Whiskey lovers in Montgomery County, Maryland are in for a treat come end of November, with the Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) gearing up to host a lottery system for some of the most coveted bottles of bourbon and rye. Registration for the exclusive spirits lottery opens bright and early at 12:01 a.m. on November 30 and will run through December 6 at 11:59 p.m., as per details released by the Montgomery County.
This event is a golden opportunity for county residents and alcohol license holders aged 21 and over, giving them the chance to get their hands on over 500 bottles of premium spirits, which includes the likes of George T. Stagg 2024 Bourbon, Heaven Hill Heritage 19 Year Bourbon, and Angel’s Envy Cellar Collection Vol. 5 Rye. A random drawing to select the winners will be held once the registration window closes, with results posted on the ABS website at 9 a.m. on December 11.
For those looking to get in on the action, the entry process is straightforward. "Residents entering the lottery may select their top preferences from the list of available bottles. Bottle counts will be listed on the registration forms," according to a statement obtained by Montgomery County’s official website. Successful participants will be provided the convenience of purchasing their allotted bottles at a designated store between Monday, December 15, and Saturday, January 17.
As for Montgomery County alcohol licensees, they will benefit from a parallel lottery. It's designed to widen the range of premium spirits they can serve by the glass at their establishments. ABS Retail Division Chief John Donovan articulated the intent behind these lotteries, saying, "This year has been outstanding for highly allocated products, and we are pleased to be able to offer a special, second lottery exclusively for Montgomery County residents and license holders again this year." He further emphasized the commitment to fair pricing and equitable access.
ABS’s role extends beyond conducting lotteries; it is the chief wholesaler of beer, wine, and spirits across 27 retail stores in the county. Furthermore, ABS is responsible for overseeing alcohol licensing, enforcement, and education for an excess of 1,000 businesses. The profits yielded by ABS activities are a significant source of revenue, easing the county's financial burden and supporting services crucial to its residents.
