The popularity of hard alcohol also saw a rise, as the average Estonian consumed the equivalent of 10.6 liters of pure alcohol in the course of the year.

Consumption increased both among locals and tourists, the latter accounting for 28 percent of purchases.

Hard alcohol accounted for the largest chunk of consumption - about half, according to the study.

Meanwhile, consumption of beer remained at the same level as in the preceding year - a bit more than a third.

But the largest growth was in the consumption of light alcoholic beverages, such as cider, cocktails and wine. Still, light beverages and wine each accounted for less than 10 percent of alcohol consumption.

Ott Tammik