M.T. We actually went earlier this year and measured different sizes of bottles so that we could custom make our shelves.

FM You custom made your shelves?

M.T. Oh, yeah. To fit the different-sized bottles. (Pointing) You see, we left just enough room up top for the taller bottles, and yet these three rows down at the bottom fit exactly for the minikegs and the little bottles.

FM Wow.

Mike Levy We also have our homebrews with our own label.

M.T. (handing a bottle) This is Mather Beer. We're planning on brewing a batch for the Mather Winter Formal.

FM (tasting a dark, vaguely fizzy ale): Mmm. Good. Do you know of anyone else with a beer collection?

M.T. I don't know. You see, the thing is, you could just go out and buy a hundred singles and spend, what, 200 bucks and throw them up there.

M.L. The idea is [each of us] actually drank one of these beers.

FM What's the worst beer in your collection?

M.T. I nominate Lion's Head (from Great Britain).

M.L. (reaching for a green bottle) No, no, no. This is. "The Beer of Love." "La Biere Amoreuse" from France. Terrible. It came with a top on like a hairspray bottle. (Reads) "Discover the beer for intimate occasions. Lovers come together, sharing their deepest feelings, their strongest desires, and the mystery of 361015."

M.T. So try to picture four guys sitting around drinking a sixpack of that stuff.

Marsh (reading ingredients) Ginger, kola, ginseng, licorice, myrtle, myrrh, cinnamon....

FM Is there a certain beer tasting protocol like wine tasting?