Ohio's Near Beer: Where To Buy And Enjoy Responsibly

If you're looking to buy non-alcoholic beer in Ohio, you're in luck! Weiland's Market, an independent and locally-owned store in Central Ohio, offers a wide selection of beer, wine, and spirits. With over 1,500 labels in stock, they are sure to have something for every taste and occasion. You can find them at 3600 Indianola Avenue in Columbus, and their knowledgeable staff will be happy to help you find what you're looking for.

Weiland's Market in Central Ohio

Weilands Market in Central Ohio is your one-stop shop for all your beer, wine, and spirit needs. Located at 3600 Indianola Avenue in Columbus, OH, in the heart of Clintonville, this independent and locally-owned market is easily accessible from the Cooke Road and E.N. Broadway Exits off I-71. With a focus on offering delicious food and drinks and excellent service, Weilands Market has something for everyone.

The market boasts an extensive selection of beer, wine, and spirits that will impress even the most discerning connoisseur. Their beer collection includes local craft favourites and a wide range of American and imported craft beers, with many available as singles and already chilled, perfect for those who want to try something new without committing to a full pack. For wine lovers, Weilands Market offers a vast assortment of labels, from affordable options for parties to exclusive, highly allocated wines and champagnes for your cellar. You're sure to find the perfect pairing for any occasion.

But that's not all; their spirit selection is just as impressive. Weilands Market carries a range of spirits from local distilleries, including Middle West Spirits, Watershed Distillery, and 451 Spirits. You'll also find an extensive selection of bitters, with over 1,500 labels in stock, and you can even sample many of them before you buy. Whether you're a mixologist in the making or just looking for a unique bottle to add to your collection, Weilands Market has something for every taste and budget.

The market is open from 9 am to 7 pm, Monday through Saturday, and 10 am to 7 pm on Sundays. Beer, wine, and spirits are available for purchase during all opening hours, including Sundays, so you can stock up whenever it suits you. With their ever-changing selection and commitment to customer satisfaction, it's no wonder that Weilands Market has been consistently recognised as the best beer, wine, and liquor store in Central Ohio by the readers of Columbus Alive! and Columbus Monthly.

Local favourites from Middle West Spirits

Middle West Spirits is an Ohio-based craft distillery that produces a range of spirits, including whiskey, vodka, and gin. They offer a unique selection of spirits that showcase the local flavours and craftsmanship of the region. Here are some of the local favourites from Middle West Spirits that you can enjoy:

Whiskeys

Middle West Spirits boasts a diverse collection of whiskeys, each with its own distinct character. The Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey, priced at $69.99, is a full-bodied and smooth option. For those who appreciate a rye whiskey, the Cask Strength Straight Rye Whiskey, also priced at $69.99, offers a spicy and complex flavour profile. The Napoleon Calvados Cask-Finished Whiskey, priced at $129.99, is a unique offering finished in calvados casks, imparting a delicate apple flavour. The Sherry Finished Bourbon Whiskey, priced at $99.99, blends the richness of bourbon with the sweet notes of sherry. The Ported Pumpernickel Rye, also $99.99, is an intriguing rye whiskey with a hint of dark bread and spice. Lastly, the Oloroso Wheat Whiskey, priced at $99.99, is a rare wheat whiskey with a full-bodied flavour enhanced by the sweet and nutty notes of oloroso sherry.

Vodkas

The OYO American Character Vodka, priced at $31.99, is a classic vodka with a clean and crisp taste. For a fruity twist, the OYO Stone Fruit Vodka, at $36.99, offers a delicate blend of stone fruit flavours. The OYO Honey Vanilla Bean Vodka, also $36.99, is a sweet and indulgent vodka with notes of honey and vanilla. If you're looking for a more complex flavour, the OYO Barrel-aged Honey Vanilla Bean Vodka, priced at $37.99, combines the sweetness of honey and vanilla with the oak and spice notes from barrel ageing.

Gin

The Lux & Umbra London Dry Gin, priced at $29.99, is a classic London dry gin with a balanced and refreshing flavour profile.

Other Offerings

In addition to their spirits, Middle West Spirits also offers unique products like the Barrel Aged Maple Syrup, available in 8oz ($16.99) and 16oz ($26.99) sizes. This syrup is aged in their used whiskey barrels, infusing it with a hint of oak and vanilla.

You can purchase these local favourites and more from Middle West Spirits through their website, which redirects to a third-party site, Speakeasy Co., to comply with state and federal regulations regarding alcohol shipment.

