All liquor is controlled by the state here in Ohio. They set a list price and stores cannot deviate from it. The result is some really good bourbon can be had at reasonable prices, but it is nearly impossible to find the good stuff. Stores are allocated a small amount of the good stuff perhaps one time a month. For example, next week I expect to see some Blantons hit the street. However, you need to be waiting in line at the store when they unload their shipment from the truck if you stand a chance of getting a bottle. Personally, I don’t like Blantons, but it makes a great gift. The average consumer in Ohio will never have the opportunity to buy a bottle since a stores allocation is only 4 - 6 bottles per month! Same with eagle rare and EH Taylor. We may see it once a month, but you have to be at the store when they get their shipment.
The flexibility of my work schedule and the fact I travel around my region (outside sales) has allowed me to figure out when all of the local liquor stores get their shipments and arrange my days to match. While some of the bigger stores will have 20 or 30 people in line, a smaller mom and pop 10 minutes away may have nobody. Also, while the proprietor is not allowed to hold back bottles for special customers, I know for a fact that many of them do, so it pays to build a relationship and do nice things for your local store owner.
