Spirits Sales in Control States Decline in 2025

According to data published by the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA) and reported by The Spirits Business, spirits sales in control states finished 2025 with declines in both volume and value. NABCA represents US states that directly oversee alcohol distribution and tracks monthly and annual performance across 18 spirits markets and 12 wine control states.

For the full year, spirits volumes fell by 1.4%, while value sales dropped by 2.8%. Despite these annual declines, December showed signs of short-term recovery, with volume increasing 1.4% year over year.

December Gains Driven by Extra Selling Days

In December 2025, spirits sales in control states slipped 1.8% in value compared with December 2024, even as volumes improved. NABCA attributed the volume increase largely to calendar effects rather than demand growth.

According to NABCA, 2025 included 10 more selling days than the previous year. Michigan and Utah gained three additional selling days, while Alabama, Mississippi, Montana, and North Carolina each added one. Even after excluding these extra days, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Wyoming, Iowa, and Montgomery County still recorded positive nine-liter case volume growth in December.

Cocktails and Tequila Lead Monthly Category Growth

NABCA data cited by The Spirits Business shows that December growth centered on a few standout categories. Ready-to-drink cocktails dominated performance, followed by cordials (liqueurs) and Tequila.

Cocktails surged 22.8% in volume and 22.2% in value for the month. Tequila volumes rose 3.3%, although its value edged down 0.7%, reflecting pricing pressure.

In contrast, several traditional categories declined sharply. Scotch volumes fell 10.1%, Irish whiskey dropped 5.7%, rum declined 5.1%, and brandy/Cognac decreased 4.7%. In value terms, Scotch led losses with a 9.6% decline, followed by Irish whiskey at 6.1% and brandy/Cognac at 6%.

Full-Year Spirits Sales in Control States: Few Bright Spots

Looking at spirits sales in control states for the full year, only two categories delivered growth in both volume and value. Cocktails rose 23.2% in volume and 22.6% in value, while Tequila posted modest gains of 2.2% in volume and 0.8% in value.

Meanwhile, Scotch recorded the steepest full-year volume decline at 8.3%, followed by neutral grain spirits at 8% and brandy/Cognac at 7.9%. Brandy and Cognac also suffered the largest value drop of 9.9% for 2025.

On-Premise Shows December Recovery, Year Remains Soft

On-premise performance provided limited relief. NABCA reported that December on-trade spirits sales rose 3.2% in volume and 1.3% in value, with 10 of 14 markets posting gains. However, the full-year picture stayed negative, with volumes down 0.3% and value declining 2.1%.

Regionally, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Ohio, and Wyoming recorded volume declines in December. For the entire year, only Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Utah achieved volume growth.