A brewing legend recently received bigtime honors in California. We’ve that, “Words to Drink By” and more.

Most Popular Beers In US

As of early 2026, the beer landscape in the U.S. is defined by a shift toward Michelob Ultra as the top-selling brand and a growing preference for Mexican lagers and crisp craft lagers.

The following are the top five beers in the U.S. for 2026 based on popularity and sales performance. And remember that popularity is the percentage of people who have a positive opinion of a beer, not a reflection of a beer’s actual sales.

• Michelob Ultra: Now the #1 top-selling beer in America, having overtaken Modelo Especial in retail sales by volume. Its rise is attributed to a “broader alignment with health-conscious, premium beer trends”.
• Modelo Especial: Consistently ranked among the top two, it held the #1 spot from 2023 until late 2025/early 2026 before being narrowly dethroned by Michelob Ultra.
• Blue Moon: Recognized as the most popular beer in America for 2026 by YouGov Ratings, with a 48% popularity score based on positive consumer opinion. This is clearly a popularity rating which leans more towards brand recognition as opposed to actual sales
• Samuel Adams: Sharing the top spot for popularity with Blue Moon, it also holds a 48% popularity rating even though its sales can’t compare to beer majors like Michelob Ultra or Modelo Especial
• Guinness: Maintaining a strong third place in popularity at 45%, Guinness remains a highly regarded choice for its roasted, malty profile and relatively low calorie count for a stout

Words to Drink By

“Most people with something to lose avoid talking about politics, unless it’s their brand.” — Bob Lefsetz, Music industry writer and media analyst

California Craft Beer Pioneer Honored

Mark Ruedrich, the co-founder and president of North Coast Brewing Company, was recently named the 2026 Craft Beer Pioneer at the Brewers Cup of California. The ceremony took place on April 24 and served as a celebration of Ruedrich’s decades of work, highlighting his leadership, innovation, and his commitment to mentorship within the brewing community.

As both a brewmaster and president, Ruedrich is responsible for some of the industry’s most recognizable beers, such as Scrimshaw, Red Seal Ale, and Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout. However, his legacy involves much more than just what is in the glass. Under his guidance, North Coast has become a leader in environmental and social responsibility. The brewery is a Certified B Corporation and has earned a TRUE Zero Waste Platinum Certification. They have also made significant strides in solar energy, carbon farming, and supporting marine mammal research and rescue.

When it came time for Ruedrich to accept his award, he was joined at the podium by his wife, Merle Ruedrich, who is the namesake of his Le Merle farmhouse ale, as well as the company’s CEO and CFO, Jennifer Owen. Reflecting on his long journey through the world of craft beer, Ruedrich noted that he wouldn’t have done a single thing differently.

The night was a double win for the North Coast Brewing Company team. In addition to Ruedrich’s individual honor, the brewery also took home a Silver medal in the English Strongs category. The Brewers Cup is considered one of the most prestigious competitions in the state, organized by the Sacramento Area Brewers Guild with help from various regional guilds spanning from the Bay Area down to San Diego.

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