Austrians may often feel overshadowed by Germany, but when it comes to beer-drinking they've now overtaken their bigger neighbors.

The Austrian Brewery Association has revealed that its countrymen and women downed an impressive 8.6 million hectoliters of beer in 2008, or 109.3 liters per person.

That's second only now to the Czech Republic -- the birthplace of Pilsner -- in the world rankings.

Beer drinking may be regarded by many as a German national sport, but consumption per head of the amber nectar actually dropped slightly to 108 lites last year.

Czechs expected to be out in front

No 2008 figures are available yet for the Czech Republic, but the Czechs are expected to have comfortably defended their position as the world's top quaffers. In 2007, per capita consumption stood at 159 liters of beer.

While two percent more of the beverage flowed from Austrian taps in 2008, beer consumption dropped among Britons, still regarded as some of the world's most avid alcohol drinkers. Sales figures in Belgium and the Netherlands also fell, the brewery association said on Monday.

Despite the good news for Austrian beer sellers, there are also fears that the country's thirst for suds may be quenched somewhat by the global financial crisis.

"Because of the trend in costs and the strained global economic situation, we look forward to 2009 with mixed feelings," said association chairman Markus Liebl.

Author: Julie Gregson (dpa)

Editor: Kyle James