+
Last Updated:
November 15, 2023

10 top selling beers of 2019 so far (Based on sales data)

Discover the top-selling beers of 2019 with our comprehensive sales data. Use this valuable information to stock your restaurant with the most popular brews!
10 top selling beers of 2019 so far (Based on sales data)
By
Bogdan Patynski
A preview of the downloadble item
Free resource

The Ultimate Restaurant Inventory Guide™

Are you a restaurant or bar owner that needs to get inventory under control? With our Ultimate Restaurant Inventory Method™, you can start laying the foundations to take inventory 2x faster.

Download free now!
DISCLAIMER: Please note that this information is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal, accounting, tax, HR, or other professional advice. You're responsible to comply with all applicable laws in your state. Contact your attorney or other relevant advisor for advice specific to your circumstances.
Table of Contents
There is an updated version with the sales data of 2020. Click here to read the 2020 report.

The results are in. We’ve found the top selling beers of 2019. And with 2020 just around the corner, you can’t go wrong with this valuable data. But, how did we get to the below result?

We actually conducted a research study among [approximately] 100 of our North American clients to build this list.

It’s no secret that one of the biggest advantages to using WISK as your chosen bar inventory software is for its sales data and analytics features. Recently, we decided to use our own tools to narrow down the best selling beer brands of the year so far and found some interesting results. As you evaluate your own data and decide what to order for the rest of the year and the next one, we hope this list helps you make strategic decisions when it comes to this well-loved beverage.

But first, let’s dive into the importance of beverage analytics and ultimately, this study.

Why is beverage sales data important for your restaurant?

Sales data is an incredibly important part of running a successful bar. And it goes way beyond just knowing what the top selling beers are.

In fact, by using bar inventory software to collect and analyze customer data, you can make changes to keep your customers happy. Along with that important benefit, you can load your menu with high-profit items and know when to add or remove items.

Though, that's just the beginning. Below are a few of the reasons you need to make sure you're taking advantage of sales data.

Promote the right products at the right time

With sales data, you’ll know all about your slow periods and how to implement promotions to drive more foot traffic during those times. You'll also know what sells best for your unique restaurant, instead of making decisions based on restaurant sales trends alone.

Predict customer behavior

You’ll never have to tell a customer “no” again because you ran out of stock for their favorite drink. With sales analytics, you won't have to guess how much to order. You'll know exactly what you need and when you need it based on your own customers’ behavior.

Understand your best-sellers

They may not be what you think. With accurate analytics, you can find and promote “hidden gems” or items that seemingly don’t sell but are likely to create repeat customers. Your top selling item may truly be damaging you in the long run if it’s too expensive to make or doesn't lead to repeat visits.

Build a base of loyal customers

While big data might sound vague or impersonal, its impact on your customers is exactly the opposite. It allows you to provide a better experience for your customers so they keep coming back. The best advice we can give you is to use sales data to create loyalty programs, rebuild your menu, or determine perks like happy hours.

Best Selling Beers of 2019

chart, graph, beer, top selling beers, 2019. wisk

Enough talk about data, let's get to the fun part! Here are the top selling beers of 2019, according to our very own customer data:

1) Stella Artois

Taking the top spot as the number one selling beer is this 600-year-old Belgian lager. Internationally sold and recognized for its distinctive taste and even more distinctive glasses, it's not surprising it led the pack by a wide margin. Stella Artois is a fantastic perennial beer to stock in your bar. It's clearly popular and very versatile. In other words, it fits just as well in a high-end luxury hotel bar as it does in a local dive bar. Rounding out your beer selection with this most sold beer is certainly not a bad idea.

2) Corona

This pale lager typically served with a lime might be associated with hot summer days and beachside dining but it is by no means restricted to only those occasions. Coming out at number two on our list, Corona proves a customer favorite no matter the time of year. An easy, drinkable beer, it is the perfect brand for Taco Tuesday promotions, or to serve alongside wings during football games. It also makes for a great, everyday beer that’s easy to pair with just about any meal.

3) Heineken

Another pale lager, this Dutch beer has graced our taste buds for hundreds of years. It's a straightforward, easy to drink option that makes for a great crowd pleaser. While largely known for its signature lager, the parent company of Heineken actually makes a wide variety of products, including the cider brand Strongbow and even a tequila-flavored beer. Nevertheless, regular old Heineken is the ideal beer for large events or parties, dollar beer promotions, or any other occasion requiring you to please many people at once.

