Drum roll…ladies and gentlemen, the #1 2023 Best Selling American Whiskey Brand per Drinks International (DI) is…Maaaaker’s Maaaark!
What does that mean? By volume? Certain price point? Geo parameters? We shall elaborate on the selection process and how it’s done.
What Goes Into Drinks International (DI) Ranking System?
Each year (est. 2015), DI releases an annual report on the best selling spirits per category, according to data from bar owners and managers across the globe. Per DI, that number is 100+ bars in total. While that doesn’t jump out as a large quantity of date, they rely more on the quality of each data source as the bars are noted as being some of the best and most recognized in their respective countries, 33 countries in total are represented per DI.
Directly from DI: The Annual Brands Report results are the culmination of a survey of 100 bars from 33 countries around the world which have been nominated or won international awards. The report offers a picture of the buying habits of the world’s best bars – not only which brands sell best, but also what’s trending to indicate the brands that are hot right now.
2023 TOP 10 BEST SELLING AMERICAN WHISKEY BRANDS
- Maker’s Mark
- Bulleit
- Michter’s
- Woodford Reserve
- Buffalo Trace
- Wild Turkey
- Jim Beam
- Jack Daniel’s
- Rittenhouse
- Four Roses
DI had the following context regarding their list ranking:
Historically, Maker’s Mark is the top-performing brand in this section having topped thelist five times overall ahead ofBullet, the Diageo brand whichis once again the runner- up. However, Bullet is the in-form brand, having been in the top two every year since 2016.
Michter’s Continues Red Hot Climb: The favourite to break apart the power couple atop the list is Michter’s. Since making its debut in 2016, the Kentucky-based brand has experienced a consistent rise on the bestselling list to break into the podium for the first time this year. And having won Bartender’s Choice and topped the trending list, it’s clearly the in-vogue whiskey brand. Looking closer at the top trending list, it’s the premium brands which are proving popular. The likes of Jack Daniel’s has been replaced with the more top-end Blanton’s in 2024. DI
TOP 10 TRENDING BRANDS: AMERICAN WHISKEY
- Michter‘s
- Maker’s
- Bulleit
- Woodford Reserve
- Buffalo Trace
- Angel’s Envy
- Blanton’s
- Wild Turkey
- Elijah Craig
- Eagle Rare
DI also releases a “TOP 10 TRENDING” report annually. This is more subjective to what each bar notes as being “on the rise” if you will. Hot. The up and up. Taking #1 for AW on this list is Louisville based Michter’s. Of note, Michter’s was also #1 on last year’s Top Trending Brands list.
TOP 10 BARTENDER’S CHOICE
Michter’s Take #1 Spot: Per DI, this is the player’s player award of the bar industry. They asked their chosen global top 100 bars to name one brand which they have a particular soft spot for, a brand they like working with above all others, across any category. Music to ours, Michter’s not only made the list as the only American Whiskey predominant company, but it grabbed the #1 spot! Salud!
Access to DI’s full article, click here.
RELATED ARTICLE: Top 10 Best Selling American Whiskey Brands of 2022 by ‘Drinks International’.