Last Updated on April 13, 2024 by Lydia Martin
The US whiskey market has been experiencing an upward trajectory over the past few years, thanks to millennials’ growing appreciation for it. However, you can’t deny that some brands are more loved than others.
If you wonder what the best selling whiskey in the US is, then check out our list. You might find that one special spirit perfect for your palate.
15 Best Selling Whiskeys in the US
15. Jameson Irish Whiskey
ABV: 40%
Average Price: Roughly $19.99 (Total Wine)
Why We Like It:
Jameson Irish whiskey is the number one best-selling Irish whiskey worldwide. Like other Irish whiskeys, it has a light floral fragrance with lots of wood.
Jameson Irish whiskey is also a friendly option for those just starting to get in on the Irish whiskey craze.
14. Fireball Canadian Whisky
ABV: 33%
Average Price: Roughly $21.99 (Drizly)
Why We Like It:
This iconic Fireball Canadian whisky is the college frat party’s quintessential liquor, with a spicy cinnamon aroma that will bring back many memories.
Its taste is as the name suggests: like liquid Fireball candies. We find this Canadian whisky too strong to be drunk in shots, but we love it in a warm hot toddy.
13. Crown Royal Canadian Whisky
ABV: 40%
Average Price: Roughly $18.99 (Total Wine)
Why We Like It:
Americans love their Canadian whisky… here’s the second one on the list from Crown Royal.
Sipping on Crown Royal Canadian whisky feels like a luxury experience fit for a king, from the gorgeous bottle to the equally impressive whisky inside.
Crown Royal Canadian whisky is refined and silky, with hints of wood and sweet vanilla that’ll leave you wanting more after each sip.
Read: Crown Royal Canadian Whisky vs Hennessy Whisky
12. Evan Williams Bourbon Whiskey
ABV: 43%
Average Price: Roughly $10.99 (Total Wine)
Why We Like It:
Personally, we love the Evan Williams Bottled-In-Bond label more, but the rest of the country seems to be partial to the classic Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey.
This whiskey is rich yet fresh, with vanilla, pepper, and apple flavor notes. You can’t go wrong with ordering this one in a classic Old Fashioned.
11. Seagram’s 7 Crown American Whiskey
ABV: 40%
Average Price: Roughly $15.79 (Drizly)
Why We Like It:
Seagram’s 7 Crown American whiskey is made with a fair amount of blended grain whiskeys.
Personally, we find Seagram’s 7 Crown American whiskey a bit lackluster, as we are so used to bold and rich whiskeys.
We think the high whiskey sales can be attributed to the iconic 7&7 cocktail that everyone seems to love (made with Seagram’s 7 Crown and 7 Up).
Read: Our Recommended Indian Whiskey Brands
10. Rittenhouse Rye
ABV: 50%
Average Price: Roughly $23.99 (Total Wine)
Why We Like It:
Heaven Hill’s Rittenhouse Rye whiskey is a safe option whenever you’re unsure which whiskey to go with a Boulevardier.
It has a distinctively spicy flavor, with licorice, anise, dill, and oak notes.
We find this an okay whiskey when drunk neat — nothing too spectacular — but hey, we have to say it holds its own pretty well in a Bourbon Sour.
9. Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey
ABV: 40%
Average Price: Roughly $11.99 (Total Wine)
Why We Like It:
Jim Beam bourbon whiskey, the number one best-selling American whiskey in the world by Beam Suntory, is sold in over 200 countries.
The liquor is uncomplicated and friendly, perfect for people looking to get into American whiskey.
Traditional flavors of vanilla, spice and toasted oak are present in each sip of Jim Beam bourbon whiskey.
This is a fail-proof option if you’re unsure which bottle to pick up at the liquor store.
8. Four Roses
ABV: 50%
Average Price: Roughly $49.99 (Total Wine)
Why We Like It:
Ask anyone, and they’ll probably tell you that Four Roses is on their list of top whiskeys.
The business reportedly earns around $100 to $500 million in revenue annually, which earns this label a spot in our best-selling bourbons.
As the name suggests, Four Roses has fruity and floral essences, with a bit of caramel.
7. Wild Turkey Bourbon Whiskey
ABV: 50.5%
Average Price: Roughly $21.99 (Drizly)
Why We Like It:
Wild Turkey bourbon whiskey is a classic brand you’ll find in most convenience stores in the country.
We prefer the hotter Wild Turkey 101 label, but the 81 proof is just as good.
Wild Turkey bourbon whiskey is rife with flavors like fresh cream, pecan pie, and buttered toast, and with the $20 price point, we don’t mind restocking this every time it runs out.
6. Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey
ABV: 40%
Average Price: Roughly $26.49 (Drizly)
Why We Like It:
Jack Daniel’s is one of the world’s most popular American whiskey brands, and in 2021, it made over $300 million in whiskey sales.
The No. 7 is an iconic staple in most convenience stores, and patrons swear by it as a safe yet cheap option.
Each bottle gives you traditional bourbon notes of honey sweetness, some vanilla, and charred nuts.
5. Michter’s
ABV: 45.7%
Average Price: Roughly $44.99 (Total Wine)
Why We Like It:
According to Forbes, Michter’s probably accounts for 1 percent of the billion-dollar American whiskey market industry [1].
This small-batch bourbon whiskey has a superb quality, with dark flavors of caramel, vanilla, chocolate, and butterscotch.
We tried this one neat, but we have to say it fares better when drunk on the rocks.
This bottle is slightly more expensive than the other ones on the list at around $50-ish.
Read: Is Clear Whiskey A Thing?
4. Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey
ABV: 45.2%
Average Price: Roughly $39.99 (Drizly)
Why We Like It:
Woodford Reserve is a multi-billion dollar business earning about $2.7 billion in sales in 2020 alone.
