The Most Popular Type of Beer in Every U.S. State
Whether you prefer cracking open a cold one or drinking from the tap, beer can be a great way to bond with others. However, beer drinkers have strong opinions when it comes to the best type. From big differences like IPA vs. wheat to small details like brown ale vs. blonde ale, tiny changes can make a big difference. No matter how you take your brew, diversifying your taste buds can be a great way to bond with friends and make for a fun date night with your partner.
Methodology
To determine the most popular beer types, we used Google Trends search interest to identify the most popular beer in each state. We gathered 32 search terms for sources, including Hospitality Insights, Webstaurant, and Home Stratosphere, and used search term data over the past five years to find each state’s most searched beer type.
Raise your glasses, and let’s hop into it.
The Most Popular Beer Type in Every U.S. State
Drinking beer at fun events or with old friends can be an easy way to bond with others—but what type of beer might be a point of conversation? Don’t worry, be hoppy. We have created a list that will guide you through each state’s favorite beer.
Why be salty when you can be malty? Some states prefer more unique beer selections than the classic IPA’s, ales, sours, and lagers. The beer-loving state of Vermont is the only state that enjoys a pour of pilsner. Locals are well versed in beer selection since Vermont has top rated breweries, including Hill Farmstead and The Alchemist, and is home to 74 craft breweries.
Hopping to the next state with a unique beer preference is Michigan, sipping on Eisbock. This high alcohol content brew is very malty, with no hoppy bitterness and essences of toast, caramel, or even dark fruit. With this German lager, you can enjoy Oktoberfest all year round—Oans, zwoa, drei, g’suffa!
Lastly, the beer capital of the world, Wisconsin, is home to many German immigrants who introduced German beer to America. Milwaukee, WI is known as “Brew City” because of its extensive beer production that dates back to the 1800s and operated four of the world’s largest brewing companies: Miller, Blatz, Schlitz, and Pabst. Surprisingly, a stout, which originated in London, is the most searched beer in Wisconsin, despite the fact that the state has a long history with German beer.
The Most Popular Beer Type Overall
To beer or not to beer? That is the question. Nothing is better than sitting at a brewery and watching the bartender pour your favorite beer on tap, then sliding the cold beverage into your hands. In eight states, including Indiana, Minnesota, New Hampshire, North Carolina, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wyoming, all enjoy a porter style beer to sip on, the most popular beer type in the U.S.
An easy-to-sip pale lager is the next beer on tap; it is a light beer with a bit of hop bitterness and is the perfect booze for tailgating. Popular brands of pale lager include Heineken and Budweiser. These beer brands are not only loved for their iconic Super Bowl commercials, but they’re enjoyed all year round in six states, including Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Nevada, Rhode Island, and South Carolina.
In four states, blonde ale, Irish red ale, and wheat beer rank as the most popular. Ale yay! Ales are a very popular style of beer due to their hoppy, bittersweet, fruity taste and can range in many different styles. Blonde ale is enjoyed in Arizona, California, Missouri, and Tennessee. Red Irish ale is most popular in Hawaii, Maine, New Mexico, and Oregon. Wheat beer, which is sipped in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma, is also typically brewed as an ale. Next time you go on a chill date, try a flight of craft beers with your speci-ale someone.
Closing Thoughts
Going to a brewery can be a perfect way to meet new people, and beer can be an easy conversation starter. Whether it’s to meet some locals or for a first date, we know that boozy beverages can be something that bonds people together and can make for brew-tiful relationships.
Here at Shane Co., we know that all it may take to start a relationship is one common bond. Whatever it may be, we hope you find that special someone who will malt your heart.
