New York, NY, September 22, 2026 — Heineken ranks as the most considered alcoholic beverage brand in YouGov’s U.S. alcoholic beverage rankings 2026, with 18.4% of U.S. adults aged 21+ saying they would consider the brand the next time they are in the market to purchase an alcoholic beverage.

Baileys follows just behind at 18.3%, with Jack Daniel’s third at 18.0%, Smirnoff fourth at 17.0% and Guinness fifth at 16.7%. Less than two percentage points separate the top five, highlighting a competitive market in which beer and spirits brands are competing alongside ready-to-drink and hard seltzer options.

The rankings, powered by YouGov BrandIndex, also identify the most considered beer, spirits and ready-to-drink brands, the biggest year-over-year gainers and the brands that stand out on perceptions of Value and Quality.

Key findings:

• Heineken also tops the beer ranking. Guinness (16.7%) and Budweiser (15.4%). Modelo (14.9%) and Blue Moon (14.5%) complete the top five. No light beer appears in the beer top five most considered, though Bud Light ranks seventh at 13.8%.
• Mike’s Hard Lemonade leads ready-to-drink and seltzer brands at 15.4%, followed by White Claw at 11.2%, Smirnoff Spiked Seltzer (7.3%), Truly Hard Seltzer (6.5%) and BuzzBallz (6.0%).
• Baileys leads spirits at 18.3%, followed by Jack Daniel’s (18.0%), Smirnoff (17.0%), Bacardi (15.0%), and Crown Royal (14.9%).
• Don Julio records the biggest year-over-year gain in Consideration, improving by 2.7 percentage points. Cutwater follows with a 2.6-point increase, while BuzzBallz gains 1.6 points, Michelob ULTRA rises 1.5 points, and 1800 Tequila and Jose Cuervo each gain 1.3 points.
• Jack Daniel’s stands out on Value, while Guinness leads on Quality. Among the 25 most considered brands, Jack Daniel’s records the highest net Value score at 20.0, followed by Smirnoff (18.3) and Bacardi (17.2). Guinness leads Quality at 33.2, narrowly ahead of Jack Daniel’s (33.1) and Heineken (32.8).

“Alcoholic beverage consideration is highly competitive, with the close rankings at the top highlighting how brands across different categories compete for consumer attention,” said Nora Hao, Senior Sales Director at YouGov. “Heineken leads overall, while spirits maintain a strong presence in the top 10, and brands such as Don Julio and Cutwater are gaining momentum. The Value and Quality results further demonstrate how brands can differentiate themselves based on what consumers prioritize when making a purchase.”

Read the full rankings here.

Methodology

YouGov’s U.S. alcoholic beverage rankings 2026 are based on YouGov BrandIndex data collected among U.S. adults aged 21+ from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026.

Consideration measures the percentage of respondents who say they would consider a brand the next time they are in the market to purchase an alcoholic beverage in the relevant category. Value and Quality are reported as net scores reflecting the balance of positive and negative perceptions.

The overall ranking and Value/Quality analysis are based on n>13,190 U.S. adults aged 21+. The ranking of the biggest improvers compares September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026 (n>13,680) with September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025 (n>13,700). Non-alcoholic beer alternatives tracked in BrandIndex were eligible for the ranking.

Figures are rounded to one decimal place. Year-over-year changes are reported in percentage points. The analysis was conducted by YouGov with the assistance of AI tools.

CLERMONT, Ky., Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The James B. Beam Distilling Co., home of The Small Batch Bourbon Collection™, announces the release of Knob Creek^® 12 Year Old Cask Strength, a limited-edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon that showcases the depth that twelve years of patient aging and full proof can deliver. Bottled at 121.2 proof, the release brings Knob Creek's signature full-bodied character to the glass with greater intensity, offering rich layers of caramel, dried apple, butterscotch and seasoned oak, followed by a warm, subtly spiced finish.

"Knob Creek has always been about giving great bourbon the time it deserves. After twelve years in the rickhouse, this batch had the depth and full flavor we were looking for, and we knew we wanted to share it exactly as it was," said Freddie Noe, eighth-generation master distiller at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. "Cask strength means the barrel gets the final say, and with this one, we were more than glad to listen."

Patiently matured in charred American white oak barrels and hand-selected from just 10 distinct lots in Knob Creek's Clermont, Kentucky rickhouses, Knob Creek^® 12 Year Old Cask Strength is carefully batched and bottled at cask strength, best enjoyed neat or on the rocks.

• Proof: 121.2 proof / 60.6% ABV
• Aroma: Caramel, char and dried apple
• Taste: Rich yet balanced flavors of butterscotch, dried apple and seasoned oak
• Finish: Warm with notes of caramel and subtle cinnamon
• Availability: Available nationwide for a limited time
• SRP: $89.99 / 750mL

Arriving in time for the holiday season, Knob Creek^® 12 Year Old Cask Strength is an ideal whiskey for holiday gatherings and gifting, whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks or in a classic Old Fashioned.

For more information about Knob Creek^® 12 Year Old Cask Strength and Knob Creek^® award-winning bourbon and rye portfolios, visit knobcreek.com

NEW YORK, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, The Glenlivet, the iconic single malt Scotch whisky crafted in Scotland's Livet Valley, unveils The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Provence Edition, a new limited-edition release inspired by a region celebrated for its sun-soaked landscapes, vibrant flavors, and relaxed way of life.

The Glenlivet Provence Edition offers whisky lovers a fresh perspective on Scotch, viewed through a Provençal lens. Inspired by the sun-soaked character of Southern France yet firmly grounded in The Glenlivet's Scottish heritage, the release demonstrates how innovation and tradition can coexist in a whisky that remains unmistakably The Glenlivet.

