In Reply To #1 The only mead I can think of that I've had is Magic Hat's Braggot, as foamdome mentioned. I know NY had a hard time finding it, so you may want to set up a trade to locate it. There are plenty of other meads around that are reasonably easy to find, just check around. www.liquidsolutions.biz carries some that you may want to look at. Enjoy!

I've sent an email to liquidsolutions.biz re: how to pay by check. I'm a virgin to the world of plastic money...never owned a credit card in my life ! I will order a six pk consisting of 3 mead varieties.

In Reply To #2 Good info--I think I will also order braggot at some point. I don't live near the city of New York; that is a long drive downstate from here. I'm in central New York STATE--rural area in the general region of Syracuse.

In Reply To #5 I think Earle Estates is in the wine country around the Finger Lakes, and may be close to you. As for Magic Hat, again, I don't know how far south they distribute. I imagine if NY City has it, then Syracuse shouldn't be far behind. I'm waiting impatiently for a regular DC outlet. RFD Washington gets a keg of #9 or Blind Faith now and again, but I haven't seen Braggot in months. So many beers, so little time....

In Reply To #3 Thanks for the link. That's a great site and I bookmarked it. Have you always had good luck buying from them?

In Reply To #7 I've never had any problems with them. Although, you will find that it's incredibly expensive to ship the beer. Try filling out a 12 pack and proceed until they report the shipping charges, you'll be shocked. A friend called my purchase from LS "a single man's purchase." If money's not a problem, go right ahead, they have some great stuff. Subscribe to their newsletter and they'll update you on fast moving stuff. I have letters along the lines of "last call on Westy 12", or "last call on Vertical Epic" and such.

In Reply To #1 Another option is home brewing. While I'm not yet a huge fan of meads, I've a friend who has done some ginger mead brews. Also, I've done some homebrews which were a combo....grains and added honey. Another option that yet another brew friend has done was a honey kolsch.

Are these similar to the fin du monde?

In Reply To #5 Try some of the bigger liqor stores in Syracuse. Any of them that have a good wine selection should carry Earle. Earle Estates is located on the W side of Seneca Lake on Route 14.

I think I'll drink some mead and bang some wenches