After polling what it considers to be 106 of the world’s top bars, trade publication Drinks International has released its list of the 10 most popular beers of 2019.
Frankly, the results are disappointing.
Unsurprisingly, the brands represented have strong marketing money behind them, and are often emblematic of an entire country in the public consciousness. Another interesting caveat from the report is that many of the bars polled “tend not to serve draft beer,” explaining the clear advantage in favor of packaged brands.
Here are the 10 most popular beers at the world’s top bars:
10. Brewdog
It brews beer on airplanes. It sold beer inside of taxidermy squirrels. It has its own streaming service. Is Brewdog a punk or a poseur? Either way, it knows how to get people talking. Respect the hustle, Brewdog.
9. Stella Artois
This Belgian export has a mixed reputation at best in its home country, but Stella nevertheless knows how to engage the public; whether it’s enlisting celebrities like Jeff Bridges and Sarah Jessica Parker in its advertisements, or giving away custom-branded red party cups.
8. Estrella Damm
The most popular beer in Spain, this “Mediterranean lager” has been brewed since 1876, after its inventor fled Alsace during the Franco-Prussian war.
7. Pilsner Urquell
Supposedly the world’s first pale lager, the category-spawning Pilsner Urquell has been brewed in Plzeň, Czech Republic, since 1842.
6. Budweiser
Budweiser may be affectionately referred to as “Bud,” but in parts of Europe, that’s actually its legal name, in order to prevent confusion with Czech brewer Budvar Budweiser.
5. Corona
Love it or hate it, Corona’s association with relaxing beach vacations and/or Spring Break shenanigans has helped it stay the number-one imported beer in the United States.
4. Guinness
While certainly not the only Irish stout on the market, it is certainly the best-selling and most iconic. When drinkers around the world want to experience a touch of Ireland, it’s likely they’re taking four gulps of Guinness.
3. Peroni Nastro Azzurro
This well-known Italian lager was subject to a major branding overhaul by its parent company, MillerCoors, in 2018. The rebrand saw everything from bottles and glassware to labels redesigned, accompanied by a media blitz that sought to tie this beer to la dolce vita. Clearly it worked.
2. Asahi Super Dry
Japan’s best selling beer, this Japanese rice lager is crisp, dry, and refreshing. Intriguingly, Asahi’s popularity in its home country may be dwindling.
1. Heineken
With almost 20 percent of the bars reporting the Dutch giant as their bestselling beer, Heineken was the runaway favorite in 2019. Considering it has been exporting beer since 1864, Heineken has had a long time to consolidate its fanbase.
