The alcohol industry is often thought of as “recession proof.” But the industry reports that business was down last year. Revenue growth and spending shifted away from bars and restaurants.

Revenue reported by liquor suppliers rose 2.8 percent from 2007 to $18.7 billion last year, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. That’s slower than the 6 percent average annual growth rate since 2000.

What are people drinking? Whiskey, including Kentucky Bourbon, is making a bit of a comeback, showing good performance in a slow market, the council said.

There was 1.3 percent volume growth and $5.4 billion in gross revenues last year for whiskey, it said.

Premium rum, super premium tequila and premium vodka also grew.