World’s Top Ten Whiskies

The highly respected Drinks Business issue, an annual Brand Champions list of the top ten best-selling whisky brands from around the globe, has released their 2020 ranking based on annual sales from 2019. Inevitably there were some famous names, usual suspects and surprises, not least the complete absence of any Scottish influence. THE TOP TEN

They are, drum roll please…

SEAGRAM’S 7 CROWN Diageo owns this American brand which dropped from No 7 the previous year. 1.9 million cases. 10 9

CANADIAN CLUB Part of the Beam-Suntory empire, it did not appear in this list last year, but sales remained steady. 2 million cases.

8

MAKER’S MARK Another from the BeamSuntory stable. Up from No 10 last year with improved sales. 2.4 million cases.

7

SUNTORY TORYS Despite shortages of Japanese whisky, this brand improved by more than 10%, moving up from 9th last year. 2.6 million cases.

6

BLACK NIKKA Another Japanese highflyer from Asahi Breweries, consistent growth saw them maintain 6th possie. 3.4 million cases. 5

SUNTORY KAKUBIN Did someone say shortage of Japanese whisky? 4.6% growth saw this brand, which includes its Highball, maintain 5th spot. 5.2 million cases.

4

CROWN ROYAL

Another from Diageo, this Canadian whisky saw growth of 8.6%, ensuring it kept 4th place. 7.9 million cases.

3

JAMESON Pernod Ricard’s star performer from the Irish market remained in 3rd place with sales increasing by 7.5%. 8.1 million cases.

JIM BEAM This famous American whisky finally cracked the 10 million mark, increasing sales by 6.7%. Even a fire destroying 45,000 barrels could not loosen their hold on second place. 10.4 million cases. 2 1

JACK DANIELS The Brown-Forman star may have only increased sales by 1.1%, but that was more than enough to hold on to first place. 13.4 million cases.