Christmas gifts for the beer lover
The number of independent breweries seems to be growing every day, and consequently, so is the number beer lovers.
Chances are, you have one of those beer geeks on your holiday gift list. In case you’re in a quandary about what to get them, here’s a peek at my wish list.
I have a love-hate relationship with my growler. That big brown glass jug is great for bringing home 64 ounces of fresh beer from my favorite brewery, but that’s about it.
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You can’t pour a beer properly from it and once you open it, you have to drink the whole thing unless you’re into flat, oxidized beer. Even if you don’t open your growler immediately, the beer inside won’t stay fresh for long, especially if it’s a fragrant IPA. Here are a couple of products that will improve any beer lover’s growler experience:
The Shark Tank darling and New Jersey-based Fizzics is described by co-Founder Philip Petracca as “the world's first portable Draft Beer System that improves the flavor and taste of ordinary canned, bottled and growler beer. Fizzics technology utilizes pressure and sonic waves to enhance the aroma and flavor of beer while providing a smooth full-body taste.”
The original Fizzics is large enough for a growler and is insulated to keep your beer cold. You can also pack your growler in ice. If the beer has gone a little flat, the sonic waves rejuvenate the head and improves it’s drinkability. The whole thing is battery-operated so you can take it anywhere.
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There’s a smaller version, designed more for 12-ounce cans and bottles, which is even more portable, but, for my money ($169.99), the growler size is probably the most useful. Both systems clean up easily with just plain tap water.
Another way to improve the growler experience is to improve the growler itself. DrinkTanks has that covered.
If you want to make a statement in your favorite brewery taproom, the 128-ounce, cleverly named Juggernaut ($114) will certainly do that.
What’s better than eight pints of beer in a stainless steel, double wall vacuum insulated, mega growler? How about transforming it into a mini-keg?
The Keg Cap ($45) is an attachment that includes a hose and spigot with a CO2 cartridge that will keep your beer fresh a lot longer.
For a growler this big, I’d say the Keg Cap is almost a must-have. DrinkTanks also offers a regular 64-ounce growler ($74) and insulated cups as well. If you take your tailgating seriously, there are great package deals to help you round out your gear.
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Fizzics and Juggernaut are for someone special, but what about the person you drew in the office Secret Santa or gift for holiday party hosts?
Less expensive gifts
Like most beer geeks, I love reading about my favorite beverage.
National Geographic recently published the Atlas of Beer ($40) authored by geographers Nancy Hoalst-Pullen and Mark. W. Patterson.
It’s an interesting look at beer around the world and how beer is affected by the local environment.
Brooklyn Brewery brewmaster, Garrett Oliver, adds interesting local tasting tips throughout the book. Informative graphics and stunning photography help tell the story of the global beer scene.
Did you know that Edinburgh became a brewing hub because of a geologic fault that created an aquifer that has both hard and soft water at different depths?
Ever wonder how to order a beer in Brazil? That’s the kind of fun fact stuff you’ll find. The Atlas of Beer is a coffee table (or bar!) book that goes great with an easy chair, inquisitive mind, and a beer.
Finally, there is no better beer to bring to a holiday gathering than St. Bernardus Christmas Ale. The label features a smiling monk in a Santa hat holding a chalice of beer. That alone will get you in the holiday spirit!
Brewed in West Flanders, Belgium, this dark, velvety smooth Abbey style ale compliments the rich foods you will encounter this time of year. Plus, at 10% ABV, it will warm up any winter night. St. Bernardus Christmas Ale is contemplative and complex, much like the holiday season itself.
Of course, the best gift of all is to celebrate the holidays surrounded by family and friends. I wish you the very best and remember to celebrate with beer!
Peter Culos is the craft beer editor for JerseyBites.com where he comments on breweries, bars and good beer in the Garden State. A graphic designer by day and a lifelong New Jersey resident, Peter was first introduced to the novel idea that beer could actually have flavor during several visits to the United Kingdom. He’s been riding the craft beer bus ever since. Email him at peteculos@gmail.com.