The Melon Patch

DAMN! Have you ever had this? It is darned good. You can't buy it in stores, but you can buy it at the Lagunitas brewery! That's right, next time you find yourself north of San Francisco, in what is sometimes referred to as "wine-country" here in California, forgo the wineries and instead hit up the plethora of breweries that dot the landscape. One of the finest is the aforementioned Lagunitas Brewing Company.  And one of their finest products is their barley wine (named "GnarlyWine"). Be forewarned, it is 10.6% alcohol by volume... (I'm suffering the effects of it right now... as a matter of fact... damn it feels good), it is formidable!! In any case, I heartily endorse this stuff. While you're up there, you might as well check out The Ace-In-The-Hole Pub (I played there once). Their specialty? Cider! I know, I know, Cider? But trust me, whatever your reservations, this place will disabuse you of your beer-prejudiced snobbery. Try the Pear Cider, hell! Try 'em all!! (There is a noticeable proportionality between my intoxication and my use of exclamation points!!!... and I think I spell better when I'm fluffed... by he way).