Westword
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Raise a glass to Westword Food & Drink Editor Molly Martin, who served up our annual list of the top bars in the city this week. From dives, cocktail havens and breweries to new watering holes and old classics that stand the test of time, there’s no shortage of places to catch a buzz in the metro area.
This despite the fact that alcohol consumption has been sliding across the country. But as Molly reported just before we shared the Top 50 Bars, a new study from SmartAsset notes that Coloradans are still drinking more than most people in the country. According to the study, Colorado adults spend an average of $1,202 per capita on alcohol for private consumption in 2024. The only two states that ranked higher: Alaska ($1,250 per capita) and Wyoming ($1,238). That leaves Colorado just about one nice bottle of whiskey per person away from the top spot.
In their comments on the Westword Facebook post of that story, readers both roast and toast that study. Says Eynon:
So proud of you guys. Keep those local breweries and distilleries open, friends!
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Responds Katie:
That’s weird, because I know so many people who have quit or cut down over the past few years…
Explains Scott:
Spending ≠ volume. It’s just expensive here. They probably drink way more in Wyoming and definitely way more in Alaska.
Adds Ryan:
Well, the price of alcohol has also increased by 8.6 pecent in the last tweo years in Colorado; likely that is why the increase. Thats’ a little inflation and mostly tax increases and regulations…so good for us, we are killing it.
Suggests Chantal:
Teams are winning, too, so people go drink more.
Wonders Michael:
How much of the alcohol sold in Colorado is purchased by tourists? I’m guessing that this statistic is skewed.
Advises Clinton:
Support your local bartenders.
And Brendan concludes:
I’ll drink to that!
Are you drinking as much as you used to? Are you paying more than you used to? when you go out, what bar is your go-to? For a refresher course, check Molly’s Top 50 Bars list, then post a comment or share your thoughts at editorial@westword.com.
