irish craftsmanship in whiskey.

Undoubtedly, the ethos of social responsibility is deeply interwoven with Ohio Liquor’s initiatives. Collaborations with organizations like Prevention Action Alliance emphasize a dedication to responsible drinking while ensuring the fair distribution of high-demand products. OHLQ’s innovative distribution tactics have earned them well-deserved recognition, propelling them to a second-place ranking in sales among the 17 control jurisdictions in the U.S.

In a rapidly changing industry where competition is fierce, Ohio Liquor is setting a benchmark that others might aspire to replicate. As Jackie DeGenova, the DOLC superintendent, aptly stated, “OHLQ has had a very successful year thanks to collaboration, hard work, and a commitment to selling high-proof spirits fairly and responsibly.” This spirit of cooperation and civil duty shines through their operations, giving rise to a prosperous Ohio.

The StateWays Best Practices Awards, initiated in 2015, aim to spotlight the remarkable advancements made by organizations dedicated to innovation within the spirits industry. By recognizing excellence, they inspire others to follow suit, further enhancing the landscape of distilled spirits across the nation.

Ohio Liquor’s tireless dedication to its mission proves that success lies not only in profits but in the sustainable growth and awareness cultivated within the community. As enthusiasts savor each sip, it is clear that Ohio Liquor is leading the charge into a brighter and more responsible future.

Celebrating the vibrant Ohio spirits culture.

I eagerly await the next phase of this remarkable journey and the role Ohio will play in shaping the whisky industry. Cheers to innovation, community, and of course, the joy of whisky!