BOURBON HUNTING in Columbus, OH - Our 1st Control State!

Go to sponsr.is/zbiotics_bourbonnig... or scan the QR code and get 15% off your first order of ZBiotics Pre-Alcohol Probiotic by using my code BOURBONNIGHT at checkout. Thanks to ZBiotics for sponsoring today’s video!
We travel to Columbus, Ohio to hunt in their control state to see how it differs from Kentucky. While up there we visit local distilleries, go to RAX, and even attend a Dude-A-Thon with some friends!
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Chapters:
0:00 Here we go!
0:45 Intro
0:54 Meet The Crew / How control states work
2:08 Stop No. 1
3:49 Stop No. 2
6:08 ZBiotics
8:07 Lunch at RAX!
9:24 Stop No. 3
10:41 Stop No. 4
11:27 Stop No. 5
13:20 Distillery Tours
13:51 Overall Thoughts
14:36 Total Spend
15:04 The Wrap Up
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE:
Any Amazon links used in this description will direct you to Amazon, and as an Amazon Associate, we earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
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All claims made here about alcohol, whether in this video, in this description, or on our channel, are intended only for those of the legal drinking age. All links provided here should only be accessed by those of the legal drinking age.
#WhiskeyTube #Bourbon #WhiskyTube

[@ItsBourbonNight]

Go to sponsr.is/zbiotics_bourbonnight_0124 or scan the QR code and get 15% off your first order of ZBiotics Pre-Alcohol Probiotic by using my code BOURBONNIGHT at checkout. Thanks to ZBiotics for sponsoring this video!

[@BadKarmaBourbon]

Have to check the proofs on the JDSBBP. It looks like you grabbed the 128 proof and there was a 130 right next to it. Not a huge difference there, but sometimes there is.

[@jeffwinbush5039]

I stopped the video at the 13:03 point where Todd shouted out my preferred place to buy brown water, Arena Wine & Spirits. They are my go-to place for buying bourbon in Cowtown (those of us born in Columbus know why we call it that). Many of the hard-to-find bourbons you and Sara have recommended I found at Arena. Sorry for your sorry Rax experience (they should have bought you a Rotolo's Pizza), and I'm a little hurt I didn't know you were going to be in C-Bus, but I hope it wasn't too terrible for you without your lovely better half. P.S. Thanks for the package you guys sent. Can't wait to try them all!🤗

[@mrjiggs8]

OHLQ will often run sales on certain bottles and the stores don't keep up with the pricing tags. But once you get to the register it will be the sale price, or in most cases lately the increased price at the register. I often run into that here in Ohio. Also if you want your tater bottles Wellerzzzz, Horsey Tops, Not So Rare Eagles etc.. you have to wait in line like you mentioned right when the store opens but you'll have to fight all the flippers and chair mafia. Have A Great Week Everyone 🥃🥃🥃🥃

[@jdkimple]

Oh yeah, the chair mafia. Those dudes ... Man, I don't know.

[@williamhancock9587]

I really like that you take the care to include the pricing really clear in your videos when you are doing a hunt. It just gives me a good idea of what things price in other areas much appreciated, Cheers!!!

[@toddjewett2404]

Love your channel and the info you provide. Refreshing to hear your commentary without being constantly interrupted or talked over. Looking forward to future episodes!

[@gerhardschote8000]

Love this Format

[@GOTAisMe]

Chad I love it when you leave the studio. You have such a natural way of filmmaking that it is really enjoyable to watch. I do miss Sara and hope she is doing better but even without her this video and the one with Jason C have been really fun. Keep them coming because I'm a fan and I want to see more.

[@ItsBourbonNight]

Thank you!!

[@jkhristov]

It's true that it's the land of Weller, but it disappears almost instantly because everyone uses it to trading.

[@jasono.1629]

Great hunting video. Always fun to see what other states / regions have that we can’t find in our hometown region.

[@userperson5259]

This was fun Chad. Thanks for bringing us with you. You all are in spirits heaven out there east of the Rockies... Selections we can only dream of living out here in the highly controlled intermountain West.

[@ssracer02]

The look on your face when the Z Biotics bottle just slid right at the camera 🤣🤣🤣

[@jdkimple]

The Pit Stop! That's my neighborhood store. They have a pretty good selection for Central Ohio. Glad you made it.

