The Biggest Beer-Drinking State In America Is Nestled In New England
Americans are competitive. Whether it's rooting for the football team of your alma mater or getting your kid into the right preschool, coming in first is everything. And while not everything is a competition, when it comes to beer and which state can chug the most, it kind of is. Surprisingly, New England boasts more than just iconic food. It also has bragging rights for the state that can drink more beer than any other. The winner that drinks all other states under the table is a small one that also hosts presidential debates: New Hampshire.
According to Beer Info, the Granite State leads the nation in guzzling it down with 43 gallons of beer consumed per person annually. What is fueling this beer drinking frenzy? It doesn't hurt that New Hampshire has 103 craft breweries, or 9.3 breweries per capita. And up until early 2026, Anheuser-Busch had a plant in Merrimack, which was both a major employer for the area and a tourist draw. But it's not just having a beer company that has bolstered the state's economy. New Hampshire is also known for its state-run liquor stores, which help increase the overall state budget.
What kind and who is drinking
What type of beer is most popular for New Hampshirites to pop open for beer pong and Super Bowl Sunday? Residents are likely to favor Bud Light over other brands. But to be fair, any ale is acceptable. So if you make a stop at New Hampshire's Portsmouth Brewery, often considered one of the best bars in America, you know what to order up if you want to blend in with the locals.
Who is drinking that much beer in New Hampshire? Not to be sexist, but it appears men prefer beer more than women do. A Gallup poll taken in 2024-2025 revealed that 53% of men prefer this alcohol compared to the mere 17% of women who like to drink beer. As it turns out, all those mom tropes are true. Females like wine, and as luck would have it, New Hampshire has over 25 vineyards within its borders to satiate that thirst.