Minnesotans apparently know what they like when it comes to cracking open a cold one: Hamm’s. According to a new analysis of national search data from Innerbody, the classic Minnesota beer is the state’s most-searched brew, putting it ahead of some of the biggest names in the beer aisle.
The study looked at beer-related search data across the country to determine which beers are most popular in each state, as well as where drinking beer is most popular. Minnesota landed at No. 17 on the list of America’s most beer loving states, while neighboring Wisconsin took the No. 1 spot for the second year in a row.
While Wisconsin may have plenty of famous breweries to its name, its favorite beer is Miller Lite, which is brewed in Milwaukee. Meanwhile, Minnesota is also showing love to a beer with local roots. Hamm’s beer was founded in St. Paul in 1865 by German immigrant Theodore Hamm and has long been associated with Minnesota and the states natural geography. The beer markets themselves with the slogan “From the land of sky-blue waters” making it a recognizable part of the state’s beer culture—even though its popularity has spread far beyond Minnesota.
Minnesota is just one piece of a much bigger national beer map. Michelob Ultra takes the top spot as America’s favorite beer overall, while also ranking as the most popular beer in Alabama, Nevada, and Oklahoma. Light beers dominate the national rankings, with Bud Light, Coors Light, Bush Light, and Miller Lite also landing in the top eight. Stella Artois has the widest state-by-state reach, taking the top spot in twelve states, including Illinois, Florida, Georgia, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. Bud Light also has a strong showing, coming out on top in seven states, including neighboring Iowa, as well as Kansas, Arkansas, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Mississippi, and West Virginia.
Still, the biggest takeaway might be that beer preferences aren’t quite as predictable as they seem. National brands dominate plenty of states, but regional favorites continue to hold their ground. For Minnesota, that means Hamm’s still has a place at the top. So as summer dinking season rolls on and football season gets closer, Minnesotans have already made their pick. For the full data report and state-by-state breakdown, visit Innerbody’s website.