The cool thing about it is that the distillery is considered a historical landmark, too!
It’s one of the best bottles you can get with a $40 price tag — it is full and rounded, with plenty of rich flavors like caramel and vanilla.
The sweetness is balanced out with citrus and a touch of spice to keep it interesting.
3. Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whiskey
ABV: 45%
Average Price: Roughly $21.99 (Total Wine)
Why We Like It:
Maker’s Mark prides itself as the country’s first premium bourbon whiskey.
The Maker’s Mark spirit starts perfectly smooth, with caramel and vanilla notes, and tapers off into a long, warm finish.
There are plenty of spices like cinnamon and clove in Maker’s Mark, too.
2. Buffalo Trace Bourbon Whiskey
ABV: 45%
Average Price: Roughly $24.99 (Total Wine)
Why We Like It:
Buffalo Trace bourbon whiskey is another pleasantly sweet label.
This best-selling American whiskey has earthy tones of honey, licorice, and caraway seeds, with roasted fruit, ginger, and of course, the traditional vanilla and caramel.
It’s a great bottle if you’re willing to shell out $50 for a pop.
1. Bulleit Bourbon Whiskey
ABV: 45%
Average Price: Roughly $32.99 (Drizly)
Why We Like It:
Bulleit bourbon whiskey uses a high-rye mash bill, giving it a gentle spiciness. Many people say it tastes a lot like liquid cinnamon.
Fun fact: The brand has been around for over 150 years (Augustus Bulleit created his first batch in 1830), yet the same mash bill is still used to produce Bulleit bourbon today. [2]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best-selling American whiskey in the US?
According to data released by the reputable Spirits Business, Jim Beam and Jack Daniel’s are two of the best-selling American whiskey in the US.
Is the best-selling whiskey in the United States expensive?
No, the best-selling whiskey in the country is definitely not expensive. A 750ml bottle of Bulleit bourbon whiskey has an average price of only $35.
Furthermore, Jack Daniel’s and Jim Beam bourbon whiskey sell their flagship bottles for less than $30, which is a great price point for most people. You won’t feel too guilty if you restock this in your liquor cabinet once in a while.
What is the number one selling American whiskey?
The title of the number one selling American whiskey often goes to Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, renowned for its smooth and mellow flavor profile, capturing a vast consumer base both domestically and internationally.
What is the most popular whiskey in the US?
Jack Daniel’s also holds the distinction of being one of the most popular whiskeys in the United States, with its iconic Old No. 7 expression consistently appealing to a broad range of American consumers.
What is the most sold whisky?
Johnnie Walker, the globally recognized Scotch whisky brand, holds the reputation for being one of the most sold whiskies worldwide, offering a diverse range of expressions that cater to various preferences and tastes.
Which is better Jack Daniel’s or Jim Beam?
The preference between Jack Daniel’s and Jim Beam is subjective and depends on individual taste; Jack Daniel’s is a Tennessee whiskey known for its smoothness and sweetness, while Jim Beam, a Kentucky bourbon, tends to be bolder with a robust flavor profile, leading to personal preferences dictating which is considered “better.”
What is the most expensive brand of whiskey?
Macallan is often associated with some of the most expensive whiskies globally, particularly its rare and limited-edition releases; the Macallan Fine & Rare Collection, featuring aged and exceptional single malts, has fetched high prices at auctions, contributing to its reputation as a luxury and premium whisky brand in terms of expense.
What whiskey do Americans drink?
American whiskey preferences vary, but some popular choices among Americans include Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Jim Beam Bourbon, Maker’s Mark Bourbon, and Crown Royal Canadian Whisky, reflecting a diverse range of tastes and preferences across the country.
What is the number 1 alcohol in America?
Beer holds the title of the number one alcohol consumed in America, with its widespread availability, diverse range of styles, and cultural significance contributing to its popularity among consumers nationwide.
What is the whisky capital of USA?
Bardstown, Kentucky, is often referred to as the “Bourbon Capital of the World” and is considered the whisky capital of the USA due to its rich history, numerous bourbon distilleries, and annual Bourbon Festival, which celebrates the region’s bourbon heritage.
Which is best Jameson or Jack Daniel’s?
The choice between Jameson Irish Whiskey and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey ultimately comes down to personal preference; Jameson offers a smooth and light flavor with hints of fruit and spice, while Jack Daniel’s is known for its mellow sweetness and oak character, allowing consumers to select based on their taste preferences and desired drinking experience.
Which whisky is best for drinking?
The “best” whisky for drinking is subjective and varies depending on individual preferences and tastes; popular options include Scotch whisky from Scotland, Bourbon from the United States, Irish whiskey from Ireland, and Canadian whisky from Canada, each offering unique flavor profiles and characteristics to suit different palates. Experimenting with various whiskies and exploring different styles can help consumers determine their personal favorites for drinking enjoyment.
Final Verdict: Best Selling Whiskey in The US
And there you go — the best-selling whiskeys in the US.
You’ll definitely spot some familiar names as many of us like sticking to the brands we already know — Jim Beam, Jack Daniel’s, Wild Turkey, Crown Royal Canadian whisky, Jameson Irish whiskey, and Wild Turkey bourbon whiskey, to name a few.
The clear standout is Bulleit bourbon whiskey, which we think is the best-selling whiskey overall.
The rise of whiskey’s popularity can be attributed to millennials being keener on the kind of spirit they drink and their willingness to shell out more money for something of better quality. Whiskey is also a classic gift to give to others on many occasions.
References:
- The Whiskey Rebels: How Michter’s Revolutionized American Rye and Bourbon
- 13 Things You Didn’t Know About Bulleit Whiskey
