6 great last-minute gift ideas for beer fans
So there’s less than 24 hours to go before Christmas morning and you still haven’t finished your shopping? Well, if one of those people left on your list happens to be a beer fan, we may be able to help. We've come up with 6 gift ideas that’ll not only get you out of the dog house but have them believing you thought out their great gift well in advance of Christmas crunch time.
1. Homebrewing kit and/or supplies
If you think drinking it is fun, wait until you make your first batch. Homebrewing is a fun, easy and tasty way to learn more about beer. A starter kit can run you anywhere from $100 to $200 depending on where you go and what’s included. However, the cheapest starter kit will generally include everything one needs to set out on their homebrewing journey. Check out The Brewmeister in Folsom, Roseville or West Sacramento; or Brew Ferment Distill in Sacramento for kits.
If the person for whom you’re shopping is already a homebrewer, there’s always something else they could use to improve their system. From cleaning supplies to bottling necessities and more, there’s always something a homebrewer can add to their system and would love to receive on Christmas. Think back – if they’re like us, they’ve probably dropped hints.
2. Beer Glasses
No, we’re not talking about those spectacles you blame for regrettable encounters. From stemmed tulips to traditional English pub glasses, beerware makes a great holiday gift and enhances the drinking experience. There’s a reason we serve our 18-E Belgian Dark Strong Ale in a stemmed snifter and our Winter IPA in a conical pint glass. You can pick up a nice set or individual glasses at a variety of places, including our tasting room, your local beer purveyor, Pottery Barn, Crate n’ Barrel and beyond. Learn more about different glasses and how they affect your beer here.
3. Beer Books
Whether they’re focused on brewing it, drinking it, aging it, pairing food with it, or cooking with it, there’s a library of books out there centered on all things beer. This list from craftbeer.com details some good beer books and this forum on beeradvocate mentions a number of great reads to help you beef up on your beer acumen. It’s a little late to surf Amazon, but we still have what’s known as bookstores in the area, and your local homebrew shop will certainly have some good beer literature on hand.
4. Brewery Gift Cards
A free round at their favorite local brewery is always a well-received gift. Add a little extra on that card and they can pick up a shirt or a hoodie to proudly represent their favorite brewery. We offer gift cards at the tasting room and we’ll be open Christmas Eve (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.). If you’re not in our area, it’s likely your local brewery sells gift cards too.
5. Beer
When it comes down to it, what better way is there to celebrate one of the most festive days of the year than with some delicious beers? The beer fan will perhaps cherish this gift above all others. Get them one of their all-time favorites or something new they've never tried before. If you’re one of those people who frets over how much a gift will be used, this is your golden ticket. In fact, the gift of a breakfast stout, a Belgian holiday ale or a coffee-based beer like our Coffee Pot Porter is unlikely to last beyond the last round of gifts. Beers on the 25th are fun for sharing and comparing in a flight, or for a perfectly paired Christmas meal.
6. Beer Clubs
No, clubs aren't just for wine drinkers. Beer clubs allow you to extend the gift of beer from one day to 365. If you’re unfamiliar with how a beer club works, here’s some helpful information.