Beer-articles 1011

Since it’s Labor Day weekend, a study examined America’s favorite adult beverage—beer. Innerbody Research analyzed Google Trends to determine the most popular beers across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. over the past year, leading to a ranking based on search interest scores.

For the second year running, Wisconsin tops the list as America’s beer capital. The rankings, along with the states’ search interest scores, are as follows:

1. Wisconsin 98.53
2. Wyoming 86.54
3. Kansas 82.4
4. Nebraska 81.77
5. Iowa 76.37
6. New Hampshire 74.25
7. Pennsylvania 72.92
8. North Dakota 71.75
9. South Dakota 70.54
10. Missouri 67.79
11. Nevada 66.37
12. Illinois 66.12
13. Colorado 61.96
14. West Virginia 61.1
15. Michigan 60.45
16. Montana 58.46
17. Minnesota 57.5
18. Ohio 55.24
19. Maine 54.85
20. Indiana 51.31
21. Arizona 50.94
22. Oklahoma 49.93
23. South Carolina 49.42
24. Florida 49.26
25. Delaware 47.94

The list continues with other states, showcasing a diverse appreciation for beer throughout the country. The top ten most popular beers include:

1. Michelob Ultra
2. Bud Light
3. Stella Artois
4. Budweiser
5. Guinness
6. Coors Light
7. Busch Light
8. Miller Lite
9. Blue Moon Belgian White
10. Corona

Interestingly, the percentage of U.S. adults who consume alcohol has decreased to 54%, marking a record low according to Gallup. This decline also aligns with a growing awareness among Americans of the health implications associated with alcohol consumption, which correlates with a noticeable drop in beer sales reported by the Brewers Association.

Throughout history, beer has held a significant place in the fabric of American society. George Washington even ensured his troops received a quart of beer with their rations during the Revolutionary War. His legacy as a brewmaster is documented in his handwritten recipes, available for viewing at the New York Public Library.

As for present-day recommendations, the Beer Institute advocates "low and slow" consumption of alcoholic beverages, promoting moderation as a means to achieve responsible drinking and greater public health awareness.

For further insights on beer consumption patterns, the complete study can be accessed here.

According to a recent analysis by Innerbody, Michelob Ultra has emerged as the most popular beer in the United States, leading in Google search interest. The report also highlights other top contenders, including Bud Light, Stella Artois, Budweiser, and Guinness. Michelob Ultra is notably the most searched beer in Alabama, Nevada, and Oklahoma.

The analysis evaluated Google Trends data for 36 significant beer brands across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., over one year. It reflects search interest rather than actual sales. Despite its popularity, many individual states show strong preferences for local beers. For instance, Colorado favors Fat Tire, Massachusetts is inclined towards Samuel Adams, and Wisconsin enjoys Miller Lite.

Stella Artois stands out as the beer most loved across multiple states, being the top search in 12 states, including Florida and New York. It traces back to its roots in Belgium and is particularly popular in warmer regions.

Guinness, while different as a stout, ranks fifth and boasts a solid fan base on the East Coast, leading searches in states such as New Jersey and Maryland. Other local favorites highlighted in the report involve Hamm’s in Minnesota, Budweiser in Missouri, and Rainier Beer in Washington.

The full list of the most popular beers by state showcases various regional preferences alongside the national favorites. For those interested in the beer landscape across the U.S., this analysis offers a vibrant overview of how different brews resonate with various localities.

For detailed insights on each state’s most searched beer, you can find the full report from Innerbody here.

Samuel Adams is celebrating the return of Oktoberfest with a unique twist: the Front Yard Beer Hall, a life-size inflatable structure that allows beer lovers to recreate the festive atmosphere of Munich’s Oktoberfest right in their own yards. This innovative addition will be available starting September 1, for both direct purchase and through a sweepstakes where participants can win an oversized version of the hall.

The Front Yard Beer Hall is designed for social gatherings, perfect for home Oktoberfest parties, barbecues, and tailgates. It can be purchased for $199 at samueladams.com/beerhall while supplies last or entered to win the sweepstakes until September 15, 2026.

In addition to the inflatable hall, Samuel Adams is launching their iconic Octoberfest beer and debuting a new Non-Alcoholic Octoberfest along with an Apple Spice Ale. These brews will be featured in a limited Fall Legends Variety Pack that includes Octoberfest, Jack-O pumpkin ale, and Harvest Helles.

The Legendary Fall Line-Up:

• Octoberfest (5.3% ABV): A smooth Märzen with rich malt and caramel notes, a seasonal favorite.
• NON-Alcoholic Octoberfest: Offers the same flavor as the original with less than 0.5% alcohol.
• NEW Apple Spice Ale (5.0% ABV): Features apple and seasonal spices for a refreshing taste.
• Jack-O (4.4% ABV): A pumpkin ale with spices and a hint of citrus.
• Harvest Helles (5.4% ABV): A crisp lager with bright citrus notes.

