Beer packs economic punch in CO

Beer is big business — across the country, in the state and in Northern Colorado.

According to the Beer Institute, Colorado is the nation’s second-largest beer-producing state just after California, with Texas following a close third. Brewing and the related wholesaling and retailing of beer accounts for 23,150 jobs and more than $750 million in wages in Colorado. Add the jobs created by suppliers and the induced impact, and the number rises to 71,800 jobs and more than $2.5 billion in wages.

The Beer Institute’s most recent study analyzes the industry’s impact all the way down to the congressional district level.…