While the actual decline is relatively small, even a slight drop in overall liquor sales can have a devastating impact on the industry.
“Active U.S. craft distillers dropped from 3,069 in August 2024 to 2,282 in August 2025. Seven hundred and eighty-seven fewer operations in a single year,” according to The American Craft Spirits Association.
The number of active craft distillers has fallen sharply, and overall spirits sales have also declined. DISCUS CEO Chris Swonger, however, wants to put a positive spin on the decline.
“While total U.S. spirits sales edged down 2.2% in 2025, the spirits industry remains resilient, driven by innovative products that continue to spark consumer interest,” he said…