In just 20 years, the number of breweries has risen from under 1,000 to 7,190 by the beginning of 2017. With brewing dating all the way back to the fifth millennium BC, it’s no wonder modern breweries have mastered the art of beer. So sit back, crack a cold one and check out these states that have the most breweries per resident.
Thanks to Homes.com for sending this our way. Numbers are based off of breweries per 100,000 residents.
1. Vermont
Vermont is home to many breweries, becoming one of the world’s most respected beer destinations. In 2016, the Brewers Association ranked Vermont as the state with the greatest number of breweries per capita; they have 11.7 breweries for every 100,000 residents. The Vermont Brewers Association proudly stated, “Wherever you go in Vermont, you’ll find different styles, different tastes and a common bond. And with every new taste, you’ll get to know the flavor of our state a little better.”
2. Maine
Following behind Vermont, is Maine, with 7.7 breweries per 100,000 residents. According to Maine Brewers’ Guild, “Our state is home to over 80 breweries which produce hundreds of beers — from juicy New England IPAs to rich, malty English ales, stouts, porters, sours, Belgian ales, farmhouse ales, goses, gruits, crisp lagers and everything in between. Wherever you travel in Maine, you’ll find locally made ales and lagers that are fresh, unique and sure to please. Cheers!”
3. Oregon
“Oregon is a consistent leader in the U.S. for craft beer whether it’s the number of breweries per capita, the percentage of dollars spent on craft beer or the economic impact per capita by Oregon’s breweries,” said Brian Butenschoen, executive director of the Oregon Brewers Guild. As of December 31, 2016, the state had 230 brewing companies operating 261 brewing facilities in 73 cities across the state, an increase of 15 brewing facilities in 2016. Simply put, this means that there are 7.4 breweries for every 100,00 residents.
4. Colorado (tie)
According to America’s Beer Distributors, Colorado has the third most breweries in the United States and the fourth most breweries per capita. For every 100,000 residents, there are seven breweries. Colorado is also home to many notable beer festivals including The Great American Beer Festival in Denver and Colorado Brewers’ Festival in Fort Collins.
5. Wyoming (tie)
Although Wyoming has the least amount of breweries on this list, they still have the fourth most per capita. Wyoming’s population may be sparse, but there are still seven breweries per 100,000 residents. Wyomingites can enjoy genuine craft beer from some of the top breweries such as Melvin Brewing and Snake River Brewing.
6. Washington
Ranking in at #2 for the amount of breweries and #6 for the amount of breweries per capita is Washington. For every 100,000 residents, there are 5.8 breweries. The Washington Beer Commission states that, “Washington’s breweries, many of them small and family owned, are integral parts of their local communities.” Many beer festivals including Belgian Fest, Tri-Cities Craft Beer Festival, and Washington Brewers Festival are held throughout the state annually.
7. New Hampshire
New Hampshire may be a small state, but their beer scene is rich and vital. With 73 breweries and 5.6 breweries per 100,000 residents, New Hampshire is sure to not disappoint. Beeroisseurs can indulge in the many beers and breweries in New Hampshire and get rewarded for it with the NH beer passport.
8. New Mexico
New Mexico’s beer atmosphere has been booming over the past few years. All throughout the state, you can drink distinctive local beer almost anywhere you visit. Ranked at No. 8, New Mexico has 4.1 breweries for every 100,000 residents. They are home to many top-rated breweries including La Cumbre Brewing Co, Bathtub Row Brewering Co-op and Three Rivers Brewery.
9. Idaho
According to Visit Idaho, “Idaho breweries crisscross the state offering up a variety of hand-crafted beers and ciders just waiting to satisfy your tastebuds.” They are home to 67 breweries and four breweries per 100,000 residents. “Where there’s potatoes, there’s hops.” Idaho is a major source of the county’s hops.
10. Michigan
Michigan is fifth in the nation for number of breweries (379) and tenth for breweries per capita (3.8). In 2014, USA Today even named Grand Rapids the Best Beer Town in the country. You can delight in Michigan’s finest beer at festivals such as the Detroit Fall Beer Festival, the Summer Beer Festival and the Michigan Cider Dayze Festival.
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