Samuel Adams and Budweiser are the two best-perceived beers in America, according to the annual St. Patrick’s Day ranking conducted by consumer perception research firm YouGov BrandIndex.
Samuel Adams’ achieved more than twice as much perception levels as the third place brand, Dos Equis.
MillerCoors’ cider-like Redd’s Apple Ale made the top 10 this year, debuting in fifth place, tied with Corona. Redd’s, which just began distributing two new flavors, Redd’s Wicked Mango and Redd’s Green Apple Ale, displaced Miller Lite from the list.
Local beer brand perception differs widely as well, as evidenced on the charts below. Chicago seems to have undergone the biggest shifts in beer brand perception of the four major cities we tracked.
- Samuel Adams is the dominant beer brand in New York, Los Angeles and Boston, while Miller Lite is in the top spot in Chicago. Last year, Miller Lite was not in Chicago’s top 10 ranking and Samuel Adams was on top in Chicago. Sam Adams is now in third place there.
- Blue Moon cracked the top 10 beer brands in New York, LA and Boston, but not Chicago. Blue Moon was number three last year in that city. Blue Moon is in the 11th spot in the national ranking.
- Of the four cities, the craft beer Fat Tire made the top 10 in Los Angeles. Fat Tire came in at number 13 on the national ranking.
All major beer brands were measured using YouGov BrandIndex’s Buzz score, which ask respondents: "If you've heard anything about the brand in the last two weeks, through advertising, news or word of mouth, was it positive or negative?" All results reflect adults age 21 and over. Scores were compiled during the twelve week period leading up to St, Patrick’s Day.
Buzz: Adults 21+ Top Beers
Buzz: Boston, Chicago, Adults 21+ Top Beers
Buzz: LA, NYC, Adults 21+ Top Beers