[@Mr.KobeZoom]

You gotta do more of these!! As a team or solo’s!!! 👍

[@johnbosen5029]

The "nameless" liquor store is called the Honey Bee Drive Thru.

[@neilreddick3062]

Fun episode pho sho!

[@sideshowonacid]

“Get yourself a BBC” That got me!🤣🤣🤣

[@jeremydibiase8030]

You need to go to the stores the morning when allocations drop. What did you think of watershed? I have alot of their bottles and they are amazing. Their fall finishing series finished in maple barrels is fantastic. Great video!

[@LP23D6]

It looks like shopping here in Iowa. The State is in the liquor business here too. Not much Weller but most places have Saz. That Joseph Magnus Cigar Blend is pretty tasty but $220 is pricy. I got one at a local store that had a Easter egg hunt so to speak. The Manager stuffed allocated bottles everywhere (or anywhere) in the store. You might find a Stag in the beer coolers or a Bookers tucked in behind some wine bottles. It was a lot of fun.

[@celticnorthman3615]

Nice video, you're in my stomping grounds! There is some nice hunting north of Columbus! Weller special reserve is there!

[@carlmschwarber259]

Next time slow down on I75 , the wine list north of Cincinnati, Whitey's in Greendale Indiana, the Party Source in northern KY and Uncorked in Covington ky are some pretty good stores if you are there at the right time. Cheers 🍻

[@malmeyer]

Awesome video Chad. Can't believe you didn't spend more money with no adult supervision. I saw a lot of bottles that I would have loved. Barely recognized Todd without his kilt on. And I can't believe there's still a Rax around! Haven't been to one in 30 years I bet. They are all gone up here in MN. I also prefer Arby's but would hit that for the nostalgia for sure. Cheers!

[@graeme13]

Planning a trip to Columbus for a hockey game and we’re gonna have to hit the Rax! Thanks for the blast from the past! 😂😂😂🐷🐷🐷😂😂😂

[@pr0t0genic]

This just hit my recommended vids, so apologies for the 6-month delayed post. I'm scratching my head at the stores you guys hit. I generally find Chateau Wine and Spirits in Dublin is the best place to pick up bottles, but I specialize in cocktails and not a "Bourbon Guy" specifically. Weiland's is good too. For bars/restaurants, I've heard good things about Buckeye Bourbon House, but have not been myself. However, if you drive to Columbus, you should definitely drive another 35 minutes north to Delaware and go to Opa Grill and Tavern for food and drinks. They claim to have the largest bourbon selection in the state (somewhere around 3-4000 different bottles). They have all the hits and a ton of private stuff too. Definitely a bourbon lovers destination.

[@uncoiledshrimp2549]

Randomly finding a video with my 2 local liquor stores was fun, subscribed for sure

[@ItsBourbonNight]

Thanks! Welcome aboard!

[@nickp5511]

Nice to see other stores! Have you tried the Jacob’s Pardon 18yr that’s a 140 plus proof? If you let it set out for about 30 minutes it really opens up and is sweet full of flavor and drinks like it’s 120 proof

[@K0okyKats]

Donny was a good bowler, and a good man. He was one of us. He was a man who loved the outdoors... and bowling, and as a surfer he explored the beaches of Southern California, from La Jolla to Leo Carrillo and... up to... Pismo. He died, like so many young men of his generation, he died before his time. In your wisdom, Lord, you took him, as you took so many bright flowering young men at Khe Sanh, at Langdok, at Hill 364. These young men gave their lives. And so would Donny. Donny, who loved bowling. And so, Theodore Donald Karabotsos, in accordance with what we think your dying wishes might well have been, we commit your final mortal remains to the bosom of the Pacific Ocean, which you loved so well. Good night, sweet prince.

[@user-hu8sm6zs4x]

There are only 5 rad left! One of them is 4 miles from my house! Big Rax, easy lettuce with twisty fries for the win !

[@Rockhead84]

You went to some 'hood spots to hunt, I respect it lol. I'm a former resident, and I didn't know we had one of the few surviving Rax restaurants. When you showed that sign, I was expecting you to say it was closed! It's interesting to hear about the Bourbon reputation Ohio has. It definitely isn't the "Land of Weller" 😅

[@GlenAndFriendsCooking]

5:05 Pressure aged... nothing says quality like pressure aged with wood segments. But they seem proud of their achievements! 5:13 Bone Shaker is a brand name of a Craft Beer that's been made here in Toronto for at least 10 years; the skeleton riding a bike is almost the same label.

