N.H., Maine among top beer drinking states

It was another hot day, the fourth in a row, and so a lot of Granite Staters and Mainers alike were trying to stay cool yesterday, sipping on a nice, refreshing brew.

Actually it doesn’t seem to matter what the weather is round he-ah. Folk in these parts like their beer 365 style - all year long, that is, at least that’s according to the Beer Institute.

The Washington-based industry group that follows all things brewski released data this weekend that puts both Maine and New Hampshire at the top of the list in nationwide per capita beer consumption.

New Hampshire came in at No. 2, with Granite Staters averaging 43.9 gallons of suds every year, while Maine ranked 10th, with 34 gallons downed per capita per annum. Vermont, our north country neighbor, ranked 7th, with 35.3 gallons.

The study was based on total populations of residents over the age of 21. North Dakotans drink the most beer at 45.8 gallons a year, while the average American drinks a little over 28 gallons a year.

So what is it that makes beer such an allure for north country inhabitants as well as the rest of America?

Asked to describe the taste, several at local taverns and clubs yesterday found themselves perplexed to render said description.

But they knew one thing.  They liked it.

“I can’t really explain it,” said Bruce as he sipped a beer at Three Ponds Tavern in Milton. “All I know is the first one tastes really good.”

A handful of patrons at the bar nodded agreement.

Over at the Milton Moose Lodge a couple of beer drinkers agreed it was virtually impossible to describe.

“Cool, refreshing,” one said.

“An acquired taste,” mused another.

After a few other folks tried to describe it, Carl perhaps summed it up the best.

“You just gotta try it,” he said.