The 2021–2022 annual report from the Pa. Liquor Control Board (PLCB) has some surprising data trends on alcohol purchases both statewide and in Montgomery County specifically. The notable sales purchase data was parsed by analysts at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

A most notable trend was the volume of alcohol bought during the year.

Montgomery County tipplers contributed to 35 percent of the Commonwealth’s overall purchases of wine and spirits, despite being populated by less than 30 percent of the state’s residents.

Moreover, Montgomery County wasn’t the only region whose alcohol consumption rates outstripped its population level. Allegheny and Philadelphia counties also yielded the lopsided result.

The state’s Liquor Control Board data also revealed the spirits of choice among Pennsylvanians, on a county-by-county basis:

• Unflavored vodka: 52 counties
• American whiskey: 15 counties
• California Cabernet Sauvignon: 34 counties
• Boxed red wine: 24 counties

Nov. and Dec. were the most popular months in which to imbibe. And the highest year-over-year increases by choice of beverage were:

• Ready-to-drink spirits
• Vodka
• Whiskey
• Tequila

Overall, the state totaled $3.02 billion in sales, including liquor and sales tax, a new PLBC record.

Additional data from the Pa. Liquor Control Board on 2021–2022 consumption trends is at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.