Hunter
12/24/22
Iowans hit the hard stuff more than ever this year.
The Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division released its annual financial report and showed $431 million in liquor sales for the 2022 fiscal year – a 3.75% increase from last year and a new consumption record.
Liquor sales have continually increased since at least 2017. The largest jump came in fiscal year 2021 during the height of the pandemic, when sales increased from $367 million to $415 million.
Ten Iowa counties accounted for over 66% of statewide sales. Polk County, the most populous county in the state, led the pack, followed by Linn, Scott and Johnson counties.
In the report, Alcoholic Beverages Division Administrator Stephen Larson said, “Our success would not be possible without the support of our employees, the Commission, and those we service and regulate.”
The other big news in the report is the new favorite liquor in Iowa. For the first time, Tito’s Handmade Vodka surpassed Black Velvet as the most popular brand. Black Velvet had held the top spot since at least Fiscal Year 2012. Captain Morgan, the only rum on the list, was third most popular, followed by other whiskey and vodka brands rounding out the top ten.
Blue Ox Vodka was the best selling Iowa-distilled liquor.
ABD says nearly 6.5 million gallons of liquor were purchased in Fiscal Year 2022.