The Fall Legends Variety Pack is available now in 12-packs ($15.99-$17.99) and 24-packs ($27.99-$29.99) at retailers nationwide.

To find these offerings, check out samueladams.com/find-a-sam for availability. For more details, visit SamuelAdams.com.

When the Petaluma River Craft Beer Festival returns to Water Street on Saturday, September 12, it will feature a record 24 breweries along with several newcomers and a partnership between two local Rotary clubs.

John Burns, a former festival co-chair and member of the Petaluma Valley Rotary Club, noted that this year’s event is unique—it’s the first time two Rotary clubs, the Petaluma Valley and the Petaluma Sunrise Rotary Club, have collaborated to host the festival. Co-chairs for this year are John Moller and Katherine Wells.

Scheduled from 1 to 5 p.m., the festival will take place along the riverfront in downtown Petaluma. Attendees can sample drinks from local breweries and enjoy live music and food from various local restaurants. The proceeds from the festival benefit local nonprofits focused on education, support for seniors, and those experiencing homelessness, with part of the funds allocated for the preservation of the Petaluma River and wetlands.

General admission provides a commemorative beer glass for sampling, allowing guests to interact with brewers and explore new beverages. Among the festival newcomers are notable breweries and beverage makers from around Northern California. Some long-established names will also be present, such as Anderson Valley Brewing and Gowan’s Cider from Mendocino County as well as Drakes Brewing and Ghost Town Brewing from the East Bay.

Local participation includes The Keg Stand Brewing Co., which is eager to connect with the community. Owner Jacob Gullett emphasizes the intimate, community-focused atmosphere that their brewery has. They plan to showcase several of their beers, which include a range of styles from cream ales to IPAs.

In addition to craft beers, Freedom Juice 1776 from Napa will debut its fermented agave beverage. This year marks another first with two hard cider producers represented; along with Gowan’s Cider, Petaluma’s Goat Rock Cider will also provide tastings.

Musical highlights include performances from The Schlick Ones, marking their first time headlining the festival, alongside Americana-rock band Over the Line and blues outfit Randy & The Special Agents.

For safety, a limited number of designated-driver tickets will be available, offering snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, alongside a purchasing certificate for food vendors. Attendance is restricted to those aged 21 and older.

Event Details:

• What: 12th Annual Petaluma River Craft Beer Festival
• When: 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 12
• Where: Downtown Petaluma riverfront, entrance by Water Street near the Balshaw Bridge
• Admission: $60 in advance; $65 on-site if available. Designated-driver tickets are $25.
• Tickets: petalumarivercraftbeerfest.org

As the Minnesota State Fair kicked off its 2026 edition, visitors were treated to a vast array of new alcoholic beverages, sparking discussions about the latest trends and flavors. Among the standout offerings was a ranch dressing-flavored beer, intriguingly named "Old Ranch Hand." Despite its unconventional flavor, tasters found it surprisingly palatable, even if the ranch salt on the rim drew mixed reactions.

The Fair’s sampling team tested 65 out of 75 new drinks on their second day, uncovering a blend of innovative concoctions and some less successful attempts. While many brewers leaned towards less sweet profiles, numerous products still fell into the overly sugary category characterized by artificial fruit flavors.

Here’s a snapshot of some memorable drinks sampled at the Fair, organized by their location:

Ball Park Cafe

• Homer Black Pepper IPA: A lack of black pepper flavor was disappointing, though it did offer a pleasant citrus bitterness.
• Rare Candy Pink Lemonade Sour: Sweet with a confusing flavor profile, tasting neither completely sour nor sweet.

Shanghai Henri’s (International Bazaar)

• Midway Sparkling Ale: A light beer lacking pronounced citrus notes but easy to drink.
• Key Lime Colada Slushie: A refreshing coconut-flavored drink, perfect for hot weather.

Aldo’s and Sabino’s

• Tropical Fruit West Coast IPA: A fruity yet balanced beer, well-received by tasters.
• Old Ranch Hand: Again mentioned, its ranch flavor garnered mixed reviews but wasn’t outright rejected.

The Blue Barn

• Hugo Spritz: Tasting like an elderflower cocktail, it received positive remarks for its authentic flavor.
• Espressotini Frozen Seltzer: This innovative drink was praised for its creamy coffee flavor and refreshing characteristics.

Various Locations

• Candyman Blue Raspberry Lager: This drink confused tasters with its overly sweet profile that left them unimpressed.
• Juicy Apricot Tangerine Hazy IPA: Highly rated for balance and flavor, noted as a fun drink for strolling around the Fair.

