Virginia’s spirits landscape has been decisively reshaped, with Tito’s Vodka claiming a staggering victory. According to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC), Tito’s vodka sales totaled a remarkable $75 million across all available bottle sizes, dwarfing the performance of every other spirit in the state. This represents a more than doubling of sales compared to the second-most popular spirit, highlighting an unprecedented surge in consumer preference.
The numbers paint a clear picture: Hennessy cognac followed closely with $32.2 million in sales, while Jack Daniel’s whiskey secured third place at $27.4 million and Jim Beam bourbon rounded out the top four with $22 million. These figures underscore a broad shift in tastes, with a particular emphasis on vodka’s rising popularity.
But the momentum didn’t stop with vodka. Tequila brands also experienced explosive growth. Six of the top 10 fastest-growing spirits brands were tequila, spearheaded by Don Julio, which recorded sales of $10 million. This demonstrates the continued trend of agave spirits capturing the attention of Virginia consumers.
Sales volume further solidified vodka’s position. A total of 1.6 million cases of vodka were sold within Virginia, with tequila narrowly trailing at 1.1 million cases. Bourbon whiskey, typically a stalwart in the spirits market, accounted for approximately 800,000 cases.
To accommodate the increased demand, Virginia ABC stores remained open extended hours over the New Year’s holiday, extending their closing times to 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and 6 p.m. on New Year’s Day. This strategic move reflects the heightened interest in spirits during the celebratory period. The data confirms that Tito’s has not only captured a significant market share but has fundamentally altered the dynamics of the Virginia spirits industry.
