Commercial winemaker (Pinot Noir and Chardonnay) by trade, avid homebrewer since 1994. Co-founder of Sante Adairius Rustic Ales in Capitola, CA (no longer owner or brewer there, huge fan of their beers though).
I have "brewed in a cave" for 20+ years. Never followed anyone's recipe, never competed, never wanted to fit my beers into a rigid category. I brew for subtlety, layers and aroma. I want no additive or adjunct to be obvious, but for the end product to be an interesting, balanced unification of all the various components that becomes its own unique category. My recipes are odd and don't really follow the rules, because I "brew from the hip" a bit.
Interdependence - a Dry Hopped American Strong Pale sent through secondary in Chardonnay or Pinot barrels.
Salvavida Stout - a Rum Barrel-aged Imperial Stout with clove, Agave syrup and vanilla beans.
Stinky Finger Fresh Hop - a Fresh hop strong ale, dry-hopped and sent through secondary in once-used Chardonnay barrels.