While attendees faced a mix of successes and disappointments in the beverage offerings, the overall atmosphere remained festive and exploratory. With many drinks leaning towards extreme flavors, there was something for everyone, proving that the creativity of brewers continues to escalate year after year at this beloved annual event.

For a deeper dive, check out:

• 2026 Minnesota State Fair food review
• More on the ranch beer

As the Minnesota State Fair progresses, a tasting group sampled a wide variety of the 75 new alcoholic beverages available this year, confirming that the ranch-dressing flavored beer, titled "Old Ranch Hand," wasn’t the worst of the bunch.

Day two of the Fair saw an impressive turnout, which caused some offerings to sell out quickly. The tasters managed to sample 65 different drinks, revealing a mix of flavors—many leaning towards the overly sweet and artificial.

Key Highlights from the Tasting

• Ball Park Cafe

  • Homer Black Pepper IPA: A missed opportunity for black pepper flavor, but overall pleasant with citrus notes (7% ABV).
  • Rare Candy Pink Lemonade Sour: A sour with sweet elements that confused some tasters (5% ABV).

• Shanghai Henri’s

  • Midway Sparkling Ale: Refreshing but lacking significant citrus flavor (4.9% ABV).
  • Key Lime Colada Slushie: Enjoyed by coconut lovers, it provided a refreshing taste (5.9% ABV).

• Livelihoods in the Coliseum

  • Tropical Fruit West Coast IPA: A well-balanced fruity IPA that garnered positive reviews (7% ABV).
  • Old Ranch Hand: Surprisingly better than expected, although some described it as tasting like “sour cream and onion potato chips.” This beer boasts a 5% ABV.

• The Blue Barn

  • Hugo Spritz: A hit, reminiscent of cocktails rather than a typical Fair drink (6.5% ABV).
  • Espressotini Frozen Seltzer: Very well received, likened to coffee ice cream (5% ABV).

• The Hangar

  • Lemon Agua Fresca Lager: Panned for tasting excessively sweet and reminiscent of floor cleaner (4.5% ABV).
  • Aurora Tropical Drift: Received mixed reviews due to its complicated profile (6.9% ABV).

Considering the spectrum of flavors available, the ranch beer stood out for its novelty, even if it wasn’t altogether enjoyable. With a plethora of drinks ranging from sours to slushies, this year’s beverage offerings captured almost every conceivable taste preference at the Fair.

For more insights on this year’s fair drinks, follow along for further reviews and updates.

Florida recognizes numerous state symbols, including the mockingbird as the state bird and the sabal palm as the state tree. However, there is no designated state beer. Recently, Innerbody Research conducted an analysis of national search data to determine the most popular beers across different states, including Florida, which ranks 24th among the most beer-loving states in the U.S.

In their study, they discovered that Florida’s favorite beer is Stella Artois. The research highlighted the state’s top five beers:

1. Stella Artois
2. Yuengling
3. Guinness
4. Bud Light
5. Peroni / Blue Moon

Furthermore, the analysis revealed some interesting national trends:

• Michelob Ultra is crowned America’s favorite beer, taking the top spot in three states.
• Stella Artois dominates by being the most popular beer in 12 states, including Florida, Georgia, and Illinois.
• Light beers are prevalent, with Bud Light and other similar brands also making significant appearances in various states.
• Wisconsin continues to be recognized as America’s beer capital for the second consecutive year.

In the context of Florida’s preferences, the popularity of Stella Artois aligns with broader regional trends and showcases a diverse beer culture in the state. The full report detailing more findings can be explored on Innerbody Research’s website.

The 2026 World Beer Awards recently unveiled its winners, showcasing a diverse selection of beers from around the globe. The competition, organized annually since 2007, evaluates thousands of brews through rigorous blind tastings, pushing selected beers through a series of rounds based on categories and styles. Only the utmost quality beers are recognized, with 11 categories highlighted this year.

Among the winners, Harvey’s Lewes Castle Brown Ale from England was named the World’s Best Dark Beer. This traditional English brown ale offers roasted malt and dark sugars, resulting in a complex flavor profile with coffee and licorice elements.

The title of World’s Best Flavoured Beer went to Le Trou Du Diable’s Le Coq – Brassin Spécial from Quebec. Initially winning in the Flavoured Wild & Sour category, it continues to impress on an international stage.

Brazil’s Landel garnered the World’s Best IPA award with Atrás do Bloco, a 7.5% ABV hazy IPA that employs a trio of hops—Mosaic, Cascade, and Citra—resulting in a refreshing tropical character.

