Government’s Drunk on Taxing Spirits

Published January 1, 2009

When taxes throughout the production, distribution, and sales process are totaled, the tax burden on distilled spirits is among the highest imposed on any product, according to the Americans for Tax Reform Foundation. At an average price of $13.10 for a 750mL bottle of 80-proof spirits, about $10.43—nearly 80 percent—can be attributed to taxes.

— Steve Stanek