Koreans raise a toast to the world's best selling spirit

A Korean, rice-based liquor has emerged as the world's best selling spirit, selling more than double the volume recorded by vodka-maker Smirnoff. Jinro, a sweet, clear liquor commonly consumed in quick shots, sold 61.4 million 9-liter cases to Smirnoff's 24.7 million cases last year.

Here are the world's top spirit and liquor brands, from 2011 (number of cases):

1. Jinro Soju (61.38 million)

2. Smirnoff Vodka (24.7 million)

3. Lotte Liquor Soju (23.9 million)

4. Emperador Brandy (20.1 million)

5. Bacardi Rum (19.6 million)

6. Tanduay Rum (18.7 million)

7. Pirassununga Cachaça (18.6 million)

8. Johnnie Walker Whiskey-scotch (18 million)

9. Officer's Choice Whisky-Indian (16.5 million)

10. McDowell's No. 1 Whisky-Indian (16.1 million)