*This article was originally published in December 2021 and last updated in November 2025
American whiskey continues to demonstrate strong performance across the U.S., maintaining its position as a cornerstone of the domestic spirits market. The latest data from Beverage Information Group reveals robust consumption patterns nationwide, with traditional markets holding firm while emerging regions show impressive growth.
The consumption data shows familiar powerhouses dominating total volume, with California and Texas maintaining their commanding positions. However, the per capita rankings reveal fascinating regional preferences, with Southern states demonstrating particularly strong individual consumption patterns that reflect deep cultural connections to American whiskey heritage.
1. California: 3.7 Million Cases
The Golden State continues its reign as the American whiskey consumption champion, consuming over 3.7 million cases in 2024. California’s dominance is a reflection of its massive population and diverse consumer base. The Los Angeles metropolitan area alone represents a significant portion of this consumption, making it one of the nation’s most important whiskey markets.
2. Texas: 2.4 Million Cases
The Lone Star State maintains its strong second-place position with nearly 2.4 million cases consumed in 2024. While Texas leads in total volume, the state’s per capita consumption tells a different story, reflecting the impact of its large population on individual consumption patterns.
3. Florida: 2.1 Million Cases
The Sunshine State claimed the bronze medal with 2.1 million cases in 2024. Florida’s warm climate and vibrant hospitality scene contribute to steady American whiskey consumption, with the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area representing a major metropolitan market for the category.
4. Ohio: 1.2 Million Cases
As a leading control state for American whiskey consumption, Ohio came in fourth place with over 1.2 million cases. The Buckeye State has consistently shown strong year-over-year growth and remains a critical market for American whiskey brands.
5. North Carolina: 1.2 Million Cases
The Tar Heel State rounds out the top five with nearly 1.2 million cases consumed in 2024. North Carolina has demonstrated impressive growth in recent years, solidifying its position as a significant market for American whiskey in the South.
6. New York: 1.1 Million Cases
The Empire State consumed just over 1.1 million cases in 2024. While New York represents a substantial total volume market, per capita consumption patterns differ from those in smaller states, with population density playing a more significant role than individual preferences.
7. Virginia: 1.1 Million Cases
Virginia’s consumption of over 1.1 million cases solidifies its position as a major American whiskey market. The state also ranks fifth nationally in per capita consumption with 166 cases per 1,000 residents, indicating a genuine regional preference for the category.
8. Pennsylvania: 1.1 Million Cases
The Keystone State consumed just over 1 million cases of American whiskey in 2024, maintaining its position as a key control state market for the distribution and sales of American whiskey.
9. Michigan: 1.0 Million Cases
Michigan’s consumption of over 1 million cases places it firmly in the top ten, reflecting consistent growth patterns in the Great Lakes region and strong consumer loyalty to American whiskey brands.
10. Kentucky: 920k Cases
Kentucky makes a notable appearance at tenth place with over 920,000 cases consumed. The Home of Bourbon earns special distinction as the undisputed per capita champion nationally with 272 cases per 1,000 residents, reflecting the state’s deep cultural heritage and connection to American whiskey production.
Per Capita Champions
While large states dominate total volume, the per capita rankings reveal distinct regional consumption patterns that tell a different story about American whiskey preference across the nation:
- Kentucky: 272 cases per 1,000 residents
- New Hampshire: 253 cases per 1,000 residents
- Wyoming: 197 cases per 1,000 residents
- District of Columbia: 176 cases per 1,000 residents
- Virginia: 166 cases per 1,000 residents
- Missouri: 163 cases per 1,000 residents
- Tennessee: 162 cases per 1,000 residents
- Montana: 162 cases per 1,000 residents
- Alaska: 158 cases per 1,000 residents
- Arkansas: 155 cases per 1,000 residents
The per capita data reveal a clear preference for American whiskey in the South and on the frontier, with states such as Kentucky and Tennessee leading the way due to their historical connections to whiskey production. This pattern suggests that cultural heritage, regional drinking traditions, and proximity to production centers play significant roles in American whiskey consumption beyond simple population metrics.
These consumption patterns provide valuable insights for American whiskey brands considering market expansion strategies. While high-volume states offer scale opportunities, the per capita leaders may represent markets with stronger brand loyalty, deeper cultural connections, and sustainable growth potential.