[@ItsBourbonNight]

Hahah right?! Under Pressure should be their official song. So is this craft beer behind that bourbon or is it just a coincidence?

[@GlenAndFriendsCooking]

@@ItsBourbonNight Might just be a coincidence? But the Craft Brewery here opened in 1986 and grew to the point that it started buying up smaller breweries, then was sold to one of those large global breweries last year. So who knows...

[@nicholaskallaher]

So the Bone Shaker is done by 451 Spirits which is a very small one man operation microdistillery here in Columbus. Next time you come to town check out Chateau Wine and Spirits (they have 2 locations here in town). They have rather large bourbon selections and dont put limits on the number of WSR or Saz bottles you buy. Frankly they have been my regular destination and seeing a video with people here in Columbus limiting those products to 1 per customer was outrageous.

[@mwn1218]

If you ever come back to VA, you will find a lot of the Jack barrel proofs (both bourbon, I mean Tenn whiskey and rye)

[@Whiskey_BS]

Ha! Welcome to my world (Ohio resident). You have to get lucky and stumble onto a special bottle but it will be at State mandatory price! Fortunately I live 30 minutes from KY so can make a run for more interesting hunts.

[@firedawg76]

What day/time did you do Dudeathon? I was at the Sunday afternoon showing. Always a great time! Hope you enjoyed.

[@McAdamSandwich]

TODD COUPAH, GET TO THE CHOPPAH. #NuttySquad

[@877-MASH-NOW]

WHISKEY CHEERS 🍻

[@bourbonandbeard9721]

The Weller is more prevalent in some places over others. But we do typically have more Weller than most states. Next time you need to hit some places around the Akron area. Maybe Cincinnati if you don't want to drive all the way up here.

[@TheMashBrothers]

Let me know if you’re ever back up this way! Let you in on a few places that get really good drops on Saturdays! We’ve had some good luck recently. Just missed you, pit stop is right down the road from me

[@BuffaloBourbonEnthusiasts]

My wife got me Middle West ported pumpernickel rye for Christmas. Delicious!

[@BuffaloBourbonEnthusiasts]

I love my Wheat Penny Full Proof! Old Elk 10 Year Wheated is awesome. Tried it at bourbonpalooza. Pricy though.

[@shmoo1000]

The dude abides. From a Michigan perspective, OH is the land of weller. The only OWA and WFP I have found at retail both came from Ohio

[@joethesampleguy3414]

If you pay cash at Spec's (TX chain) the JDSBBP TN whiskey or rye are 56.30 out the door. I didn't look for any Weller today but I can usually find it in TX or OK.

[@Awillemain90]

Come on over to Louisville. Plenty of JD BP bourbon and rye. Even store picks. Not as cheap as OHLQ but definitely available here.

[@Na1630_]

I live in Ohio and the stores have had weller and sazarac in large quantities for weeks. Can never complain

[@user-oy5wu6lw6i]

You were in my hometown Lancaster , Ohio. The Pit Stop is my go to place, they get Buffalo Trace products in fairly often. I’m surprised Rax is still open. I do eat there couple times a year but does not compare to Arbys. I bought the single barrel Ohio store pick of Remus. Super high rye, 51 corn, 39 rye , 10 malted rye lol. Honestly I’m not a rye fan but I actually enjoy it and would buy another bottle.

[@4LeafWhiskey]

I’m going to have to remember that store. I usually hit the Alum Creek store in Obetz

[@BigfootBourbonNerd]

That Jack single barrel barrel proof bourbon and rye is everywhere in Oklahoma and Texas. Heaven Hill BIB is also easily accessible.

[@kevinclingaman6277]

You need to be in Ohio on a Saturday morning when the allocated bottles are put out on the shelves. Not all liquor stores release them on Saturday but you’ll see the lines and more Weller.

[@drgallup]

I see JD single barrel BP everywhere now and this week saw my first JD SiB BP Rye. But it was marked up to $100 showing the advantage of a control state.

