The people of Iowa like their whiskey.
Black Velvet Canadian Whisky again tops the list of the state's most popular liquor brands, beating out Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum and Fireball Cinnamon Whisky for the No. 1 spot. And while Iowans are drinking, they're also funding their state government.
Total liquor sales grew by 6% during the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, with close to $340 million in sales, according to the Alcoholic Beverages Division's annual report. The revenue growth from liquor sales allowed $115.6 million to be transferred to the State General Fund. Taxes from wine and beer and other revenue increased that to a grand total of $144.7 million transferred to the fund.
Black Velvet was a top contributor to the liquor sales, with 160,791 cases sold.
Aaron Russo, assistant manager of Ingersoll Wine and Spirits, said the business sells two to three cases of Black Velvet each week. The cases hold six 1.75 liter bottles, which sell at $18.99 each.
He said it was no surprise the Black Velvet was the top seller.
"It just has a real distinct taste for some individuals and it’s real smooth and easy drinking so it appeals to the masses," he said.
In a 1999 interview with the Des Moines Register, a state liquor official called Black Velvet "No. 1 by a country mile" among Iowa drinkers. Originating in Quebec, the liquor offers hints of caramel, vanilla, coconut and rye spiciness. It has a rye and corn mash bill and is produced with Canadian water.
While Black Velvet topped the list of most popular brands, vodka had the most gallons sold overall this fiscal year at 1,693,746. Whiskey came in at number two with 1,593,897 gallons sold, followed by cordials and liqueurs at 1,134,940 gallons. Out of eight distilled spirits, gin had the least gallons sold, at 145,495.
Among Iowa-produced brands, Blue Ox Vodka overtook Templeton Rye Whiskey for the No. 1 spot. Blue Ox Vodka sold 12,618 cases and Templeton sold 4,259.
Overall, the number of gallons of spirits sold only rose by about 1%. Total gallon sales added up to just over 5.7 million.
Polk County, where the most gallons of liquor were sold this year and last year, actually decreased in sales by 5% with 1,225,318 gallons sold. Linn County followed with 503,659 gallons, Scott trailed in third with 398,591 and Johnson came in at fourth at 317,692. Fremont County sold the least amount of gallons, at 1,125.
Beer gallon sales dropped by about 1%, with 70,729,897 gallons sold. Wine sales increased by less than half a percent, with 4,697,034 gallons sold.
As for where the alcohol is sold, Hy-Vee topped the list with $125,635,967 in sales, followed by Fareway Stores with $22,821,722.
The Alcoholic Beverages Division also inspects areas of missing revenue. Investigations by the division found $11,092,346 in unreported sales and an outstanding $14,180 in beer barrel and wine gallon taxes owed to the state.
The division is responsible for licensing, inspecting and regulating alcohol. During the fiscal year, more than 18,450 alcohol licenses, permits and certificates were issued and over $152,000 was collected because of administrative actions.
Sarah LeBlanc covers Warren County for the Register. Reach her at 515-284-8161 or sleblanc@registermedia.com.
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Iowans love their whiskey and vodka. Who drinks the most might surprise you. - Des Moines Register
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