Cheers to the Best Brew: Each State’s Top Beer Revealed

Is it the crisp, clean taste of a domestic classic that captures your heart, or does the exotic flavor profile of an international import speak to your taste buds? Perhaps you're the kind of beer aficionado who's always searching for the next great discovery, like the enigmatic Dos Equis “Most Interesting Man in the World." Or maybe you're simply looking for a good, old-fashioned reason to raise a glass and shout "Hooray, Beer!" with the infectious enthusiasm of a Red Stripe ad.

We wanted to know which beers are the go-tos across the U.S. We analyzed online search interest for 45 top-selling imported and domestic beers to put each brew to the test. Let’s raise a glass to the ultimate beer showdown. 

While many states share a common favorite in beer preferences, others express (and put their happy hour dollars towards) a remarkable loyalty to a unique standout. 

In the Northeast, Massachusetts proudly claims the domestic brew Samuel Adams as its sole favorite. This comes as no surprise, given the beer originated in Boston as an ode to the famous American statesman and Founding Father. The Bay Staters love it so much that as of 2018, it was dubbed the official beer of the Red Sox (dethroning Budweiser). 

In Pennsylvania, Yuengling is celebrated like a state treasure. Based out of Pottsville, locals will proudly tell you Yuengling is America’s oldest brewery—and the best. Despite being the nation’s oldest, Yuengling (pronounced "YING-ling") roughly translates to “young person” or “youngster.”

Maryland's unique choice of National Bohemian, often referred to as "Natty Boh," follows suit with its embrace of local flavor, as it's only sold in the Old Line State. 

But not all states favor a hometown brew. Rhode Island, known for its coastal charm, surprisingly favors Amstel Light, a Dutch import that offers a lighter alternative.

Out West, BrewDog is the frothy head of class in Nevada, only recently sliding across the bar top in 2007. This Scottish import, with its flavorful beer choices and catchy names like “Hardcore IPA" and “Dead Pony Pale Ale,” is also favored in the Midwestern state of Ohio. New Mexico bucks the trend with Snow, a premium lager from China that is both palatable and refreshingly cost-effective. 

Venturing South, Florida top pick is Beck's quintessential German Pilsner (one of many other global beer brands owned by Anheuser-Busch), possibly due to its clean, crisp taste. Or, maybe Floridians just like to keep it simple when "sharing a cold one." Beck's Pilsner has adhered to the German Beer Purity Law for 140 years, only using a handful of allowed ingredients (water, yeast, hops, and malt) when producing the brew.

Battle of the Beers: National Favorites

Now that we have let the fierce competition between domestic and international brews ferment a little, which has won the title of America’s favorite? Surprisingly, 28 states have cast their votes for international beers, while 22 remain loyal to domestic options.  

Internationally, Corona might be the favorite, but there’s representation across countless countries on tap. For instance, residents in Illinois, Maryland, and Vermont are dreaming of Ireland’s roasted barley beer scene and 'tossing back' a few pints of Guinness Stout. Czech-rooted Pilsner Urquell is a favorite in Delaware, while South Dakota fancies French culture in Kronenbourg. 

Aside from the European classics, Australia's Foster’s Lager has fans in six U.S. states, from Maine to Oregon and several in between. Tsingtao, which accounts for half of China’s national beer exports, is beloved in five U.S. states, including Colorado, Kentucky, and Wisconsin. 

In fact, with the exception of Africa and Antarctica, all continents are represented as top beers in at least one U.S. state. That means that no matter where your travels take you, you’re sure to find a tasty beverage beloved by many, even miles away from a familiar taphouse.

Closing Thoughts

So, there you have it: a state-by-state breakdown of America’s beer obsession. Whether you prefer unique profiles from Pilsner, Urquell, or the universal appeal of Corona, there’s a brew out there for everyone. 

And if you're ready to dive deeper into the world of beer, why not experience it firsthand (with a cold glass in hand)? Book an unforgettable getaway to the heart of these beer-making countries, where every sip is a story waiting to be told. Celebrate Oktoberfest in Germany or sip Foster's in the Australian sun. When you don't have to plan anything for anything but fun, it's easy to travel. (We'll cheers to that!)

Methodology

To determine the most popular beer in every U.S. state, we compiled a list of 22 domestic and 23 international beers. We then analyzed the regional interest of the beers on our list using Google Trends search data from July 2023 to July 2024. Finally, we compared search interest to find every state’s favorite domestic, international, and overall beer. We used high search interest as an indicator of popularity.