In this article, we are going to discuss the 5 drunkest states in the US. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of the financial impact of alcohol in America, the effect of taxes on alcohol abuse, and the recent shifts in the global alcohol market, head to 20 Drunkest States in the US.
5. Montana
Ethanol Consumption per Capita: 3.34 gallons
Alcohol consumption in Montana has increased significantly over the last three decades, from a low of just under 2.8 gallons per capita in 1996 to 3.34 gallons per capita in 2021, an increase of 19.2%. The Treasure State reported liquor total liquor sales of around $196.9 million in 2021, up 24.89% from the pre-pandemic levels of $157.6 million.
Montana is one of the very few states that don’t allow the retail sale of distilled spirits on Sundays. However, the Montana House of Representatives passed a bill in April 2023 that would allow sales of distilled spirits products from state agency liquor stores on Sundays and Mondays.
4. Nevada
Ethanol Consumption per Capita: 3.51 gallons
Nevada is one of the U.S. states with the laxest laws related to alcohol, and many alcoholic brands, wholesalers, and suppliers use the Silver State to start and grow their brand presence for this reason. Situated in the south of Nevada is the city of Las Vegas. As one of the most popular party towns in the country, Sin City certainly contributes heavily to the high alcohol consumption in the state.
Nevada is placed among the Top 5 Drunkest States in America.
3. District of Columbia
Ethanol Consumption per Capita: 4.07 gallons
The District of Columbia is home to the biggest wine drinkers in America, with its residents drinking 1.07 gallons of ethanol per capita solely in the form of wine. The capital’s liberal alcohol importation permit system underpins the extensive choice of wines. In a country hampered by a notoriously arcane patchwork of alcohol importation and distribution laws, this translates to excellent news for wine lovers. D.C.’s eateries, bars, and bottle shops offer one of the most extensive selections of small-producer wines in the country – along with every trophy bottle your heart desires, of course, given that the city is awash with big spenders.
2. Delaware
Ethanol Consumption per Capita: 4.4 gallons
When you think of states that are famous for their alcohol production, Delaware might not immediately come to mind. However, the Diamond State’s craft wine and beer scene continues to grow. There are four wineries, two meaderies, and more than 20 breweries, some of which also distill spirits, in the state’s 1,948 square miles.
Delaware does not have sales tax on alcohol, which means many of its thirsty neighbors also cross state lines to buy their favorite tipples and save money.
1. New Hampshire
Ethanol Consumption per Capita: 4.43 gallons
New Hampshire has relatively high alcohol sales per capita due in part to its state-operated liquor stores. Alcohol is a big revenue generator for the state government and the low prices in stores located near the state’s borders draw in customers from across the region.
The designation as a ‘control state’ enables New Hampshire liquor outlets to offer the widest selection of name-brand wines and spirits at great prices with no taxes. That’s why more than 12 million customers from throughout North America shop for alcohol in the Granite State each year. The strategy seems to be paying off, as since the first NH Liquor & Wine Outlet opened in 1934, more than $4 billion in net profits has been raised to support critical state services.
Insider Monkey focuses on uncovering the best investment ideas of hedge funds and insiders. Please subscribe to our free daily newsletter to get the latest investment ideas from hedge funds’ investor letters by entering your email address below. You can also take a peek at 20 States with the Cheapest Weed in America and Alcohol Consumption by Country: 25 Countries with the Highest Alcohol Consumption per Capita.