[@llamabones]

I worked for many years at a Kroger in Columbus (not that the location matters) and we dealt with professional shoppers who would find outdated/expired tags to get the item free. The liquor department was better about this (and, no, you wouldn't get the item for free), but they could still be slow to change their price tags.

[@ejbsee6081]

I was at the Buffalo Trace distillery in September, Weller SRV was purchased at the gift shop for $30. Allocated not allocated. Distillery stuff

[@thomasaccuntius9946]

WELCOME to OHIO CHAD. I was at my Krogers last sat and was looking for a Buffalo Trace or a Weller SR (yeah I like it) but I picked up the last bottle of Weller Antique. The Weller you saw cheaper had a green dot on the price tag, if that means anything. I usually go to Ky. 3 times a year for a Bourbon run.

[@Zach-td5mb]

How early did you get there? I’ve only ever seen SR at my Kroger.

[@davidcolgan3268]

Iowa is also a controlled state but we don’t have that big of selection. I have been looking for that JD Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye.

[@zudosmg]

I live in BC Canada and we are a controlled province. We get 1 lottery a year for the Pappy/WLW etc. and twice a year major releases. It has its positives and negatives of course. Prices are always MSRP but just hard to get as tons of people are doing the same thing you are.

[@Vortex1988]

Apparently Kentucky is just weird because I can find Jack Daniels Single Barrel Barrel Proof just about everywhere here in IL.

[@jasonbaily1707]

Oregon's like that aswell. Blessing as is at msrp, but not alot of allocated available.

[@kokoaDarkPenguin88]

We get A107 and SR every week or every other week, all the A107s get bought regardless because they're used to trade for stuff we don't get or c often in Ohio 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@Pappy_K]

Stopped in a local store I go to sometimes. Under new ownership. They always seem high on prices. Today they had Blanton’s, Eagle Rare, EH Taylor Small Batch, Weller 12 and Weller Special Reserve. Grabbed an Eagle Rare & Special Reserve. Wish I’d grabbed the Weller 12 😕

[@Minnesota7thst]

You need you need to grab one of those cigar cut. The price is shocking but once you have some, $129 for non allocated amazing juice is a must buy every time.

[@raymondezell7378]

Hey Chad anything in the middle west line up that stands out? I really enjoy the michelone reserve.

[@donaldbarber7016]

Oklahoma you can find weller sr super easy. If you don't find it in the first store it'll be in the 2nd

[@kylesams7488]

Rax! I need to take a trip to Columbus to get my fix.

[@jondilly1974]

OWA is released about once a month and will rarely last thru the line. You have to be in line the day of. It won’t sit on a shelf.

[@KevinWilson-cc7lj]

Compared to Wisconsin, I would say Ohio and Kentucky are definitely the land of Weller Special Reserve. Only a select view liquor stores get bottles of it here and they charge 3-4 times as much. That being said, we get lots of Jack Daniel's and Bardstown products but have yet to see any Joseph Magnus anywhere. Like you always say, every region/state is different. Since I am in Southern Wisconsin, I will hit up big box stores in Illinois for Pursuit United, which is filthy good. Cheers, bourbon gurus...

[@BuffaloBourbonEnthusiasts]

Buckners and WB Saffell and OKI would have been nice pick ups.

[@72cmcinc]

Fun hunt, crappy weather!

[@jared.davidavich2786]

Next time you're in OH, don't pass on the Detrick bourbon (12:06, far left, blue label), from Belle of Dayton distillery.

[@chrisw4192]

Best state to hunt and live😉

[@sodagrump9285]

RAX is an Ohio Staple. During their hayday they were all over, you have to stop when you see one.

[@SanskarWagley]

Hope you make it out to NC sometime. We’re also an ABC state.

[@joelespique8315]

I'd go just for the RAX!!!

[@jacobd8425]

As someone from the town with the Rax in it. Curly fries is just fine and you missed the best distillery in Columbus, Highbank.

[@Sworn_enemy]

You should of bought the castle and key restoration rye single barrel, delicious

[@ItsBourbonNight]

It is! We have a bottle already or we would have.

[@dustincombs7127]

10-12 cases of SR on the floor typically at place I go

[@jon6350]

Hunting in my hometown of lancaster!

[@SparksofOhio]

Totally disappointed that you didn’t share any video from the LeBowski get together, Hell, I never even knew that they had one in Cbus. ☹️

[@Vampyreonline]

Lord I miss Rax!!

