Raising spirits.

• Position: Statewide

TOP BRANDS Cases sold * Aristocrat (vodka) 178,838 Smirnoff (vodka) 162,064 Seagram's Extra Dry (gin) 132,604 Burnett's (vodka) 119,352 Bacardi Light Dry (rum) 101,414 Crown Royal (Canadian) 94,986 Jack Daniel's (bourbon) 69,883 Pinnacle (vodka) 68,873 Seagram's 7 (blended) 64,044 Canadian Mist (Canadian) 63,945 * 12 months ended Sept. 30 PER CAPITA SALES Highest 2009-10 Dare $359.68 Carteret 167.15 Currituck 158.19 New Hanover 150.53 Avery 141.02 Lowest Davie 15.33 Stokes 16.26 Hoke 21.01 Alexander 24.74 Gates 28.16 [GRAPHIC OMITTED]

The holidays are a time for opening our hearts and wallets--and often our mouths to toss back some booze. More than 11% of what North Carolinians spend on liquor all year will be blown during December as they stock up for Christmas and New Year's Eve. Liquor sales have grown every year since the turn of the millennium, according to the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission, but recession has taken a toll...