What Is the Best-Perceived Beer in America?

Brand perception survey illustrates geographic preferences, as well as trends in beer and cider.

March 18, 2015

NEW YORK – Samuel Adams and Budweiser are the two best-perceived beers in America, according to the annual St. Patrick’s Day ranking released yesterday by consumer perception research firm YouGov BrandIndex. Notably, 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.

All major beer brands were measured using YouGov BrandIndex’s Buzz score, which asks 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, with scores compiled during the 12-week period leading up to St. Patrick’s Day. The survey looked at four major cities — Boston, New York, Chicago and Los Angeles — with results showing that local beer brand perception differs widely among the four. Chicago in particular seems to have undergone the biggest shifts in beer brand perception over the past year.

Notable survey findings include:

  • 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 even 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, Los Angeles 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, but came in at number 13 on the national ranking.

The complete national rankings are:

  1. Sam Adams
  2. Budweiser
  3. Dos Equis
  4. Heineken
  5. Corona (tie)
  6. Redd’s Apple Ale (tie)
  7. Stella Artois
  8. Bud Light
  9. Guinness
  10. Yuengling
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