A century-old Mexican lager now ranks as the most widely liked beer in the United States, according to a recent YouGov poll — a reminder that brand image can shape tastes as much as taste itself. That popularity matters for retailers, advertisers and casual buyers because it influences what shows up on grocery shelves and in bars across the country.
The YouGov survey asked U.S. adults whether they held a positive, neutral or negative view of a range of beer brands. By that measure, Corona Extra led the pack with a 60% positive rating, followed by Guinness at 56% and Budweiser at 54%.
| Brand | Overall positive rating | Most favored by age group | Gender skew |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corona Extra | 60% | Millennials, Gen X | Women slightly more positive |
| Guinness | 56% | Baby Boomers | Men slightly more positive |
| Budweiser | 54% | Mixed | Neutral |
How imagery and packaging shaped a favorite
Corona’s rise in the U.S. didn’t happen overnight. Although the lager was first brewed in 1925 by Cervecería Modelo, it only started appearing regularly on American store shelves around 1979. In the decades since, marketing choices — from the bottle’s transparent appearance to consistent beach-themed advertising — have helped the brand become synonymous with relaxation and warm-weather leisure.
That halo effect works in two directions. For casual drinkers, the association with vacations and outdoor moments makes the beer feel like an escape. For the industry, it proves that perceived lifestyle value can outweigh more technical assessments of flavor or complexity.
- Visibility: The clear bottle stands out among brown-glass lagers and contributes to recognizable shelf appeal.
- Serving ritual: The practice of adding a citrus garnish has become part of Corona’s identity and consumer expectation.
- Global reach: The brand is sold in roughly 180 countries and has recently been ranked among the world’s most valuable beer brands.
Not everyone considers Corona the best-tasting beer; many craft-beer enthusiasts describe it as a straightforward, easy-drinking lager. But popularity surveys don’t measure technical complexity — they measure favorability, and on that metric Corona performs strongly.
For readers and shoppers, the takeaway is practical: brand perception influences purchase decisions, and familiarity often trumps nuance. Whether you prefer a stout, a macro lager or a local brew, understanding how advertising and presentation shape taste can help explain why certain beers dominate menus and shelves today.
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Most popular beer in US: 101-year-old Mexican lager tops sales nationwide
