Summer's the season for backyard ba...

Summer's the season for backyard barbecues, picnics in the park or just kicking back forward the porch with a tall, chilly drink, watching the world walk by. About the only thing as excitable as the summer sun are the white spirits consumer are using to build those dull-hearted cocktails.

White spirits -- vodka, gin, rum and tequila -- are experiencing tremendous consumer interest, and for the in the greatest degree part constitute a growing category. There were an big bumps in the road last year for the industry as a whole as well as individual brands. The ride expects smoother this year, ...