4) Coors

One of the most popular beer brands in the world and the third-largest beer brand, Coors takes the fourth spot in our list of top selling beers. It’s no surprise, given its widely-used nickname, the “World’s Most Refreshing Beer”. It evidently lives up to its name because Coors is hugely popular across North America and Europe especially. It is another option to stock for sporting events and beer bucket specials. It's also an absolute must for any bars located near a college campus.

5) Modelo

The second product of Mexico on our list, Modelo is a flavorful pilsner with hints of sweetness. Modelo has always been a mainstay at bars worldwide but has recently seen a spike in popularity. As a result, it is currently the number two imported beer in the U.S. by case sales. It’s a great option to round out the year-round draught options at any bar or to be served in its signature glass bottles.

6) Boréale

Sold exclusively in Quebec, Boréale packs a punch for a relatively small brewery. The brand is known for its amber style beer but also provides a range of options, including an IPA. Founded by three siblings in 1987, Boréale focuses on sustainable practices and packaging. Its youthful image and environmentally-friendly efforts make for a perfect fit for bars catering to a young, socially-aware crowd, especially in urban areas. But no matter your clientele, Boréale is certainly a strong brand to consider for any Quebec bars.

7) Guinness

This famous dark Irish dry stout has been pleasing customers since 1759. Any self-respecting Irish pub has Guinness on draught but they’re definitely not the only ones, given its place in our top selling beers list. In fact, Guinness is sold in 150 countries around the world. Essentially, if you’re not stocking Guinness in your bar, you’re doing it wrong.

8) Goose Island

Goose Island might be far from its days as a single brewpub in Chicago, but despite rapid expansion, it still feels like a craft beer. Unfortunately, that’s one of the biggest draws of this brand. Much like a craft brewery, it offers a range of different types of beers, along with rotating seasonal varieties. If you want the diversity of a craft brewery with the name recognition and accessibility of a national brand, Goose Island is a no-brainer.

9) Hoegaarden

This Belgian witbier, similar to but not quite a wheat beer, traces its history back to 1445. Hoegaarden may not be the sexiest beer on your menu, but it's almost six centuries of production prove that it shouldn’t be overlooked. Hoegaarden is not meant to be consumed in large quantities like some of the earlier beers on our list. It is a bit heavier and features complex notes of citrus and spices, making this a beer best savored. Wondering if Hoegaarden is a good fit for your establishment? Give it a try as part of a weekend brunch or lunch menu. There’s nothing better than slowly sipping on this tasty beer on a sunny afternoon.

10) Bud Light

Ah, Bud Light. This famous or infamous top selling beer, depending on who you ask, doesn’t pretend to be anything fancy. True to its name, Bud Light clocks in at only 110 calories. The brand consistently makes headlines for its sensational, pop culture-centered marketing tactics, and sporting event sponsorships. With Bud Light, you know exactly what you’re getting which bar owners and customers alike seem to appreciate.

And that rounds out our ten top selling beers!

To conclude, we have several guesses for why the beers above ended up in the top 10, including regional preferences, name recognition, customer tastes, industry trends, and more. At the end of the day, it’s important to do research on your own sales data for your specific bar to know which type of beverages your customers are looking for.

Get The Sales Analytics You Need From A Bar Inventory System You Can Trust

At WISK, we clearly do our homework. We’re data nerds who strive to make the absolute best product for our clients. But, more importantly, we’re former restaurant and bar owners too. We know the challenges you face and the information you need to be successful. That’s why we’ve created our application to help you run a more successful business.

Beyond sales data and analytics, our platform provides an easy-to-use interface to count and measure liquor. We also have a database of over 150,000 bottles to help make purchase orders a simple and more profitable process. Interested? Visit our site here to learn more about our services. If you're only interested in analytics, we can help you with that too. Alternatively, you can sign up by clicking the button below and we can guide you from there.

See your ROI thrive as you delve into the world of our top-selling beers of 2019. By offering the best to your patrons, you're investing in their satisfaction and loyalty, ensuring a steady stream of revenue.

Read our blog on the top selling vodka of 2019

Share

Download the

ultimate

cost control playbook

Don't settle for razor thin margins.

Managing your restaurant should be easy.