Club JOIN THE

BY WENDY PRAMIK

If you have a passion for bourbon, rum, or other spirits, join the club. There are a lot of like-minded people just like you, right in your backyard. Want to connect with them?

Join one of several spirits societies that have popped up in recent years in Ohio. Some groups are for a strictly controlled membership; others are more open. Here are just a few of the groups.

Whiskey Girls Of Erie Shores

This once-a-month tasting event takes place the second Wednesday of every month at Everwild Spirits in Sandusky. Participants not only can taste some great spirits, but they can also join in camaraderie with other women who love to explore the bourbon craft.

“My goal is to provide an environment where ladies who have a common interest in whiskey can get together and talk about all things whiskey,” said Everwild co-founder Gia Gennari-Lynch.

Central Ohio Whiskey Society

Affectionately known by its acronym COWS, this group of like-minded whiskey enthusiasts focuses on American-style whiskies. The group meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the Ohio Brewing Co., exploring new whiskeys through blind tastings.

Guest distilleries are invited to each meeting, including local and national representatives. The group also takes pride in supporting numerous local charities. There are varying levels of membership, from entry-level to one that includes early access to barrel picks.

BOURBON WOMEN & WHISKEY WOMEN

Although Bourbon Women is based in Louisville, Ky., there are more than a dozen branches across the United States, including one serving greater Cincinnati and northern Kentucky that’s called Bourbon Women Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati. The $75 annual membership includes networking and programming opportunities and discounts to Bourbon Women events, including the annual SIPosium in Louisville.

Another chapter is Whiskey Women of Central Ohio. Established in 2021, it seeks to unite female whiskey drinkers in Ohio’s heartland through education, friendship, and fun.

Ohio Rum Society

These lovers of all-things-rum meet monthly for a $50 annual membership with a quarterly bottle sharing event. Founder Chad White, who’s based in Columbus, says members come from all walks of life including cocktail enthusiasts, professional and amateur bartenders, spirits aficionados, beer geeks, wino lovers, and even coffee connoisseurs. “The typical Rummer,” White said, “is equal parts socialite, history nerd, culinary adventurer, and proud Ohioan.”

Bourbon Club Of North Central Ohio

This Facebook group, which has more than 2,000 followers, finds solidarity in spirits. Members share industry news, information about new releases, photos of their collections, and what they’re drinking on any given evening. Memes often pop up related to their obsession with collecting bottles of bourbon.

FISHER WINE & SPIRITS

Fisher Wine & Spirits is a university-approved social club formed by graduate students pursuing their MBA from The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business. “Our goal is to provide a venue for graduate students to learn more about the business side of the alcohol industry,” said Matthew Tenney, the clubs’ vice president of event planning and member engagement.