MECHANICSVILLE — The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority announced sales data show Tito’s Handmade Vodka once again led sales at ABC stores during fiscal year 2025.
This is the eighth consecutive year featuring Tito’s as the top-selling product after customers purchased $75 million of Tito’s in various sizes, Virginia ABC said. Hennessy VS Cognac was second with $32.2 million in sales, followed by Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey at $27.4 million, Jim Beam Bourbon at $22 million and Patrón Silver tequila at $20.3 million.
Rounding out the top 10 products were Jameson Irish Whiskey ($20 million), Maker’s Mark Bourbon ($19 million), Lunazul Blanco Tequila ($18 million), Grey Goose Vodka ($17.6 million) and Woodford Reserve Bourbon ($17.3 million).
Tequilas represented six of the top 10 fastest-growing brands, according to Virginia ABC. Don Julio Tequila Reposado, which added $10 million compared to the prior year, led sales growth. Teremana Tequila Reposado followed, expanding from $9.2 to $14 million. Meanwhile, Canadian whisky fans snapped up Crown Royal Blackberry Flavored Whisky, which grew by $4.4 million.
Hennessy VS Cognac saw the largest overall decline of $6 million, the authority said, followed by Patrón Silver Tequila at $5.4 million. Although it led total sales, Tito’s declined by $236,017, with slower sales for most sizes.
Best-Selling Categories
Virginia ABC said vodka again led all categories at 1.6 million cases sold. Tequila grew again to 1.1 million cases. Straight bourbon whiskey followed at 800,181 cases, cordials at 526,040 cases and rum at 406,326 cases. Ready-to-drink cocktails showed continued strength at 9.5% growth in volume.
New Items Draw Attention
While familiar favorites topped sales, new items also made their way into shoppers’ baskets, according to the authority. Spirits-based versions of Buzzballz ready-to-drink cocktails, available in various flavors, sold $2.4 million. Virginia ABC noted it was a launch market for Fireball Blazin’ Apple Whisky, which sold $1.2 million.
Allocated Products
Virginia ABC said it has collaborated with distillers and suppliers to increase the supply of sought-after whiskeys and bourbons, yielding an increase in sales. Sales of Buffalo Trace Bourbon, which is now available on-shelf at all stores, grew by $1.4 million thanks to industry partnerships. Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked Bourbon, a new product, tallied more than $500,000 of sales.
Virginia spirits
Virginia ABC noted it carries nearly 400 Virginia-distilled spirits. Bowman Brothers Virginia Straight Bourbon captured $2.4 million in sales, followed by John J. Bowman Virginia Straight Bourbon at $1.8 million, Cirrus Vodka at $1.7 million, Isaac Bowman Port Finish Whiskey at $787,546 and Waterman Spirits Perfect Crush at $606,377.
Rounding out the top 10 were Tarnished Truth High Rye Bourbon, Copper Fox Original Rye Whisky, Beach Vodka and Ragged Branch Signature Bourbon.
Holiday Hours reminder:
On New Year’s Eve, Wednesday, Dec. 31, all stores will remain open until 8 p.m. This is two hours later than in prior years. All stores will be open from noon to 6 p.m. on New Year’s Day, Thursday, Jan. 1.
