So Christmas is almost here, and if you’re like me, you’ve done about the same amount of your shopping as the percentage ABV in a nice barleywine.
So let me help you figure out what you can pick up for the person on your list that could probably use a beer right about now.
Tickets to Hopwired:
If you like coffee, beer, coffee beer, the best fried chicken that you’ve ever had, and more, then this is the ticket you want. All-inclusive, with an amazing list of breweries just begging to be checked into on Untappd, don’t let this event on February 23rd at the Croatian Cultural Centre pass you by. Tickets and information available at http://www.hopwiredfest.com and use code Espressotec for $10 off before the end of 2018.
Beer Education
Whether this is a great new book about beer, a gift from the Cicerone Certification Program, or just tickets to a class to learn more about beer, getting that special someone a chance to learn more about the beverage they love is a gift that keeps on giving. Here are a few options, and if nothing below interests you contact me and I can help figure out something a little more specific.
Tasting Beer, 2nd Edition: An Insider’s Guide to the World’s Greatest Drink
The Complete Beer Course: Boot Camp for Beer Geeks: From Novice to Expert in Twelve Tasting Classes
Cicerone Certification Program
A Decent Bottle Opener
Here’s the deal, those keychain bottle openers are pretty much junk. Sure they’re convenient, but they’re nothing compared to the feeling of opening a bottle with just a little bit of leverage, or controlling that initial release of pressure, especially for those bottles you’ve cellared that are likely to be gushers. Ditch the tin soldier and pick something up like these instead.
Westmark Germany Hermetus Steel 3-in-1 Resealer Beer Bottle Opener
DropCatch Bar Blade Bottle Opener – Stainless Steel and Walnut (Standard)
Nice Glassware
It’s been ages since I’ve had a beer straight out of a bottle or can. Pouring into and consuming from a glorious piece of stemware designed for beer is just so satisfying, and lets you enjoy the colour, aroma, and proper presentation of these amazing beers we drink. If you don’t already have at least a shelf of proper beer glassware, it’s time to catch up with some of these.
Govino 3114 Classic 16 oz Beer Glass-4 Pack Gift Box, Clear
Durobor Beer Expertise Beer Tasting Glasses
Beer Merchandise
Shirts, hats, stickers and more, or if you want to support a friend, look here or here. You can’t go wrong with these as a gift, as everyone needs to have a few options for when beer festival season rolls around.
Wooden Beer Crates
These are super handy for cellaring, or even to keep in the car for the liquor store trips that become liquor store hauls. In Victoria, there are a few artisans that make them and can add custom designs, so depending on your neck of the woods, you should be able to find something local as well, otherwise, here are a few options.
True Fabrications 5283 Wooden Crate Wine Rack, Natural
Gift Certificates to Good Private Liquor Stores
I’m going to say it. The selection at most Government Liquor stores in this Province leaves something to be desired, and that something is a better selection. In most communities, there are certain stores that have become beacons of hope in a sea of big beer. Find out where these are, get a gift card from there, and watch as the beer selections for New Year’s Eve appear in your fridge shortly around December 27th.
Tickets to Victoria Beer Week
For those not wanting to cross the water to the mainland, or for those coming from elsewhere, this is another great event option, with so much to choose from. Nine days of amazing events, with an expanded focus on education, which you know I love. Tickets are available at vicbeerweek.ticketrocket.co
Prepaid Growler Fills
Reach out to a local brewery, one you know that they consume on a regular basis, and see if they’ll presell growler fills on a gift card, or with vouchers.
Category 12 Barrelholder Membership
This is an amazing opportunity to reward that beer lover in your life with something exclusive. Category 12 Brewing has brought back their Barrelholder program, and it’s gotten bigger and better. Details below, and if you’re interested, pick it up here.
- 10% off all draught and packaged beer product in the taproom from Jan 2 – Dec 1, 2019
- 8 bottles from four 2019 Barrelholder releases plus priority access and a discount on more
- Option to purchase Barrelholders-only merch throughout 2019; including a new Drinktank growler
- Access to an exclusive evening reception of education and the opportunity to see what’s underway in the Category 12 cellar
Tickets to the Island Beer & Spirits Festival
February 17th marks 10 years of this festival, held at the Strathcona Hotel. Tickets are now on sale at the hotel and liquor store, and this approachable festival has even expanded to local spirits in the last couple of years, so there really is something for everyone.
Note: Some links on this site are Affiliate links, but I do actually recommend all of the products above.
Matter of Beer 