In no particular order...

 “Gold Hill Vineyard and Brewery’s Hank’s Porter is a medium-bodied dark beer that has delightful chocolate and coffee flavors with nutty overtones. Paired with gorgeous views, this dog-friendly brewery (and winery) is well worth a weekend visit www.goldhillvineyard.com/brewery.html

“Placerville Brewing Company’s Strong Blonde is often my standard, but the friendly bartenders are always down to mix it up and create different combinations. My favorite is what I have coined a ‘Blonde Pumpkin,’ which is half Strong Blonde and half Pumpkin Ale.” 

 “El Dorado Brewing Company’s Trailblazer Stout, a semi-sweet chocolate brew derived from a special blend of dark crystal malts and roasted barley, is awesome on a cold, grey day. It has a smooth, rich taste that goes down all too easy.” 

 “Jack Russell Farm Brewery is the perfect place to while away an afternoon. Give me a pint of their Imperial Scottish Ale—which is strong and malty with a hint of smokiness—a picnic table in the sunshine, and a game of cornhole, and I’m one happy camper.” 

 “Mraz Brewing Company’s ‘The Cardinal’ Flanders Red Ale is a Belgian amber brewed with cherries…sort of like a beer version of a cherry Coke. Slightly sweet (which you’d expect), but not overly so, it’s not one you’re going to guzzle three or four of, but perfect for sipping on.”