A new study from Eastern Oregon University shows that beer stimulates a lot more than just cravings for the local taco truck. Eastern Oregon University Professor of Political Science, Jeff Dense and students from his Politics and Beer class produced a study that estimates the economic impact of the 2011 Oregon Brewers Festival on the local economy at $23.2 million.

Dense and his students interviewed 628 people at the 2011 Brewers Fest at Tom McCall Waterfront Park in Portland. Through the use of IMPLAN data and software package, they were able to estimate the Oregon Brewers Festival’s impact on Multnomah County to be $16.24 million in direct, $6.97 in indirect expenditures and additionally $5.9 million in induced expenditures.

The Oregon Brewers Festival attendees surveyed were questioned on estimates of expenditures such as transportation, meals, gasoline, lodging, and beer purchased to take home.

“The study highlights the economic impact of the Oregon Brewers Festival, and Portland’s role as one of the premier beer tourism destinations in the United States,” Dense said.

The study’s findings support Dense’s statement as 56% of attendees were out of state or international visitors. Out-of-state visitors also spent considerably more money on festival related expenditures with an average of $750 spent, while in-state attendees spent only an average of $104. Other findings of the study include the gender breakdown of attendees (64% were male) as well as age (35% were 21-29 years of age).

The Oregon Brewers Festival will celebrate its 25th year July 26-29 at Tom McCall Waterfront Park in Portland. To learn more visit www.oregonbrewfest.com.