Which State Has The Highest Beer Sales?

Beer is a popular beverage in the United States, with Americans consuming more than 2 billion litres of beer annually. Beer consumption varies by state and region, with Midwesterners drinking more beer than those in other regions, while Northeasterners drink the least. New Hampshire has the highest per capita alcohol consumption, likely due to its lack of tax on alcohol. Utah, on the other hand, has the lowest beer consumption per capita, as the predominantly Mormon population largely abstains from alcohol. Other states with high beer consumption include North Dakota, Montana, Vermont, and South Dakota. Factors such as state laws, taxes, and the prevalence of drinking culture also influence beer consumption across states.

New Hampshire: No tax on alcohol

New Hampshire has the highest per capita alcohol consumption in the US. The state has a unique tax system, with no sales tax and no income tax on wages and salaries. This means that residents of neighbouring states, such as Massachusetts, Vermont and Maine, often cross the border to buy alcohol in New Hampshire, taking advantage of the 5% or 6% savings.

New Hampshire's tax laws are designed to encourage people to buy alcohol in-state. While there is no sales tax, the state does impose a flat tax on alcohol. For beer, this is $0.30 per gallon, or about $0.028 per beer. There is no sales tax on wine or liquor, but these can only be purchased from state-run stores, meaning the state has a monopoly on profits from liquor sales to consumers.

New Hampshire's tax system has some other unique features. There is no estate tax, and retirement income is not taxed by the state. However, the state has some of the highest property taxes in the country, with an average property tax of 1.77% of the home's value.

New Hampshire's tax laws have made it a popular destination for people looking to save money on alcohol. The state's tax structure encourages consumption and has likely contributed to its position as the state with the highest per capita alcohol consumption.

Midwesterners: Drink more beer than other regions

The Midwest loves beer. In fact, Midwesterners drink more beer than those in any other region of the United States. Five Midwestern states—Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio—are among the top 10 beer-loving states in the country. Wisconsin, in particular, stands out as the state whose residents love beer the most.

So, what is it about the Midwest that makes it such a hotbed of beer consumption? One factor could be the region's strong brewing heritage. Wisconsin, for example, is home to the Miller Brewing Company and a host of microbreweries, boasting a total of 112 breweries, more than all states except four. Illinois, meanwhile, is home to the oldest brewery in the United States, D.G. Yuengling & Son, which has been operating in Pottsville since 1829.

Another factor contributing to the Midwest's high beer consumption could be the region's cultural and culinary traditions. Beer is a popular drink for parties, sporting events, and holidays, all of which are an important part of Midwestern culture. And what goes better with a cold beer than a delicious, greasy Midwestern meal?

When it comes to beer preferences, Midwesterners tend to favor Belgian-style beers, such as Blue Moon, which was the top choice in states like Minnesota and Nebraska. Wisconsin, true to its brewing roots, leans towards Miller products, with Miller Genuine Draft, Miller High Life, and Miller Lite being the most popular choices according to Google search data.

While the Midwest may reign supreme when it comes to beer consumption, it's worth noting that other regions have their own unique beer cultures as well. Southern states, for example, tend to favor Corona, while the West Coast shows a preference for Mexican beers like Corona and Modelo, perhaps due to their proximity to Mexico and the strong cultural influence of their West Coast neighbors.

In conclusion, while Midwesterners may drink more beer per capita than residents of other regions, beer consumption in the United States is influenced by a variety of factors, including cultural traditions, regional preferences, and the availability of local breweries. So, whether you're toasting with a Miller Lite in Milwaukee or sipping a Corona on a Southern beach, Americans across the country can raise a glass to their shared love of beer.

Southern states: Favour Corona

The Southern states of the US demonstrate a clear preference for Corona beer. Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia all opt for this Mexican beer over other popular brands. This is perhaps due to its refreshing flavour, especially when served with a lime, which has mass appeal across the US, as Corona is the country's favourite beer.

The Southern states' preference for Corona may also be influenced by the cultural impact of their proximity to Mexico. The West Coast, for example, shares a similar taste in beer, with Modelo and Corona being the top picks in California, for instance.

However, it is worth noting that the Southern states do not consume the most beer overall. This is despite the fact that beer is the most popular beverage in the world, after water, coffee, and tea. In fact, the Southern states are varied in their consumption, with Mississippi and South Carolina drinking more than the national average, and Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia drinking less.

In contrast, the Midwestern states, such as Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana, are the top beer-lovers in the country, with Wisconsin drinking the most beer per capita.

West Coast: Prefer Mexican beers

The West Coast's preference for Mexican beers is likely influenced by its proximity to Mexico and the strong cultural influence of its southern neighbour. Mexican beers have outsold all other foreign imports in the United States for almost a decade, with Corona and Modelo Especial leading the way. Mexican lager is a light and crisp style of beer that is very popular. It is often enjoyed with a slice of lime, providing a refreshing drink on a hot day.

Mexican lager is a slightly lighter take on Vienna-style lager. It was first brewed in Mexico in the 1860s when the nation was under the rule of Austro-German Emperor Maximilian, who set up the country's first brewery. Mexican lagers are traditionally brewed with barley, which contains gluten, and are known for their bright, sessionable profile.

Some of the most popular Mexican lagers include Corona, which is the best-selling beer in Mexico, and Modelo Especial, which is the best-selling beer in the United States as of 2024. Other well-known Mexican lagers include Sol, Tecate, Carta Blanca, Indio, Pacifico, and Bohemia. These beers are characterised by their light and crisp flavour profiles, making them a perfect choice for warm weather and pairing with spicy Mexican cuisine.

The preference for Mexican beers on the West Coast is just one example of how beer preferences in the United States are influenced by regional factors. Southern states, for example, tend to favour Corona, while the Midwest prefers Belgian-style beers such as Blue Moon. State laws and taxes also play a role in beer consumption, with some states having unique rules around the sale and service of alcohol.

New England: Samuel Adams is a favourite

In the New England area of the US, Samuel Adams is a prominent favourite among residents. This could be due in part to a loyalty to East Coast breweries. Samuel Adams (often shortened to Sam Adams) is the flagship brand of the Boston Beer Company, founded by Jim Koch in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The name comes from US Founding Father Samuel Adams, who inherited his father's brewery on Boston's King Street (now State Street) and worked as a brewer or maltster.

The Boston Beer Company uses a recipe now known as Samuel Adams Boston Lager, which was remastered in 2023 to be "easier-drinking". The company also offers a range of other beers, including a light American-style lager, a light-bodied pilsner brewed with German hops, a New England-style "hazy and juicy" India pale ale, and a double New England-style IPA.

Since 2018, Samuel Adams has been the official beer of the Boston Red Sox, with an eight-year deal lasting through the 2025 season. The company's Fenway Faithful IPA, a session IPA, is the official beer of the team.

In addition to its popularity in New England, Samuel Adams has gained attention across the US. In 2015, the musical Hamilton included the line "I'm John Laurens in the place to be, two pints of Sam Adams, but I'm workin' on three" in the song "Aaron Burr, Sir."

While New England residents favour Samuel Adams, other regions have different preferences. Folks on the West Coast prefer Mexican beers, with Modelo and Corona being top picks. The Midwest loves Belgian-style beers, such as Blue Moon, and Wisconsinites adore Miller products.

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