This rapid growth is attributed to its sale to French parent company Pernod Ricard in 1988. Jameson is the best-selling Irish whiskey in the world, with 90 percent of its production exported. Sweet and spicy, Maker’s Mark arguably became the first “premium” whiskey when it launched in 1958, claiming to be easier drinking than other whiskey brands. Wild Turkey Bourbon WhiskeyĪvailable in 81 proof and 101 proof versions (we’re partial to the latter), Wild Turkey is a classic and inexpensive bourbon that packs heat, spice, and hints of oak and honey in perfect proportions. Currently owned by Diageo, the Bulleit of today launched in 1987, but its history goes back to 1830, when current co-owner Thomas Bulleit’s great-grandfather, Augustus, bottled his first batch. With more rye in its mash bill and more booze in its bonnet, this 90 proof (45 percent ABV) bourbon continues to please American palates in a big way. But the brand’s straight bourbon whiskey pops out to shoppers on the shelf, coming in at No. The budget bourbon we’re partial to is its 100-proof Bottled-in-Bond (look for the white label). Heaven Hill’s Evan Williams whiskeys abound in American bars and liquor stores. Johnnie Walker Scotch WhiskyĬlaiming the title as the most popular Scotch whisky brand in the world, Johnnie Walker is a worthy legacy of its eponymous founder. The small-batch bourbon has aromas of spicy wood and sweet grain, and fruit-forward, peppery flavors on the palate. Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskeyįrom a distillery that’s considered a National Historic Landmark, it’s no wonder Woodford Reserve made this list. This blended American whiskey is owned by Diageo and is an American icon. Seagram’s 7 is perhaps best known for its signature drink, the 7&7 (2 ounces Seagram’s 7 Crown Blended Whiskey, 4 ounces 7UP, slice of lime).

Its black-and-gold label pops out to shoppers on the shelf, coming in at No. This approachable blend of whisky owned by Constellation Brands is a looker. Released in 2018, Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey is new to the list this year - more proof of the nation’s love for all things rich in flavor. It doesn’t get more American than peanut butter and whiskey. Today, the whiskey-based liqueur is still flavored with fruit and spice, but has a little more street cred. It’s come a long way since Sazerac bought the brand from Brown-Forman in 2016. Southern Comfort American Whiskyįor many years, Southern Comfort was a flavored liqueur with nary a trace of whiskey. Despite not making it on last year’s top 20 list, The Glenlivet sits firmly at no. The Glenlivet Scotch WhiskyĪlways on the shortlist for best Scotch whiskies in the world, The Glenlivet is known for its long-aged spirits. With four Kentucky whiskeys now on its permanent roster, Four Roses is known for its masterful blends and highly sought-after limited releases. Though Four Roses bourbon was taken off the American market at the end of the 1950s, it returned with vigor in 2002. The Kentucky-based brand was one of the first premium small-batch whiskeys on the market and has since become in-demand among collectors and aficionados. Launched in 1992, Knob Creek is a relative newcomer to the American whiskey scene. Popular in the States as well as Latin America, Buchanan’s 12 Year is noted for its honey toast, spice, and fruit flavors. Canadian Club WhiskyĬlaiming to be the only Canadian whisky that’s blended before aging in white oak barrels, Canadian Club, owned by Beam Suntory, gets its flavor from rye, rye malt, and barley malt atop a base whisky made with corn. These are the top 20 best-selling whiskey brands in America, according to data provided by IRI Worldwide, a market research firm that measures off-premise sales such as those in liquor, grocery, and convenience stores. Between Scotch, Irish whiskies, bourbons, and even flavored offerings, the category is constantly innovating, with one cinnamon whisky brand growing in popularity by over 20 percent year-over-year. America’s thirst for whiskey is strong, and shows no sign of diluting anytime soon.

Kinds of whiskey brands