While the world’s best bars may be associated more with cocktails and some exclusive spirits offerings rather than beer, it plays an important role nonetheless as more than 60% of our sample stocked it.

In 2022 beer’s global market value was $793.74bn, according to Insider Monkey, making it the most popular drink worldwide after water and tea. In the 2022 brewing year, global production of beer increased by 1.3% year on year to 1.89 billion hectolitres, with the market set to return to pre-pandemic levels.

For the popular beverage, Heineken was the bestseller in bars again this year, the Dutch lager securing its status as top seller for the eighth time with 11% of bars we polled having it as a first choice.

The only stout on the list, Guinness has crept up from its eighth place last year, paving the way for draught beers as bottles have dominated the top space for some time. The brand is seen more and more in top bars, with venues such as Schofield’s, based in Manchester, UK, having their own customised Guinness glasses, for example.

Guinness also scored highly in our top trending category, confirming the rise of draught beer in the world’s best bars and the growing popularity of the stout among its bartenders.

The other noteworthy appearance in the trending list is Brewdog, which is the sole representative of the craft movement in our poll.

How we did it

The Annual Brands Report results are the culmination of a survey of 100 bars from around the world which have been nominated or won international awards. The report offers a picture of the buying habits of the world’s best bars – not only which brands sell best, but also what’s trending to indicate the brands that are hot right now.

To view the page-turner edition of the Brands Report click here.

The Brands Report will be serialised on drinksint.com throughout January.