Ohio Division of Liquor Control (OHLQ) Announces Crown Royal Single Barrel - Available August 16

The Ohio Division of Liquor Control (OHLQ) has announced the availability of Crown Royal Single Barrel at select liquor stores (listed at the bottom) beginning at 9am on August 16th. Each location will receive a minimum of 66 bottles. Additionally, Director of Whisky Engagement for Crown, Stephen Wilson,  will be at the Giant Eagle in Parma to sign your bottles from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

For this release, the State partnered with Steven Wilson to select 11 barrels for a special release of Crown Royal Single Barrel. These barrels were aged a minimum of 9 years, were mixed together, then bottled at 103 proof (51.5% alcohol). This offering was made exclusive using the Coffee Rye Still, which is the only one of its kind in North America and the first time this blend has been offered outside of the state of Texas. The bottles will retail for $54.99+tax. No profile was provided other than creamy notes with rich oak undertones.

Nose: Not provided
Taste: Not Provided
Finish: Not Provided

Our Take

I tried to find some information on what makes a coffee rye still unique and came up empty so that isn't a selling point for me. However, having a higher proofed Crown Royal (regular Crown is 80 proof (40% alcohol)) is a neat opportunity. The price is a bit higher than I would expect considering that Crown Royal usually sells for $23.99 + tax and is available everywhere, but I get it since this is supposed to be different and unique.

What I like about this offering is there is ample inventory so if you want a bottle, you should be able to get one without putting in a ton of extra effort. I also like that the State is bringing in single barrels from a company like Crown Royal, which is a well established brand. I also love that Stephen Wilson is signing bottles at the Parma location. That is the most random thing ever... I can't imagine anyone going out of their way to get his autograph, but it's really funny. This is a release that is worth picking up.

If you end going to any of the locations on release day or end up with a bottle, drop a note with your experiences.


Locations (alphabetical by city)

Lakemore Wine & Liquor             
1500 Canton Rd., Akron
102 Bottles, Barrel L84842S060

Houch's
1020 E. Main St., Chillicothe     
66 Bottles, Barrel L84842S121

Central Liquors
9908 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati   
102 Bottles, Barrel L84842S124

Jungle Jim's       
4450 Eastgate Blvd., Cincinnati 
102 Bottles, Barrel L84842S098

Giant Eagle       
6867 E. Broad St., Columbus     
102 Bottles, Barrel L84842S098

Miami Wine & Liquor     
6565 Brandt Pike, Huber Heights             
102 Bottles, Barrel L84842S101

Giant Eagle       
3841 S. Hamilton Rd., Groveport             
102 Bottles, Barrel L84842S102

The Pit Stop       
805 N. Memorial Dr., Lancaster
102 Bottles, Barrel L84842S101

Kroger 
1240 Park Ave. W., Mansfield   
102 Bottles, Barrel L84842S040

Middletown Fine Wine & Spirits
721 Breiel Blvd., Middletown       
66 Bottles, Barrel L84842S121

Kroger 
1155 21st St., Newark     
90 Bottles, Barrel L84842S124

Giant Eagle       
7939 Day Dr., Parma     
222 Bottles, Barrel L84842S072

Kroger 
226 E. Perkins, Sandusky             
90 Bottles, Barrel L84842S040

Kroger 
2100 West Michigan St., Sidney
90 Bottles, Barrel L84842S120

Wine Works     
1550 Commerce Rd., Springfield
102 Bottles, Barrel L84842S102

Joseph's Beverage Center           
4129 Talmadge Rd., Toledo       
102 Bottles, Barrel L84842S083

Xenia Liquors   
276 Dayton Ave., Xenia
102 Bottles, Barrel L84842S120

Giant Eagle       
2700 Mahoning Ave., Warren   
66 Bottles, Barrel L84842S084

Buehler's Milltown         
3540 Burbank Rd., Wooster       
102 Bottles, Barrel L84842S060           

Shoregate Beverage & Liquor     
30498 Lake Shore Blvd., Willowick         
66 Bottles, Barrel L84842S084

Wine Cellar       
105 S. Meridian Rd., Youngstown           
90 Bottles, Barrel L84842S083


Source: OHLQ