Which year is associated with the greatest number of breweries?

Which year is associated with the greatest number of breweries?

• A. 1890
• B. 1920
• C. 1980
• D. 2010

Answer: (D)

Interpreting trends in how many breweries exist over time is what this item asks you to do. The chart shows steady growth from the late 1800s, a sharp drop around Prohibition, then a strong revival starting in the 1980s with many new microbreweries and brewpubs. By 2010, the tally reaches its highest point in the data, reflecting the peak level of brewery proliferation during the craft beer boom. The earlier years have lower counts (1890) or a major dip (1920) due to Prohibition, while 1980 shows growth but not yet the peak seen in 2010.

Interpreting trends in how many breweries exist over time is what this item asks you to do. The chart shows steady growth from the late 1800s, a sharp drop around Prohibition, then a strong revival starting in the 1980s with many new microbreweries and brewpubs. By 2010, the tally reaches its highest point in the data, reflecting the peak level of brewery proliferation during the craft beer boom. The earlier years have lower counts (1890) or a major dip (1920) due to Prohibition, while 1980 shows growth but not yet the peak seen in 2010.