No Founders Breakfast Stout in NH.

I buy beer at my local place to support them, but I easily spent twice the amount yearly out of state just because they have what I really want.

I broke down and bought my BCBS in Brewster, NY a couple weekends ago because NH was dragging their heels on getting it on the shelves. On top of that I visited on beer at Julio's in MA and bought a fair amount of beer. This is money I should and want to be giving to local places but can't.

 

I have to wonder how common this is. I've said so in other threads before, but I end up traveling out of state at least on a monthly basis because NH just doesn't carry nearly the variety that Maine or Mass gets. I think a large part of this is a lack of imports from Europe. My understanding is that the label and registration fees are too much for Shelton. Can anyone back this up with factual info?

 

I really don't know much about the specifics for registering a new label in the state, but I'm quite certain it's considerably more than the adjacent states. I think the big reason is that out-of-state breweries know that doing business in NH is a hassle because so many labels/beers get rejected for no reason, and there's plenty of money to be made in Vermont, Mass., and Maine, where the laws are more lax and distributors are more efficient. I applaud Craft Beer Guild for making inroads in the state, but NH is still light years behind its neighbors in terms of overall selection. The only beers I buy regularly in NH are Smuttynose and Portsmouth Brewery. I buy just about everything else in Maine, Mass., and Vermont. Better selection for the consumer. Period.

 

Regarding the original post, there's plenty of FBS here in Maine. I bought a bunch at Carl's in Kittery a week ago.

 

NH beer laws...ugh. The state needs to get on the bandwagon considering that the industry is, as we all know, exploding all over the country. The rest of New England is on board...lets go Granite State, you're starting to make my NH pride look bad...

 

Just over the border on the seacoast, New England Wine and Spirits in Newburyport had it out back this afternoon.

 

Carl's Meat Market in Kittery has plenty of FBS. $9.99 a 4 pack I believe. Quick 5 minute drive from Portsmouth, but still frustrated I can't get it in my own state..

 

Ben, $9.99!!? That is a hell of a price!