Wainwright is only one of only two cask ales in the top 20 list actually in growth, registering an impressive 21 per cent year-on-year increase.
The latest results published by CGA Strategy also show a mixed picture with total cask ale up 3.4% in the UK.
Lee Williams, marketing manager at Thwaites, said: “We’ve invested both time and money developing Wainwright since it was launched in 2007 and to see it become a top 20 cask ale so early in its life-cycle is just fantastic.
"We know Golden ales are a great stepping stone for new drinkers dipping their toe into the cask ale market but we’re now seeing the brand start to appeal to a wider audience.
“This summer we’ve seen first-hand how new and younger drinkers are discovering cask ale in an environment where they would have normally opted for lager or cider.
“We have exciting plans for Wainwright in 2014 and plan to build on this top 20 billing. We want to support customers who want to increase their sales in this sector.”
In December 2012 Steve Magnall managing director of Thwaites Beer Company revealed to the Publican's Morning Advertiser that he expected Wainright to make it to the top 15 cask ales within 18 months.