10 Best-Selling Whisky Brands of 2022

Whisky is experiencing a remarkable surge in popularity as consumers seek out premium aged bottlings to grace their drinks cabinets. The whisky industry is witnessing significant growth in both volume and value, with forecasts indicating a promising trajectory over the next few years. In particular, India and the United States stand as the largest global markets, contributing substantially to this thriving trend.

According to data from IWSR Drinks Market Analysis, whisky is anticipated to witness a remarkable 23% surge in volume and an impressive 29% growth in value by 2026, driven notably by increased activity in its largest global markets, India and the US. In the US, whisky is forecasted to surpass vodka in volume for the first time in two decades. 

So let's take a look at the top 10 best-selling world whisky brands of 2022, which are captivating enthusiasts across the globe.

These results are based on the full data supplied to The Brand Champions 2023 report.

Jim Beam

Remains at the top with a slight sales dip

Bourbon brand Jim Beam maintained its position as the top-selling world whisky, although it experienced a minor 1.6% decrease in sales in 2022. The brand's ready-to-drink portfolio showed strong double-digit growth.

Jack Daniel's 

Reported its second year of growth with a 7.9% increase

Jack Daniel's, the Tennessee whiskey brand by Brown-Forman, witnessed a 7.9% sales growth in 2022, driven by its core variant and ready-to-drink portfolio.

Jameson 

Impressive double-digit growth targets 15 Million Cases by 2030

The world's biggest Irish whiskey brand, Jameson, reported an impressive 15.1% increase in sales, reaching 11.1 million cases. With its continued growth, the brand aims to achieve 15 million cases by 2030.

Crown Royal

Sales dip, but plans for growth with celebrity collaboration

Diageo-owned Crown Royal experienced a 5.9% sales decrease in 2022. However, the brand's partnership with Foo Fighters singer Dave Grohl and the upcoming carbon-neutral distillery in Canada could lead to sales recovery in 2023.

Canadian Club 

Continuing Upward Trajectory with a 4.9% Increase

Beam Suntory's Canadian whisky brand continued its growth streak in 2022, recording a modest 4.9% increase and maintaining its position as the second-biggest-selling Canadian whisky in the world.

Suntory Kakubin 

Double-Digit increase, becoming top-selling Japanese whisky

Suntory Kakubin, a highly versatile Japanese whisky, experienced a remarkable 16.6% sales increase in 2022, making it the only million-case-selling Japanese whisky brand with significant growth.

Black Nikka 

Stable sales but poised for growth

Asahi Breweries-owned Black Nikka Japanese whisky reported consistent sales since 2020, but with upcoming commemorative releases and activities for its 90th anniversary, sales may see a surge.

Evan Williams 

Slight Uptick in Sales with Promising Activity in South Korea

Evan Williams, the largest American whiskey brand by Heaven Hill, saw a 1.5% increase in sales last year. Interesting activity in South Korea indicates potential growth opportunities in Asian markets.

Tory's (including Highball) 

Steady at 9th Place with a 1.7% Increase

Japanese whisky Tory's held on to its ninth-place position, despite sales remaining at 2.9 million cases for three consecutive years. Suntory's investment in its Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries might boost future sales.

Maker's Mark 

Maintains 10th Position with a 5.3% growth

Maker's Mark, the Bourbon brand by Beam Suntory, witnessed a healthy 5.3% sales growth in 2022, retaining its 10th position. Additionally, the brand surpassed Bulleit to become the top-selling Bourbon on the US e-commerce platform Drizly.

In this ever-evolving whisky landscape, these top 10 brands continue to captivate the hearts of connoisseurs and enthusiasts, driving the industry to unprecedented heights.

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