I used to go out of my way to buy locally raised chicken eggs from neighbors. One situation helped out an old couple who only had social security and the eggs were their only extra income.

It was the visual J Kenji Lopez-Alt had to take out of the taste tests. The color of the yolk is partially what made people "taste" the country eggs differently. If they saw the eggs in their shell or handled them, like cracking for cooking, etc. that would be a giveaway too. We do eat with our eyes and brains as much as taste buds.

I wish I had a source for local liquor from neighbors! When I have found it, the price is usually pretty steep and the taste was no better than proper store bought liquor in many cases.

I want to make my own "culinary" batches of liquor someday, just a bucket list item to drink my own liquor at some point.