Craft breweries are popping up everywhere and pumping billions of dollars into the U.S. economy each year. The states with the most craft breweries are enjoying the success!
Many cities and states are competing for the title of “most craft breweries.” They know a cluster of breweries in one area can easily become a “beercation” destination. Hopheads will infuse the economy by spending money on suds, branded beer glasses, hotels and gasoline.
States with plenty of craft breweries
Planning a craft brewery road trip? Based on overall numbers, these 10 states should dominate your GPS, according to the most recent data from the Brewers Association:
- 1st place: California with 987 craft breweries
Fun Fact: The Golden State produces 3.2 million barrels of craft beer per year. - 2nd place: New York with 539 craft breweries
Fun Fact: The state produces 1.4 million barrels of craft beer per year. - 3rd place: Pennsylvania with 530 craft breweries
Fun Fact: The state produces 3.1 million barrels of craft beer each year. - 4th place: Colorado with 468 craft breweries
Fun Fact: The state’s oldest craft brewery is the Wynkoop Brewing Company of Denver, founded in 1988. - 5th place: Washington with 459 craft breweries
Fun Fact: The state produces more than 560,000 barrels of craft beer per year. - 6th place: Texas with 445 craft breweries
Fun Fact: The state produces 2.2 gallons of craft beer for every adult resident over 21. - 7th place: Ohio with 419 craft breweries
Fun Fact: About 13 years ago the Sunshine State had only 45 craft breweries. - 8th place: Michigan with 418 craft breweries
Fun Fact: The state produces 309,489 barrels of craft beer per year. - 9th place: North Carolina with 407 craft breweries
Fun Fact: The state produces 3.5 gallons of craft beer for every adult resident 21 and over. - 10th place: Florida with 404 craft breweries
Fun Fact: The state annually produces 2.4 gallons of beer per 21+ adult resident.
Which states have the highest number of craft breweries per capita?
Now let’s take a look at the 2023 top 10 states based on breweries per capita per 100,000 adults, 21 and over:
- 1st place: Vermont with 14.7 craft breweries per capita
- 2nd place: Maine with 14.2 craft breweries per capita
- 3rd place: Montana with 12.3 craft breweries per capita
- 4th place: Alaska with 11.9 craft breweries per capita
- 5th place: Colorado with 10.6 craft breweries per capita
- 6th place: Wyoming with 10.5 craft breweries per capita
- 7th place: New Hampshire with 9.9 craft breweries per capita
- 8th place: Oregon with 9.8 craft breweries per capita
- 9th place: Washington with 7.8 craft breweries per capita
- 10th place: New Mexico with 7 craft breweries per capita
Find out where your state ranks for craft breweries!
Totally Promotional is headquartered in Ohio, which proudly ranks 7th overall for its many craft breweries. Our town in Mercer County is living proof that a majority of Americans live within 10 miles of an independent brewery. We currently have about a half dozen craft breweries in a 25-mile radius of our business; our closest is less than a quarter-mile away.
Be unique to compete as a craft brewer
With so many craft breweries opening and operating in close proximity, how do they compete? The secret is being unique and showcasing who you are. The beer sommeliers in our area name their lagers and ales after themes that highlight their individuality, community and/or values. That’s how you create a brand, folks.
Stay unique by placing your logo or eye-catching design on promotional pint glasses, coasters and napkins for customers. Print your brand big and bold on the sign or custom banner that draws customers to your door.
Your one-of-a-kind logo should also be the first thing your social media followers see when they’re looking for your “brew of the week.”