[@grapesodapopinski571]

You still won’t see Antique unless you get there early on a Saturday

[@4LeafWhiskey]

I’m not a fan of Arena, store has been a bit shady. But they sell more than any store in the state. That Bexley store is a good spot!

[@timcummings8062]

In a control state such a Alabama the ABC board sets the price and regardless who buys it, whether a liqueur store or a grocery store has to buy it from the ABC for the same price the public buys it from the actual ABC state store then the private mom and pops adds a surcharge to it when they sell it, thus being more expensive to buy at a private store. Then the state adds a "sin" tax (9%) to it making it even more expensive at the private store rather than the state store. The state should stay out of the liqueur business.

[@clifflash7274]

Hi, Chad, Columbus was your 1st trip to Ohio? You never shopped in Cinti? Did you have a chance to visit Jason on this trip? GO CATS!!! Cliff - Atlanta

[@donstilton4355]

In my area finding JD barrel proof isn't the challenge, it's finding the highest proof. So far mine is 132.4 but I know there are higher.

[@theclaymiller2009]

I worked over 20 yrs for a company who make the large majority of fries etc in the US… we call them curly fries or Twisters… I am back in Ohio and have not heard them called twisty fries 🧐

[@ShawnaMarieD]

If you want an amazing roast beef sandwich come to the North Shore in MA, you will never eat Arby's again lol

[@jkhristov]

RE: the price difference with the Joseph Mag: so the price tag might not have been accurate/updated, (lazy employees? lol) but when it gets rang up, it will be the correct price at any location.

[@NolenNova33]

11:26 you look like you were SICK of state controlled stores. I know I am in NC!

[@strictlydiesel8305]

Huh? They only typically do statewide lotteries like twice a year here

[@-RONNIE]

Thank you all for the video 🥃

[@jdickinson1977]

Chad the prices weren't different. They probably didn't update their shelf tags when the prices were changed by the state.

[@billslone242]

Prices can vary even here in ohio but it's never more than like 4 bucks

[@mattriley4076]

I can score the heaven hill in MO at a local store for $39.99 thank goodness

[@imakarpenter]

Antique 107 hits about every other or at least once a month

[@alexbelletti7492]

EHT Barrel proof out this week inn ohio!

[@jasonbaily1707]

No sales tax either in Oregon. ( I forgot to mention)

[@easye47]

8:27 BBC ?! Ayooo !!!

[@billslone242]

Chad you should have reached out. Lol

[@iDanky206]

54.99 for larceny small batch!?WTF I can’t remember what I payed for it last month but it’s got to be at least 20+ bucks cheaper in WA

[@michaelshannon2501]

8 year old's Dude!

[@TJMAYB8]

Can't believe you went to Ohio and didn't eat Skyline Chili...also, try the Wheat Penny from Clevland Whiskey before crapping on the fact that it's not barrel aged....It will surprise you.

[@ItsBourbonNight]

Oh, I didn't even know Wheat Penny is not barrel aged. Wait, you mean not barrel aged very long? The one I was talking about that was aged for one month was the 10th Anniversary of Cleveland Whiskey. We've tried their expression that was aged for at least 1 day and didn't love it, but maybe 30 more days could make all the difference, but typically the accelerated aged things like that and OZ Tyler haven't been for our palates. Also we have a Skyline Chili in Lexington ;)

[@TJMAYB8]

@@ItsBourbonNight To my knowledge, all of Clevland Whiskey's offerings use accelerated aging. Wheat Penny is no different. I realize that barrel aging is the accepted norm and will probably never be replaced with any newer technology but I think that Clevland whiskey has done a good job at offering an alternative. I witnessed a store tasting of the Wheat Penny Full Proof here in NC a few years ago and most people trying it probably had no idea it wasn't barrel aged but over 90% of the people who sampled it in the store purchased a bottle. There is a stigma to accelerated aging and I get that but it's better than a lot of barrel finished whiskies I have had...I wish Skyline was in NC 😞

[@ML10456]

I just want to find a knob creek 12.

[@charliehustle3685]

Dude you passed on the WB saffel?

[@ItsBourbonNight]

We see those down here in KY fairly often these days. Plus we have one open and one as a backup.

[@Buster_Chestnut]

BRO.... you came to my town and I didn't even know. ugh....