From that initial NyQuil shock to the down-the-gullet burn (it's 110 proof — 55 percent alcohol), Green Chartreuse presents a challenging drinking experience. Which is probably why so few Chartreuse newbies become Chartreuse regulars.

"There's just more people who are into beer these days," says Ellen Yin, who says beer sales at Fork are now almost equal to wine on a per-serving basis. "There's just a huge market for it."

With the possible exception of moonshine, it's hard to imagine a drink with a bigger bum rap than absinthe. But here's some news: It's now legal.

As most anyone who claims to know anything about beer will tell you, Philadelphia is one of the greatest beer-drinking, beer-knowing, beer-loving cities in America.

Are there any places in this city where a discerning sports fan can go to see a game, drink good beer, enjoy decent grub and not have to listen to the rantings of overemotional lunatics?

"It's like my boss says — 'If nobody in the industry likes it, it must be good for the consumer.'"

If Philadelphia is now one of America's great beer towns — and according to most beer experts, it is — then Yards Brewing Co. deserves at least some of the credit.

Chris Leonard was sure "Lafayette's Escape," the special low-alcohol Belgian ale he dreamed up last spring, was going to be a hit.

Out shopping recently at a local supermarket, Sonny D'Angelo was surprised to see a package of ground buffalo meat for sale. Or maybe repulsed would be a better word.

1) Storm King 2) Blithering Idiot 3) Troegenator 4) 90 Minute IPA 5) Old Heathen