Special Report
31 Biggest Beer Brands in America
May 17, 2019 3:32 pm
Last Updated: August 7, 2020 9:32 am
21. Steel Reserve
> Parent company: MillerCoors
> Barrels shipped in 2018: 1,585,000
> Change from 2013: 7.5%
> 2018 market share: 0.8%
Classified as a malt liquor — meaning that it’s higher than usual in alcohol (and also a little sweeter) — this hearty brew measures 8.1% ABV.
20. Dos Equis
> Parent company: Grupo Modelo (Heineken International)
> Barrels shipped in 2018: 1,900,000
> Change from 2013: 21.0%
> 2018 market share: 0.9%
Created in Veracruz in the 19th century by a German brewmaster, this emblematic Mexican brand was named “two x’s,” meaning 20 in Roman numerals — in honor of the then-forthcoming 20th century. The beer is not just one of the best selling in America, but also one of the fastest growing on this list.
19. Blue Moon (all)
> Parent company: MillerCoors
> Barrels shipped in 2018: 2,055,000
> Change from 2013: 1.5%
> 2018 market share: 1.0%
Blue Moon is a potent (5.4% ABV) Belgian-style white beer. Though it was created by a Coors brewer and is owned by the massive MillerCoors company today, it calls itself America’s No. 1 craft beer, citing Nielsen data to back up its claim. The Brewers Association has objected to its so-called craft identification.
18. Pabst Blue Ribbon
> Parent company: Pabst Brewing Company
> Barrels shipped in 2018: 2,235,000
> Change from 2013: -14.2%
> 2018 market share: 1.1%
Brewed, though not owned, by MillerCoors, PBR is the definitive hipster beer, inexpensive and easily drinkable, and considered unpretentious in its familiar old-style cans.
17. Yuengling Lager
> Parent company: D.G. Yuengling & Son
> Barrels shipped in 2018: 2,275,000
> Change from 2013: 4.4%
> 2018 market share: 1.1%
This Pennsylvania-based brewery is the oldest in America and one of the few major U.S. beer producers that is still family owned. Its sales numbers are particularly impressive considering that it is distributed only on the East Coast and in the South.
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