Dwarves And Their Ale

"What do you mean, there's no beer?"

"Like I said, Mr Strider!  This company of dwarves come up the Greenway, the night afore last.  Well, you know dwarves and their ale!  Near drank me dry, they did.  And then last night if you'll believe it,  another group turns up - and before I know it, they're having a drinking contest, and they've drunk the barrels dry, and my spare barrels too; and I'm right sorry, Mr Strider, but there's no beer left!"

Barliman paused to draw breath.  "I never thought I'd live to see the day. A drought!  At the Pony!"

(Written for a 'Drought' challenge at Tolkien Weekly)