Ohio liquor sales reach record level in 2012, totaling $849 million

Sales of spirituous liquor reached a record level in 2012, totaling $849 million -- an increase of 7 percent from the year prior, according to the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Liquor Control.

"Consumer tastes are becoming more sophisticated, and Ohioans continue to trade up buying more of the premium products," said David Goodman, director of the Ohio Department of Commerce. "Better product selection and improved inventory management are key to meeting the needs of our consumers, without encouraging increased consumption."

For the second consecutive year, liquor purchased by restaurants, bars and clubs increased 5.7 percent.

"Strong wholesale indicates positive growths in Ohio's economy as Ohioans are again patronizing restaurants and entertainment businesses," Goodman explained.

The following were the top 10 selling brands of spirituous liquor in Ohio for 2012:

1. Kamchatka Vodka – 364,914 gallons
2. Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey – 355,068 gallons
3. Bacardi Superior Light Rum – 287,378 gallons
4. Absolut Vodka – 281,898 gallons
5. Crown Royal Canadian Whiskey – 281,295 gallons
6. Captain Morgan Spiced Rum – 279,512 gallons
7. Smirnoff  Vodka  – 271,204 gallons
8. Jagermeister – 256,526 gallons
9. Black Velvet Canadian Whiskey – 231,888 gallons
10. Korski Vodka – 229,404 gallons

Spirituous liquor is intoxicating liquor containing more than 21 percent alcohol by volume.

Dollar sales grew at a higher rate than consumption in 2012. The Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Liquor Control sold a total of 11.9 million gallons of spirituous liquor through its 464 contract liquor agencies, an increase of 4.2 percent over 2011.