In recent years, white spirits have dominated Bev-Al sales in the U.S., but now brown spirits — led by whiskey — appear to be making a comeback.
According to Nielsen, U.S. sales growth for whiskey and brown spirits is outperforming the growth rate of the overall spirits category in 2008.
Whiskey growth rates have been rising steadily this year, with whiskey dollar sales increasing nearly $85 million or 4.4% in 2008 — up from 2.3% a year ago.  At the same time, whiskey volume, while declining a year ago, is now showing growth.
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Global consumption of alcoholic beverages grew by 6% from 2006 to 2007, according to a report released Tuesday by Nielsen. 
While growth rates varied significantly by region and within different alcoholic beverage categories, the results show that alcoholic ciders (+14%) and vodkas (+11%) showed the highest growth rates. 
“We are seeing a trend in certain markets, such as Russia and Poland, toward higher consumption of premium brands as consumers in those countries increase their spending power,” Richard Hurst, senior vice president, Beverage Alcohol, Nielsen, noted.  “Many emerging regions are becoming increasingly attractive …