The State of Utah is dead last (51st) in beer consumption per capita, and they still want to raise the excise tax. It’s already at $11, more than double five of the six neighboring states. New Mexico has the slightly higher tax of $12.71, but Wyoming’s is a paltry $0.62.

One of the purported reasons for the price increase is Squatters’ advertising campaign. Greg Shirf, who markets the beer, said he’s been told the proposed increase is a direct result of his ads that have angered lawmakers. The ads play off words that many construe as a direct reference to the LDS religion and some find that offensive. I’m sure that more money for the government is an unfortunate side affect of the more noble cause.

On a slightly unrelated note, I was surprised to learn that New Hampshire, my home state, ranks #2 in the nation for beer consumption. I had no idea it was that popular, and they’re only 0.23 away from the #1 state, Nevada.

I was amused by some facts about beer that I discovered during my research. For example, did you know that the founding fathers were great imbibers of beer? Or that if The Mayflower had been carrying more beer, it might never have landed at Plymouth Rock? Or that even George Washington did battle with the Continental Congress to restore his troops’ dwindling supply of beer? I had no idea American history had such close ties with the consumption of beer.

All of this has no direct affect on me, since I don’t drink beer, but if I did, Wyoming would be a frequent travel destination.