According to a report released in February by the Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS), 2017 was a record-setter for the U.S. spirits industry. Supplier sales increased 4 percent to a record high $26.2 billion, and volumes jumped 2.6 percent—that’s 5.8 million cases—for a total 226 million cases. Overall, spirits rose to 36.6 percent of the total beverage alcohol market.

“The spirits sector had a banner year in 2017, driven by consumer confidence in the U.S. economy, product innovations that adult consumers want, and a fascination with premiumization across categories,” said DISCUS President/CEO Kraig R. Naasz in a prepared statement. The advocacy group also projected record exports of $1.63 billion internationally, an increase of 14.3 percent over 2016.

“American spirits, particularly whiskey, are the toast of the global cocktail scene,” said DISCUS Senior Vice President for International Affairs Christine LoCascio at the time of the report’s release. “International adult consumers are exploring more expensive U.S. spirits, driven by their fascination with American whiskey’s heritage, as well as its mixability and versatility in cocktails.”

For the full report, go to www.discus.org.