Imported craft beers

Ohio ranks fifth in craft-beer production in the United States, with 366 breweries in the state. The top three breweries in Ohio by volume are:

• Great Lakes Brewing Co., Cleveland, founded in 1988.
• Rhinegeist, Cincinnati, founded in 2013.
• BrewDog, Columbus, founded in Scotland in 2007 and started in Columbus in 2017.

Among the top 50 overall brewing companies, which includes large, non-craft breweries, Great Lakes ranks 31st and Rhinegeist is 34th.

When it comes to imported craft beers in Ohio, consumers have a staggering number of choices by style and container. These imported craft beers add to the diverse selection offered by local breweries and contribute to the vibrant craft beer culture in the state.

While specific retailers or distributors of imported craft beers in Ohio were not readily available, the wide range of options suggests that enthusiasts can explore specialty beer stores, liquor stores, or even online platforms to discover and purchase their desired imported craft beers. The availability of imported craft beers in Ohio enhances the overall drinking experience and caters to those who appreciate a diverse selection beyond local offerings.

American craft beers

When it comes to American craft beers, there is a diverse and vibrant landscape to explore. From small-town breweries to innovative craft brewers, the options are endless for beer enthusiasts. If you're in Ohio and seeking to purchase craft beers, it's important to understand the state's unique approach to alcohol sales. Ohio operates as a control state, meaning the government closely regulates the distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages. This includes craft beers.

While Ohio's regulations may not offer bulk discounts on beer, that doesn't mean you can't explore the exciting world of American craft beers. These beers are all about celebrating the art of brewing, unique flavours, and the culture that surrounds them. Craft beers are often associated with small-batch productions, where the brewers take pride in their recipes and local ingredients. Many craft breweries have become beloved gathering places for both tourists and locals, offering a true taste of Americana.

Some popular American craft beer brands include Firestone Walker Brewing, which has achieved notable success in global beer competitions, and Hopworks, known for releasing bold and innovative beers. Additionally, you can explore breweries like Big Grove, which focuses on creating an experience that makes people want to come back, and Switchback Brewing Co., which offers a unique range of beers based on their fan base. These breweries showcase the passion and creativity that define American craft beers.

When seeking out American craft beers in Ohio, your best bet is to visit specialised beer stores and craft beer markets. These stores often carry a wide selection of craft beers from various breweries, allowing you to discover new favourites. Websites like American Craft Beer and CraftBeer.com can be excellent resources for finding the best craft beer stores near you. They provide reviews, news, and insights into the world of craft beer, helping you navigate your options. So, whether you're in Cleveland, Cincinnati, or Columbus, you can explore the unique offerings of American craft beers and support local and independent brewers.

Rare bottles from the Ohio Department of Liquor Control

Ohio operates as a control state, meaning the government has a hand in every bottle that gets sold, controlling and regulating the distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages. The Ohio Department of Liquor Control, part of the Ohio Department of Commerce, is responsible for regulating the state's alcohol industry and ensuring responsible consumption and adherence to state laws.

The Department of Liquor Control offers Ohio residents the opportunity to purchase rare bottles of bourbon through an annual lottery system known as the Ohio Bottle Lottery. For instance, in 2018, Ohioans had the chance to enter a lottery to win the opportunity to purchase one of 800 bottles of the Pappy Van Winkle and Buffalo Trace Antique Collection bourbons. The bottles from the Pappy Van Winkle collection were valued between $55 and $250 each, while the Buffalo Trace Antique bourbons were priced at $100 per bottle.

Interested participants could enter the lottery by obtaining a paper ticket through liquor agencies contracting with the state or via the Department of Commerce's bottle lottery website. The lottery typically runs for 12 days, and winners are notified in late January. It's important to note that winners don't receive free bottles but gain the exclusive chance to purchase these rare bourbons.

The allocation of rare bottles to liquor stores in Ohio is a complex process. According to industry insiders, liquor stores cannot specifically order rare bottles; instead, they randomly appear at stores. Distributors play a significant role in deciding which stores receive these bottles, often based on sales data and the store's performance in moving their base or flagship product. The Ohio Department of Liquor Control also has some influence over the distribution process, deciding which stores will carry certain products.

In summary, the Ohio Department of Liquor Control offers residents the exciting opportunity to acquire rare bottles of bourbon through the Ohio Bottle Lottery. The department also works with distributors to allocate rare bottles to liquor stores across the state, creating a dynamic and ever-changing landscape for liquor enthusiasts in Ohio.

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