ILLINOIS — Americans love beer, and the proof is in the fact that consumers drank 26.6 gallons — yes, gallons — of beer and cider per person last year. But a new report by Groupon suggests some states are better than others for people who really, really like beer. The popular e-commerce site analyzed public and proprietary data to rank every state based on both the quality and affordability of beer, as well as enthusiasm for the adult beverage.
Illinois ranked fourth in the country, the report found, just behind Michigan and ahead of Massachusetts. Here's a breakdown of that ranking:
- Quality of beer: 7
- Affordability of beer: 8
- Enthusiasm for beer: 14
California ranked as the best state for beer-lovers, highlighted by its No. 5 ranking in both quality and enthusiasm. Colorado, Michigan, Illinois and Massachusetts rounded out the top five.
Meanwhile, North Dakota ranked dead last for beer drinkers, ranking near the bottom in every category. Hawaii, Kansas, Alaska, New Mexico and Delaware were ranked the worst states.
26.6 gallons of beer and cider PER PERSON. Have yourself a day (and a gut), Illinois! Those numbers seem a little off to me, if we're being honest. I feel between the United Center, Solider Field and Wrigley Field, Chicagoans alone consume 26.6 gal/person just during a single sports season. Keep up everyone else. I feel we should slide up a spot because Michigan buys empties back from you which is kind of like, as the article puts it, "they're literally paying you to drink beer." If we're going by NCAA rules, you can't pay your players! That would be a genius move and make everyone a little happier and encourage them to do well Tha would be cheating!
Sidenote: Interestingly enough, North Dakota ranked dead last for beer drinkers, which is surprising because I would assume that's literally all there is to do in ND...but maybe they just prefer the hard stuff. - @Traceahamilton