Selectively finished in a unique combination of Château Sainte Marguerite white wine, Rivesaltes, and Sauternes casks, the whisky layers The Glenlivet's signature smoothness with delicate floral aromas and ripe orchard fruit. The result opens with notes of white peach, nectarine, pear, and bright citrus before delivering an elegant, mellow finish with lingering sun-ripened fruit character.

"With the Provence Edition, we wanted to take The Glenlivet somewhere unexpected," said Kevin Balmforth, The Glenlivet Master Blender. "By actively monitoring the finishing process and carefully balancing the influence of Château Sainte Marguerite, Rivesaltes, and Sauternes wine casks, we have created a whisky that delivers vibrant orchard fruit, elegant floral notes, and exceptional complexity."

In celebration of the launch, The Glenlivet will introduce Le Café du Whisky, an immersive pop-up bringing a "Wee Taste of Provence" to select markets, as well as national bookable experiences. Inspired by the spirit of Southern France, the experiences invite guests to discover Provence Edition through the sights, sounds, flavors, and energy that define the region.

Debuting in New York City on September 17, Le Café du Whisky will showcase a new culinary collaboration with acclaimed pastry chef Michelle Palazzo of Frenchette Bakery. Inspired by The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Provence Edition, Palazzo has reimagined a classic French pastry through a Provençal and Scottish lens to create the Tarte aux Pêches.

Designed to bring The Glenlivet 12 Provence Edition's French-inspired character to life, the Tarte aux Pêches features a vanilla bean custard infused with the Single Malt Scotch Whisky and topped with a rosette of juicy peaches, offering a subtle expression of the whisky's vibrant flavor profile in every bite. Its lush fruit character echoes the liquid's notes of white peach, nectarine, pear, and bright citrus, transforming the sun-drenched essence of Provence Edition into an indulgent culinary experience that celebrates the distinctive flavors of both Provence and Scotland.

"Provence Edition celebrates The Glenlivet's commitment to more than 200 years of craftsmanship and innovation, drawing inspiration from the flavors and spirit of one of the world's most iconic regions," said Kristen Colonna, Vice President of Marketing for The Glenlivet. "From its distinctive cask finishing to the immersive activations and culinary partnerships surrounding the launch, every element of this expression reflects the care, creativity, and expertise that define The Glenlivet."

Guests can also enjoy a Provençal Spritz, a refreshingly bright take on single malt Scotch. The serve showcases Provence Edition's vibrant orchard fruit and citrus notes while highlighting its versatility, whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or mixed into cocktails.

Additionally, see our hero campaign world inspired by Provence here, going deeper into the culture - beyond the lavender fields, sea and sunshine. True to its Scottish roots while inspired by the character of Southern France, the campaign combines Scottish craft, with a French accent, centred around a fictional game of Peachtanque.

To learn more about The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Provence Edition

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sazerac Company today announces the launch of Glenmore Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Glenmore Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, two brand-new releases crafted to bring back one of Kentucky's most historic whiskey names for a new generation of whiskey enthusiasts. Inspired by more than 100 years of Glenmore Distillery history, the new whiskeys celebrate the legacy of a Distillery that played an important role in the development of American whiskey.

Tracing its roots to 1869, when founder Richard Monarch began distilling whiskey in Owensboro, Kentucky, the Glenmore Distillery Company would go on to become one of the state's most influential whiskey producers, earning a reputation for quality, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. Throughout its history, Glenmore Distillery helped shape American whiskey through a portfolio of well-known whiskey brands, pioneering marketing strategies and its distinction as one of the few distilleries licensed to bottle medicinal whiskey during Prohibition. The Glenmore Distillery continued distilling whiskey for more than 120 years before production at the Distillery ended in 1992. Since then, Sazerac has transformed the historic site into one of the country's largest and most modern facilities to support production, barrel aging and bottling operations across a variety of spirits categories.

With the introduction of Glenmore Bourbon Whiskey and Glenmore Rye Whiskey, Sazerac is bringing the historic Glenmore name into a new era. These expressions are inspired by the pioneering spirit of the original Glenmore Distillery and celebrate the innovation, craftsmanship and whiskey-making traditions that defined its legacy.

"The Glenmore name has an incredible history, and we're honored to help write its next chapter," said Lauren Selman, Global Growth and Innovation Director at Sazerac. "As the owners and operators of The Glenmore distillery, we have long desired to bring this brand back to life. There is an entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to innovate that define the Distillery's history, and we saw an opportunity to give those qualities new life. We're excited to whiskey fans to try this release and celebrate this new era with us!"

While both are bottled at 100 proof, Glenmore Bourbon Whiskey and Glenmore Rye Whiskey offer distinctly different flavor profiles that showcase the character of their respective whiskey styles. Glenmore Bourbon Whiskey offers a rich, oak-forward profile with layered notes of crème brûlée, toasted marshmallow, vanilla custard, caramelized sugar and toasted pecan, finishing smooth and rounded. Glenmore Rye Whiskey delivers classic rye spice balanced by black pepper, toasted grain and subtle sweetness, leading to a bold, warming finish.

"Glenmore Distillery's history is about much more than the whiskey that carried its name," said Nick Laracuente, Bourbon Archaeologist & Lead Archivist at Sazerac. "The archives reveal generations of people, ideas and ingenuity that helped build the Distillery and its brands. We studied advertisements, labels, photographs and records to help us piece together the Distillery's story, and we're excited to preserve that history while giving the Glenmore name an opportunity to be discovered all over again."

Glenmore Bourbon Whiskey is now available through Sazerac's United States distributor network and will begin shipping to retailers, bars and restaurants immediately. Glenmore Rye Whiskey will be available beginning September 2026. Both expressions carry a suggested retail price of $19.99 per 750ml bottle; taxes and availability vary by market.

To learn more, visit glenmorewhiskey.com.