Another year has passed and the liquor sales keep climbing in the state of Ohio.

In 2011, the state liquor sales totaled an astonishing $794 million which was $40 million more than the already high number in 2010. According to the Division Of Liquor Control, the Ohio sales have steadily climbed the last five years straight. Liquor Control also noted that the amount of liquor purchased by restaurants, bars and clubs increased in 2011 by nearly $11 million after a decline in that area over the previous three years.

Bruce Stevenson, superintendent of the Ohio Division of Liquor Control, said this is actually a good sign for our economy. He thinks that the improving economy has lead more people to go out and spend their money on entertainment, like alcohol.

According to Cleveland.com, The Ohio Restaurant Association said it had noticed an uptick in consumers spending more during happy hours and on more expensive specialty drinks with flavored liquors.

If the liquor trend continues (which it seems like it will) that could mean good news for projects like JobsOhio. JobsOhio is the new non profit that is taking over the economic development in Ohio. It is expected to pay $500 million to Ohio by the end of the year for the use of future liquor profits.

Here are the top selling brands of liquor in Ohio in 2011:

1. Kamchatka Vodka

2. Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey

3. Bacardi Superior Light Rum

4. Captain Morgan Spiced Rum

5. Absolut Vodka

6. Smirnoff Vodka

7. Crown Royal Canadian Whisky

8. Jagermeister

9. Korski Vodka

10. Black Velvet Canadian Whisky

-Kate Murphy / 98.5 WNCX