Lenn - they are distributed by TJ Sheehan. You'll certainly get to sample some soon enough. I love the nanobrewers in LI.. I've been trying to follow as much as possible. Blind Bat and Barrier are on LI? The biggest problem I think they will have is supply, at least for the time being. I know CB's has been looking to expand and still has capacity to brew more on their current systems but they too have some new stuff and must keep up with their existing production levels.

It's been an amazing run for these guys to be sure. This is a great article and captures the spirit of Dan, Geoff, and Todd. It truly is an experience to meet up with them and talk beer let alone drink some 3HB beer. Get out and try the beer if you haven't.

Evan - a good story can be ruined by the one who tells it just as a good joke can be lost in the hands of an inexperienced comedian. No worries about the story because it stands on its own. Stories like this are as rare as the Lucas itself and the opportunity to share that story equally as rare. I am just happy it was done in such a way that I could appreciate it. For as you know, the words Petrus, Meursault, etc. do not carry the same weight as they do with those more knowledgeable of wine. Someday I will understand but until then its stories like this that help keep me going. And I really need to change my twitter name. Being referred to as LTS just seems so impersonal. :) Randy

I'm not sure which is more enchanting, the story or the story teller but I'm settling on a beautiful collaboration in which the subject and the author blend to create something greater than both. It's amazing to me, a complete neophyte with wine, to read stories such as these. Is it a classic underdog story? A story that preconceived notions can always be dangerous? Either way if a group as established as the one Evan describes here thought that highly of a wine then I can't help but feel joy for the winemaker. This is the kind of story I can end my night on. While my undeveloped palate would never have appreciated those wines to the level they were due. I can appreciate the story of those whose palates could.

Indeed.. one of the first was Healdsburg Brewing opened by Kevin McGee.. he's originally from Buffalo but now operating in California Wine Country Central. :) I'd love to pursue that option but at the moment NY is stingy on the rules... unlike other states there is a lot of investment required to meet the ABC requirements.. If I was anywhere near there I would go..

Julia - words cannot express my jealousy. I've wanted to try this particular release for some time now. I have one bottle of the Smoke from the Oak that was aged in Merlot and Cab Sav barrels. It's a nice beer but given my love of rum I would love to get my hands on that. Have to try harder!

This time I went with the Twitter name.. just to make it confusing. If, after our last batch of comments, I wasn't pushed to try this beer I will clearly need to do so now. I've also pushed a trappist ale into my homebrew schedule and it's always nice to pull inspiration. It will be my first true belgian beer.. which means anything can happen. I look forward to trying it and it's nice to see some belgian love!

I think this is great. For me it shows a few important things.. First, it shows that John cares about his wines. He routinely is tasting them and even going back to a 2004 vintage he spends the time to understand why a wine is behaving the way it is. Second, he states HIS disappointment with the wine but doesn't completely dismiss it. He recognizes the subjectivity of tastes and encourages his customers to act upon new information in the manner they see fit. Finally, he educates. He discusses the typical reaction to Brett and also points out areas where it is more accepted. All around great way to share information. BTW: In the New World, us beer drinkers don't mind a little Brett once in awhile! :)

Evan, Solera is a truly beautiful place. I don't think anyone should do anything that harms the business. They are amazing at treating customers right. The simple truth is that if a wine if on the per glass list it will be sampled against wines that are not NYS as well. If it holds up I will order one and if it doesn't then those are the breaks. I wish I could make it there more often as I've learned so much from them when it comes to wine. A great article, even if you missed a word up there somewhere (I'm not telling!)