The World’s Best-Selling Booze

The World’s Best-Selling Booze

Nick Passmore

Think vodka is the best-selling alcohol in the world? You’re wrong. While it is tops in the U.S., Scotch is king pretty much everywhere else. Of course, in spite of increased globalization, most countries still tend to drink along local lines. For example, in France anise-based Ricard is the No. 1-selling spirit, but blended Scotch whiskies take the second and third spots. Not only are many of these brands unfamiliar outside of the country where they are most popular, but also, unsurprisingly, the lower the price point, the more popular the spirit. Of course, there are some exceptions. In China, Chivas Regal is the best-selling brand of Scotch, even though it is a top-shelf brand. In the U.S., on the other hand, the best-selling spirits are less expensive labels like Smirnoff, Bacardi, and Captain Morgan. To find out which spirits sell the best around the world, read on.