While America Cuts Back, Wyoming Keeps Raising a Glass

Across the country, fewer people are drinking. A Gallup poll says only 54% of Americans now consume alcohol — one of the lowest levels in nearly a century. Health concerns and the rise of non-alcoholic options are fueling the trend. Searches for “mocktail recipes” and “NA beer” have skyrocketed, turning what used to be a niche into a booming market.

But in Wyoming? Not much has changed.

The Cowboy State is holding steady, with 56.4% of adults reporting they drink — nearly the same as in 2006 and 2013. In fact, Wyoming consistently ranks among the top 15 states for per-person alcohol consumption.

With more than 40 breweries and plenty of distilleries scattered across the state, beer and spirits are still part of the culture. In 2022 alone, Wyomingites shelled out over $800 million on alcohol. That’s a staggering figure when you consider the state’s small population.

So while the rest of the country experiments with “zero-proof” lifestyles, Wyoming is sticking to its tried-and-true habits: pouring another round.

The original story by Drew Kirby for My Country 95.5.