In this article, we are going to discuss the 5 states with the most distilleries in the US. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of the American liquor market, the recent positive development for Bourbon distillers, and the rise of whiskey tourism, head to 20 States with the Most Distilleries in the US.
5. Colorado
Number of Distilleries in 2021: 75
Colorado has most certainly made its mark on the American brewing scene, so much so that the state is also home to the Brewers Association – the trade group that represents most of the craft breweries in the U.S. – and the Great American Beer Festival. But it doesn’t stop there. The Centennial State was also an early adopter of laws that favored a small-batch, craft distilling industry, and today, it ranks among the States with the Most Craft Distilleries in America.
However, Colorado’s high overall elevation, semi-arid climate, and wide temperature swings invite challenges for distilling and aging spirits.
4. Kentucky
Number of Distilleries in 2021: 82
Kentucky needs no introduction when it comes to distilling the highest quality American spirits. The Bluegrass State is the birthplace of Bourbon, crafting 95% of the world’s supply. Only Kentucky has the perfect natural mix of climate, corn, and pure limestone water necessary for producing the world’s greatest Bourbon.
Bourbon is a $9 billion signature industry in Kentucky that generates more than 22,500 jobs. And if we’re looking at production and consumption, the state receives more than $286 million in tax revenue each year from its signature whiskey.
With tens of iconic whiskey distilleries producing the finest liquid gold in the world, Kentucky is the State that Produces the Most Whiskey.
3. New York
Number of Distilleries in 2021: 84
The Farm Distillery Act of 2007 led to an explosion of craft distilleries popping up all over the Empire State. It made it easier for small businesses to open and operate a distillery by lowering the financial bar for beginning distillers (provided they source at least half of their raw material from New York), and allowing qualified distillers to open tasting rooms and sell spirits right from the distillery.
New York’s craft beverage roster isn’t limited to distilleries only, but the state is also home to 500+ breweries, 450+ wineries, and 100+ cideries.
2. Texas
Number of Distilleries in 2021: 103
The number of distilleries in Texas has grown from just 8 in 2008 to over 100 today, contributing over $2 billion in total economic output and supporting around 5,000 jobs. Based in Houston, Giant Texas Distillers is the Largest Distillery west of the Mississippi, producing 100% Texas-made Bourbon, rye whiskey, and brandy using only Texas sourced ingredients.
Texas also exported over $249 million worth of spirits in 2023.
1. California
Number of Distilleries in 2021: 104
The Golden State is, once again, leading the way when it comes to producing top-quality libations for us all to enjoy. After all, California is also the State with the Most Breweries and the State with the Most Wineries in America.
The major shift happened in 2015, after California introduced the Type 74 license, giving small-batch distillers new rights and privileges such as selling bottles directly to consumers at their tasting rooms. And so over the last decade, distilleries across the state have been concocting ambitious gins, whiskeys, and other liquors that feature locally grown ingredients and evoke the state’s bold character.
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