The high cost of whisky in the wake of the peso’s decline during the first half of the year and ever-rising taxes have altered the habits of Dominicans. Listin Diario reports that whisky consumption dropped 6% from January to September of this year, compared to the same period in 2003. By contrast, sales of rum were up 14.6%, as Dominicans rediscovered the locally-produced beverage derived from sugar cane. Beer sales were also up, but by a lesser 3.8% for the same period. Brugal rum dominates 60% of the market and Barcelo holds a 30% market share. Brugal has not confirmed the news, but it has been repeatedly said that the company has been bought out by the Bacardi liquor company, itself a small player in the Dominican market. Other local brands include Siboney and Bermudez.