Book excerpt: Designed for locals and tourists alike, this pocket-sized guide offers snapshots of 75 of the best craft breweries in Northern California. While similar guides offer just the bare facts or the author’s own opinions of breweries, in the Half-Pint Guide, the brewers speak directly to the readers. Each entry not only provides the basic information about a brewery, but also lets the brewer talk about which of their beers they like the best, their biggest challenges, and some of their funniest or most surprising stories. It’s like pulling up a stool and chatting with the brewer across the bar. The breweries featured are spread across Northern California so that wherever you are, you can find a local craft beer. The book includes maps to guide you on a brewery tour. The breweries were selected with the assistance of the brewers (and their fans).