Ohioans Purchased Record $793.7 Million In Liquor Last Year

The Ohio Department of Commerce said on Thursday that Ohio liquor sales increased last year by $40 million.

Officials said that sales in 2011 totaled $739.7 million, according to the state agency.

"Better inventory management and improved customer service helps us meet the needs of customers," Commerce Director David Goodman said. "This is a positive indicator for Ohio's economy, showing
that Ohioans are again patronizing restaurants and entertainment businesses."

According to the department, Kamchatka Vodka was the top selling liquor with 401,148 gallons sold in 2011.

Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey sold 349,589 gallons, and Bacardi Superior Light Rum sold 291,559 gallons. Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, Absolut Vodka, Smirnoff Vodka, Crown Royal Canadian Whiskey, Jagermeister, Korski Vodka and Black Velvet Canadian Whiskey also topped the list.

Goodman said that wholesale sales increased from restaurants and entertainment businesses by 4.7 percent.

Wholesale sales decreased three of the past four years, according to the Ohio Department of Commerce.

"As consumer tastes become increasingly more sophisticated, they tend to buy more of the premium products, Goodman said.

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