In 2016 we shared how Pennsylvania ranked as the number one craft beer producer in the country. And we did it again in 2017!

According to a study by the Brewers Association, Pennsylvania ranks number 1 in the U.S for barrels of beer produced at 3.7 million. The next highest state is California at 3.2 million. To put that into perspective, that means CA is producing 1 barrel of beer for every 12 people in the state, whereas PA is producing 1 barrel for every 3 people in the state!

That’s not the only area that PA ranks in the top part of the country. In fact in most major categories the state ranks no lower than #6. Pennsylvania is #2 in economic impact, #4 in gallons produced per 21+ year old adult, #4 in impact per capita and #6 in Craft Breweries per state (however that last number is always rising as more open!)

See the stats for yourself:

TRENDING UP AND DOWN

From 2016 to 2017 there are trends heading in both directions.

Trending Up:

Brewery openings. In 2016 Pennsylvania ranked 25th in breweries opened. That number increased to number 19 in the state.

Trending Down:

While Pennsylvania continued to be number one in the country, the state is producing less beer in 2017. During 2016 PA produced 3.9 million barrels of beer. In 2017 that number dropped by 200,000 to 3.7 million. (Still producing enough to be #1!)

As a result of producing less beer in 2017 gallons per 21+ adults also slipped. In 2016 PA was the 2nd top state, dropping to 4th in 2018.

BREWERIES OPENING IN THE STATE

While production may be down, breweries opening in the state continues to be on the rise. As of 2017 the number opened has taken it’s biggest jump ever. It’s hard to believe, but 7 years ago (2011) there were only 88 breweries operating in the state. Before 2017 the largest jump the state ever had in breweries opening was between 2015 and 2016 when the state grew by 42 breweries. Between 2016 and 2017 the state grew by 77 breweries!

2018 should be a great year for Pennsylvania Craft Beer. The state has never operated at this high of a level before, and that is going to lead to a lot of new excitement. We look forward to what 2018 has to offer for PA Beer.