You might be surprised by the biggest beer brands worldwide.

Sure, Budweiser and Heinken have spots on the list, as expected. But there’s also a selection of international beers just now becoming popular in the U.S.

And just try to guess the top beer label as ranked by trade publication the Drinks Business – it’s one that most Americans have never heard of (hat tip to the Huffington Post).

But while mainstream labels still dominate the market, beer from small and independent makers are outperforming them.

Through the first half of 2012, dollar sales for craft brews are up 14%, according to the Brewers Assn. industry group. As a whole, beer companies saw sales slip 1% in 2011.

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