In this article, we are going to discuss the 5 states that consume the most alcohol per capita. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of the economic cost of excessive drinking, the effect of taxes on alcohol consumption, and the CSR initiatives by various alcohol firms dedicated to promoting responsible drinking, head to 20 States that Consume the Most Alcohol per Capita.
5. Montana
Ethanol Consumption per Capita: 3.34 gallons
The distilleries of Montana create all sorts of high quality alcoholic spirits. From huckleberry gins to Montana moonshine to bacon-flavored vodka, there’s a liquor out there for everyone. Rum, gin, whiskey, moonshine, bourbon, cream liqueur, brandy, vodka, and other spirits are all made in the Treasure State.
Montana has higher rates of alcohol consumption and binge drinking behaviors than the national average for both adults and youth. However, youth consumption of alcohol has declined significantly from 2011 to 2021.
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. It is also the birthplace of many drinks with alcohol as the primary ingredient.
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.
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. But this small state on the East Coast has quietly become a hub for the vodka industry, with several high-quality distilleries producing some of the best spirits in the country.
Delaware is also the state with the highest per capita consumption of spirits in America, with 2.46 gallons of ethanol per person in the form of distilled liquors.
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.
New Hampshire is the State that Drinks the Most Alcohol per Capita.
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