Although mead is usually the stuff of Ren faires and amateur beekeepers, if you can ferment something in Oregon, someone will. Thus: Eugene’s Blue Dog Mead. Floral and slightly rubbery on the nose, there’s about two seconds of a really nice wine here before it finishes with a big, soapy, acidic aftertaste. At its best, this off-dry drop boasts flavors of crisp apple, honey and peach, but the long, unpleasant finish kills it. Pairing it with a strong cheese might help to mediate this, but for $11.99, you could probably get a bottle of something that stands up better on its own. Best saved for historical re-enactments.