From Russia with flavor.

• Position: Statewide

North Carolina has a long, often illicit, history with whiskey, but a spirit with Russian bloodlines is its drink of choice. Annual liquor sales in the state grew 6.5% to $795.4 million for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2012, the largest percent increase since 2008. Fueling the rise was flavored alcohol, a niche dominated by vodka, says Mike Herring, chief administrator of the N.C. Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission, which regulates the sale of liquor in the state. "More people are eating out, and this new generation of drinkers focuses on specialty cocktails. The vodka category just exploded." Whiskey-makers are following suit, spiking their spirits with flavors such as honey and caramel.

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Vodka's presence among the top 10 brands in the state based on cases sold has almost doubled in six years. FY2006 366,831 FY2012 633,176 Gin Rum Whiskey FY2006 135,952 91,547 389,864 FY2012 123,784 99,090 218,025 Note: Table made from bar graph. Top 10 brands in North Carolina FY2012 Cases Aristocrat 194,378 Smirnoff 175,543 Burnett's 124,031 Seagram's Extra Dry 123,784 Bacardi Light 99,090 Crown Royal 86,976 Jack Daniel's Black 71,047 Pinnacle 71,289 Absolut 67,935 Seagram's 7 Crown 60,002 Where the money went Most of the more than $300 million of profit last fiscal year was distributed to the state's general fund. County, city distributions $55.0 million Other $4.0 million Local law enforcement $7.1 million Local alcohol education $9.3 million ABC distribution center $12.0 million General fund $229.2 million Source: ABC Commission Note: Table made from pie chart. COUNTY INDEX 1. Alamance $64.27 2. Alexander 12.20 3. Alleghany 24.93 4. Anson 46.13 5. Ashe 79.78 6. Avery 53.58 7. Beaufort 218.93 8. Bertie 30.78 9. Bladen 33.75 10. Brunswick 135.54 11. Buncombe 146.39 12. Burke 38.45...