Pop off the top. Take a little sip. Say to the person standing next to you: “Wow, this tastes just like root beer.” The person standing next to you tries it and says “I can’t even tell the difference.”

Conversations similar to this are happening all over Midcoast this summer over an Illinois brewer’s product called Not Your Father’s Root Beer, a sweet and spicy root beer with a 5.9 percent ABV. Put it with vanilla ice cream and you’ve got the best adult root beer float ever. (Hands off kiddies.)

Some local markets, such as French and Brawn, are having a hard time keeping the six packs in stock. A staff member from Megunticook Market said (in jest) she’s even had customers come in and yell at her when they’ve run out.

Eldon Lenfest, manager of Wentworth Family Grocery in Northport said: “We got three cases in and by the afternoon they were gone. We can’t get any more either. I think it’s kind of a fad.”

PenBay Pilot readers run the gamut on this latest trend. They either love the flavor or can’t stand it.

“It's amaaaaazeballs-and I'm not telling you where I get it or it will be sold out,” said Sara Grace Harlow.

“I am not a beer drinker at all! I had friends at work talk about it so I tried it recently and loved it,” said Mike Clark.

Others find the beverage entirely too sweet to be able to drink more than just one.

“The first few sips were great, but then the sweetness became to much for me. I only finished half,” said Jessica Lasbury Wheeler.

Those who are willing to give up the locations where the root beer can be found say they’re still available at Hannford Supermarkets, Shaw’s Supermarket, Megunticook Market, Circle K and Stop ‘N Go.

“I did hear that the gas station by McDonald's in Thomaston was getting some delivered yesterday...” said Becca Dever Barstow.

That’s when you know a fad has hit its peak. When that gas station by McDonald’s in Thomaston gets a delivery—news travels like wildfire.

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com