Premium liquor sales in Ohio hit a record high in 2012, reaching $849 million, a 7 percent increase since 2011.

Matt Mullins, director of communications of The Department Of Commerce Liquor Control Division, said wholesale sales decreased in 2008, 2009 and slightly in 2010.

Mullins said these numbers are a direct result of the growth of Ohio’s economy.

Ohio’s unemployment rate was at 10 percent in 2010, the following year it dropped to 8.6 percent and by 2012 it had dropped to 6.8 percent. According to Mullins, now that more Ohioans have more money to spend, it appears that they prefer to spend their money on higher quality liquor products.

“We expect dollar sales are going to increase,” Mullins said about the upcoming year.

Senior Corey Davis said he prefers quality over quantity.

“If it’s just for me and a couple friends I’ll buy Absolute or Smirnoff, but if it’s for a big party I’ll buy the cheaper stuff,” he said. “My Dad prefers Skyy vodka.”

Manager of Oxford Spirits, Gary Hetzl, said students still prefer Korski over Crown and Jack Daniels. Korski has continued to be the top seller at Oxford Spirits and was ranked 10th in sales overall among the spirituous liquor in Ohio.

“Spirituous liquor is anything above 42 proof, the state owns every bottle of liquor over 42 proof,” Hetzl said.

Businesses around the area have also noticed an increase in sales over the years.

Patrick Shaw, a former Miami student now a manager at 45 East, said late night sales have increased dramatically from years past.

“We’ve been a lot busier so far than last year,” Shaw said.

Mark Johnson, a manager at Skipper’s Pub, said he has not noticed any changes with premium alochol sales.

“Most students still prefer Natural Light over higher quality beers,” Johnson said. “Cheaper stuff sells the most.”

Even though premium liquor sales have continued to increase, this does not mean that Ohioans are drinking more, but rather choosing to drink premium liquors, according to Mullins.

Mullins said that with economic growth comes higher demand for higher quality products.

Oxford bars continue to see increasing numbers in sales, but this does not reflect the trend through the rest of the state.