The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) is dusting off its 'Chance to Purchase' raffle, giving aficionados a shot at snagging some of the most sought-after spirits on the market. This comes after a nasty blow to its reputation, following a scandal where it emerged that staffers had been playing favorites with the prestigious hooch. From March 11 to March 17, the OLCC's new and improved lottery opens its doors to all Oregonians—save for its employees. A move, undoubtedly, to clean the stain off its checkered past.
According to KATU, this revamped raffle comes with a promise of more openness and a hard pass on OLCC employees participating, perhaps to restore a little faith in the system. The selection is nothing to sneeze at either, with top-shelf labels like Blanton's, Don Julio, and William Larue Weller on the table — a total count of 354 bottles up for grabs. High rollers and whiskey snobs alike, take note, this could be your chance to cradle a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle or get cheeky with an 18-year Sazerac Rye.
Details released by KPIC indicate that this isn't just a free-for-all; there's a system. When signing up, you can throw your name in the hat for up to five different liquors. Once you've won a bottle, you're out of the running for the rest. It’s one prize per winner, so choose wisely.
KTVZ lays out the entire lineup, one that resonates with a whiskey lover's dreams — from a refined "George T. Stagg" to the exquisitely aged "Eagle Rare 17 year." The OLCC has pulled out the stops for, what they're calling, one of the largest 'Chance to Purchase' events to date. It kicks off bright and early on March 11 at 9:00 a.m. and will wind down on March 17 at 11:00 p.m., giving participants a fair stretch to throw their names into the proverbial hat.
Sneers of cronyism and under-the-table dealings have prompted a swift retooling of the OLCC lottery. With enticement in the form of rare bottles, they're under the microscope, and the pressure to emerge without a smudge. For enthusiasts and casual sippers alike, this could mean a fair shake at tasting liquid gold, without the cloak-and-dagger concessions of the past.
