Rhode Island Ranked Second-Worst In The US For Cost Of Beer

Rhode Islanders pay more than nearly everyone in the country for a pint, according to a recent ranking. The Ocean State was second only to New York, ranking 49 out of 50 in terms of affordability. But Rhode Islanders don't seem to mind the expense, as they are ranked as some of the most enthusiastic beer drinkers in the nation.

Across the country, Americans love beer, and it shows: consumers drank 26.6 gallons — yes, gallons— of beer and cider per person last year. The new report by Groupon shows which states are best for beer lovers. The popular e-commerce site analyzed public and proprietary data to rank every state based on both the quality and affordability of beer, as well as enthusiasm for the adult beverage.

Overall, Rhode Island ranked in the middle at 27, just behind New York and ahead of Oklahoma. Here’s a breakdown of that ranking:

• Quality of beer: 22
• Affordability of beer: 49
• Enthusiasm for beer: 9

California ranked as the best state for beer-lovers, highlighted by its No. 5 ranking in both quality and enthusiasm. Colorado, Michigan, Illinois and Massachusetts rounded out the top five, with nearby Massachusetts ranked as number one in quality.

Meanwhile, North Dakota ranked dead last for beer drinkers, ranking near the bottom in every category. Hawaii, Kansas, Alaska, New Mexico and Delaware were ranked the worst states.

The authors calculated quality by looking at the top five rated beer scores for each state on the review site BeerAdvocate.com.

Here are the top five beers in Rhode Island, according to BeerAdvocate:

1. The Chosen One IPA, Tilted Barn Brewery
   1. Score: 4.49/5
2. Double Dry Hopped The Chosen One IPA, Tilted Barn Brewery
   1. Score: 4.7/5
3. The Other One IPA, Tilted Barn Brewery
   1. Score: 4.45/5
4. Derivative: Citra Pale Ale, Proclamation Ale Company
   1. Score: 4.34/5
5. Captain's Daughter IPA, Grey Sail Brewing of Rhode Island
   
   1. Score: 3.84/5

IPAs are the most popular in the state, with four of the top five on the list. In addition, Tilted Barn Brewery topped the list, with their beers in the top three spots.

The authors also considered how expensive a beer is. Specifically, they looked at the cost of a 12-ounce Miller Lite in bars and the price of a 24-pack of Miller Lite or Bud Light at Total Wine and Walmart. The higher the rank, the more expensive the beers. Michigan ranked as the cheapest place to buy beer, followed by South Carolina and Colorado. In fact, Michigan is one of just two states that will buy back empties for 10 cents each.

“It’s like they’re literally paying you to drink beer,” the authors wrote.

Finally, the authors looked at enthusiasm — the thirst, if you will, of each state. This was determined by looking at the rate of beer-related Groupons sold per 1,000 people in each state last year. Despite its ranking among states for the worst and most expensive beer in the country, Nevada was ranked the thirstiest state in the nation, buying the most beer-tastings and brewery tours per capita. Rhode Island is near the top of the list, coming in at number nine.

“In that light, Nevadans’ passion for beer is downright admirable, considering they’re drinking some of the most expensive, lowest-quality beer in the nation,” the authors wrote. “It may not be great, and it may be a little pricey, but that’s never stopped Nevada before.”

Patch national staffer Dan Hampton contributed to this report.