The holiday shopping season is finally upon us. For better or worse, it’s time to go out (or search the Internet) for the perfect gift for that special someone. I have come up with a list of totally awesome gifts for that certain someone in your life who has an affinity for all things craft beer.
Homebrew Kit
My very first homebrew experience was from a Brooklyn Brew Shop homebrew kit that I received as a Christmas present from the best husband ever several years ago. I brewed my first ever homebrew, which was a one-gallon batch of Jalapeño Saison, and I haven’t looked back.
Brooklyn Brew Shop offers a selection of 11 kits ranging from their Warrior Double IPA to the Chocolate Maple Porter. Their website also includes how-to videos for the visual learners. Check out the “accessories” link for other goodies like bottle cappers and mini-siphons.
Hydroflask
Anyone that knows me is aware of my massive growler collection. I proudly display my 100+ glass, ceramic, and stainless steel treasures throughout our house, but the jewel of my collection is the Hydroflask.
I purchased my first Hydroflask from Bullfrog Brewery in Williamsport, PA. The delicious brew inside stayed cold for 10 hours in the car. Without a cooler. Or ice. Craziness! The double wall vacuum insulation is said to keep beer and water cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours.
Spiegelau Beer Glasses
Every craft beer is best enjoyed in the proper drinking vessel. Spiegelau glasses are certified as “extremely dishwasher safe” by an independent laboratory. No scratching, markings, loss of brilliance, foggy shadows, change in color or brilliance or build up of water chemicals and residue were found. The Spiegelau Beer Connoisseur Glass Set includes four glasses: a stemmed pilsner glass, a tall pilsner glass, a lager glass, and a wheat beer glass.
Hop Candy
On a budget? Why not give your craft beer friend a bag of hop candy! One bag contains 10 pieces of candy made of real hops and real sugar. Enjoy the goodness of hops without getting drunk!
Randall
Infuse intense hop flavor or other creative flavors (hot peppers, perhaps?) into any beer right before it’s served. When the Randall Jr. just isn’t enough…
Beer Magazine Subscription
There are so many great beer publications out there, and beer geeks (okay, maybe just me) try to read them all. I’m always excited when I see the latest edition of Philly Beer Scene waiting for me at a local bar. Why not have give the gift of beer literature delivered to your door? One of my favorites is Beer Advocate.
Beer Books
I know, I know. There are hundreds and hundreds of beer books out there. Where to start? For the Love of Hops by Stan Hieronymus or perhaps Mitch Steele’s IPA book? Two of my favorite beer books are The Complete Joy of Homebrewing, by Charlie Papazian for the homebrewer (or anyone interested in learning about homebrewing) and The Brewmaster’s Table, by Garrett Oliver for those interested in beer and food pairings.
Bottlemark
Custom bottle caps. Seriously. Bottlemark offers gift certificates. Just saying.
Beer Busters Swag
Show love for your favorite podcast. Sweatshirts, hats, T-shirts, stickers, magnets… a store of awesomeness.
My dream gift…
Founded by legendary beer writer Michael Jackson, the Rare Beer Club offers beer drinkers the opportunity to experience some of the best beers the world has to offer. Memberships begin at $32.95 per month. The gift that keeps on giving.
