Annual Report Shows The Most Popular Alcoholic Beverages in Iowa

Last year, when the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division released their annual report, the Hawkeye State had a new #1 selling spirit for the first time in over 10 years. 

After years of Black Velvet Canadian Whiskey being the #1 most popular spirit in Iowa, Tito's Handmade Vodka took the crown in 2022. The Iowa ABD reported 393,290 gallons of Tito's Vodka had been sold in 2022. That was good enough for a strong hold on #1, with Black Velvet placing second with nearly 354,000 gallons sold.

Finding that information in the Iowa ABD's 52-page report is a bit of a challenge given the deluge of statistics provided: info on different classes of liquor licenses, where the revenue generated by booze, and more than a few bar/circle graphs make up the entire report. Beyond all the figures, however, is the "Top 50" bestselling brands of liquor in the state of Iowa...

But first, a look at some of the numbers of spirits in general. Iowans' thirst for vodka continued to grow in 2023, making it the most popular spirit in the state with more than 1.5 million gallons sold. Canadian whiskeys came in a distant second with over 822,000 gallons sold, with spiced rum coming in at third with just under 400,000 gallons sold.

But it was Tito's Handmake Vodka that was the #1 overall best seller in the state of Iowa with over 419,000 gallons sold. Black Velvet remained in second with a tick over 355,000 gallons sold. Captain Morgan, Fireball, and Hawkeye Vodka rounded out the top five.

Liquor sales to retailers in Iowa totaled $445,830,313. Those sales, combined with license fees, a wine tax, bottle deposits and various other charges, led to record revenue of more than $491 million, marking a 2.1% increase from 2022.

One of the many fun niches the Iowa ABD's annual report dives into are some of the best-selling spirits that are made in Iowa. Blue Ox Vodka far and away took the top spot again this year. They're known for a variety of bottled and canned/premade cocktails. Gotcha Vodka surpassed 20,000 gallons sold this year. I highly recommend Saints N Sinners Apple Pie, which placed ninth on the list!

View the complete 2023 annual report from Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division on their official website.