Belgium’s Bavik Super Pils clinched the World’s Best Lager title with its crisp and hop-forward taste, proving that Belgian brewers excel beyond their famed ales.

England celebrated another victory with Twice Brewed’s Pitch Black, which was recognized as the World’s Best Mid-Strength Beer, catering to drinkers wanting flavor without high alcohol content.

Germany’s Maisel’s Weisse Alkoholfrei took the lead in the No & Low Alcohol Beer category, showing that non-alcoholic options can deliver enjoyable drinking experiences.

In the pale beer category, France’s Angelus Blond stood out, first claiming the title of World’s Best Pale Belgian Style Ale before winning the overall crown.

Brouwerij Westkwartier’s Oud Bruin further emphasized Belgium’s prowess by winning the World’s Best Sour & Wild Beer title, showcasing a blend of rich malt and tartness.

Schneider Weisse’s TAP9 Eisbock claimed the Specialty Beer title with its unique freezing method that enhances flavors and alcohol strength.

Moldova’s Keller Holz Imperial Stout took home the award for the World’s Best Stout & Porter, surprising many as it outperformed established breweries from beer-centric countries.

Rounding out the list, China’s Fulu Fresh Beer German Wheat Beer proved its mettle, winning the World’s Best Wheat Beer award, emphasizing the growth of craft brewing in Asia.

The diversity of the winners reflects the increasing globalization of brewing, with a blend of styles from countries not traditionally recognized for their beer culture. This year’s awards reinforce the notion that exceptional beer can be found beyond familiar brands, inviting enthusiasts to explore new flavors and origins.

For more details on the winners, visit the World Beer Awards.

It’s an exciting time for root beer enthusiasts as 1919 Root Beer, a beloved specialty brand from Minnesota, is making its way into the freezer aisle for the first time. Known for its sweet hints of vanilla, 1919 has gained a loyal following, with many fans claiming it’s superior to even the well-known A&W.

In collaboration with Kemps, the brand is introducing a new line of frozen desserts, featuring five unique ice cream flavors, some infused with its signature root beer. Each quart-sized container sports a vibrant red carton topped with a golden lid, perfect for summer enjoyment.

Among the new offerings is the Frozen Float Swirl, combining creamy vanilla ice cream with delicious root beer swirls. For chocolate lovers, the Muddy Float flavor presents a chocolate ice cream alternative, retaining that nostalgic root beer float experience. Another flavor, Nutty Float, adds a delightful twist with chocolate-covered peanuts mingled within the vanilla ice cream, perfectly complementing the root beer ribbons.

Interestingly, the collaboration also includes two flavors that do not feature root beer at all: Lemon Dream, a refreshing lemon ice cream with graham cracker bits, and plain Vanilla, which could pair well with 1919 Root Beer for a homemade float.

Excitement is spreading across social media, with fans eager to try every flavor. Currently spotted at Hy-Vee stores, it seems this delectable treat may be a Midwest exclusive, although many hope for a wider release.

For those who can’t wait or prefer to create their own treats, there are plenty of recipes to whip up root beer-flavored delights at home.

Lager is making a comeback, showcasing its impressive diversity in the 2026 World Beer Awards. Traditionally seen as a standard, mass-produced beer, lagers, comprising 62% of the North American market, are now being redefined by craft brewers worldwide.

The awards spotlighted an array of exceptional lagers, with Belgium’s Bavik Super Pils winning the title for World’s Best Lager. This beer stands out by using 100% malt and aroma hops, resulting in a crisp and hop-forward flavor. Another notable winner, Germany’s Hiddenseer Winterbock, was named World’s Best Bock, showcasing a rich malt character perfect for the colder months.

From the Netherlands, Alfa Edel Pils claimed the World’s Best Classic Pilsener title, featuring a family-run brewery and a history of accolades. Meanwhile, China’s Waima Craft Beer Golden Crow Pilsner took home the title for World’s Best Czech Style Pale, exemplifying the global reach and innovation in lager brewing.

Additionally, Tesila Schwarzbier, recognized as World’s Best Dark Lager, demonstrates the complexity of dark lagers through its clean finish and deep flavors. The Estrella Levante Reserva 60 excelled in the Dortmunder category, highlighting the successful adaptation of traditional European styles in Spain.

Canada showcased its brewing prowess with Granville Island Island Lager winning World’s Best Helles/Münchner, and Blue Mountain Light Lager earning the title of World’s Best Light Lager. These victories underline that light beers can indeed offer character and style.

These awards encourage beer enthusiasts to explore the vast, intricate world of lagers beyond the ordinary, reflecting the global evolution and appreciation of this classic style.

For further insights and information on the diverse world of brewing, follow Hudson Lindenberger.