Overview: Recent data from WSWA’s SipSource indicates a divergence in beverage sales trends, with Irish whiskey, Tequila, and liqueurs posting depletion volume increases over the last three months. While core spirits and wine categories face continued declines, bars and restaurants are demonstrating healthier financial trends compared to retailers. Analysts suggest these shifts reflect consumer selectivity during uncertain economic conditions.
The Full Story
According to new data released by WSWA’s SipSource on October 29, 2026, Irish whiskey depletion volume increased by 6.6%, followed by Tequila at 2.5% and liqueurs at 1.4%. These figures represent a positive deviation for these specific categories over the trailing three-month period. In contrast, core spirits—which exclude spirits-based RTDs—registered a 2.5% decline in depletion volume for the three months ending in September. This represents an improvement relative to the 12-month trend, which showed volumes down 4.1%.
Wine performance remains under pressure, with volumes declining by 8% over the past year and depletions down 6.7% in the three months ending in September. Analyst Danny Brager noted that while the holidays will benefit certain business segments, consumers remain selective with spending until economic conditions improve. The data highlights a split between on-premise and off-premise channels, where bars and restaurants are seeing healthier trends than retailers. Over the last year, on-premise wine and spirits revenues fell 2.5%, compared to declines of 5.6% for retailers.
Specific wine categories show mixed results within the broader decline. Sparklers and Sauvignon Blanc continue to find new audiences, while Champagne and Prosecco are performing better than value-priced wines. Analyst Dale Stratton observed that volume is heavily concentrated at lower price points which are showing significant negative trends. Despite the pressure on points of distribution, SipSource analyst Danny Brager described the stabilization signs as encouraging for the quarter.
What This Means
The divergence between specific spirit categories and wine suggests a market adapting to economic constraints by favoring certain profiles over others. Until economic conditions improve, consumer selectivity is expected to persist, impacting points of distribution across both on- and off-premise channels. Analysts hope that depletion numbers in spirits translate into actual consumer uptake, signaling a potential stabilization for the industry despite the drag from off-premise sales.
Consumer Takeaway
For the drinker, this data indicates that Irish whiskey, Tequila, and liqueurs are currently experiencing stronger market momentum than core spirits or wine. Selectivity in spending means consumers are finding value in specific varietals like Sauvignon Blanc and sparkling options, while lower price point wines face continued volume challenges.
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