Welcome to the wonderful world of government-regulated booze. Yes, some states decided that the best way to handle alcohol sales is to do it themselves. These are affectionately—or not so affectionately—known as Liquor Control States. It’s a system where the state government manages the sale and distribution of distilled spirits. Think of it as your friendly neighborhood DMV, but for bourbon. What could possibly go wrong?

Definition

A “Liquor Control State,” or an Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) state, is one where the government controls spirits sales. Instead of private liquor stores competing for your business, you’ll often find state-run outlets with all the charm of a post office. Seventeen states decided this was a brilliant idea. They act as the wholesaler and, in many cases, the only retailer. This means they decide which bourbons get stocked on the shelves and at what price.

Why does it matter?

For you, the intrepid bourbon explorer, this system can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, prices can be standardized and sometimes lower since the state isn’t trying to gouge you for a profit. On the other hand, the selection can be painfully limited. The state decides what to buy, and their buyers might not share your enthusiasm for that weird, wonderful craft whiskey from a tiny distillery. It doesn’t impact how a bourbon is made—the mash bill, distillation, and aging are all safe from government meddling, thankfully. However, it dramatically affects what you can actually find and try.

How OAKR helps

Navigating a state-controlled shelf of brown liquor can be a gamble. You might see a wall of familiar brands and a few oddballs the state buyer took a chance on. How do you know if that dusty bottle in the corner is a hidden gem or just… dusty? This is where OAKR comes in. Instead of blindly trusting a state employee’s purchasing decisions, you can use the app to see what’s actually good. Everyone’s palate is different, but OAKR aggregates tasting notes from blind tasting panelists to give you a reliable snapshot of a bourbon’s flavor profile before you commit. Explore the app to find your next favorite bottle based on flavor, not just what the government decided you should drink.