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The results are in. Meet the U.S. Top 50 breweries in sales in 2016

The Brewer’s Association, the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers, have released their “Top 50” list for 2016.

The list breaks down into two categories. The first – the Top 50 for small/independent breweries in sales volume. The second Top 50 includes all American brewers, including MillerCoors and AB-InBev.

In the small/craft segment, D.G. Yuengling & Son still holds the #1 spot, followed by Boston Beer (Sam Adams), Sierra Nevada, New Belgium, and Gambrinus. As for the small/independent definition, per the Brewer’s Association: 

  • Small: Annual production of 6 million barrels of beer or less (approximately 3 percent of U.S. annual sales). Beer production is attributed to the rules of alternating proprietorships.
  • Independent: Less than 25 percent of the craft brewery is owned or controlled (or equivalent economic interest) by an alcoholic beverage industry member that is not itself a craft brewer.
  • Traditional: A brewer that has a majority of its total beverage alcohol volume in beers whose flavor derives from traditional or innovative brewing ingredients and their fermentation. Flavored malt beverages (FMBs) are not considered beers.

The Top 50 overall reveals no surprise. Anheuser-Busch holds the commanding lead in the #1 spot, followed by MillerCoors and hipster friend Pabst.

“Embracing their experience and ability to thrive and overcome challenges, the top producing craft brewers will continue to inspire, innovate and influence the future of beer.” Bart Watson, chief economist, Brewers Association

Below, a list of the Top 50 (Click here for full size). Any surprises?