Gift Suggestions for the Beer Lover in your Life

Some suggestions to Make the beer lover in your life a happy camper ...


Beer Bucket:

Hit Basil t's and pick up a fresh growler (or two) of beer. While you're at it, why not add a brewpub T-shirt? Then, when everything is ready, arrange your gifts in a metal pail (Jaspan's Hardware) add some pint glasses and coasters and add some protective filler (polyester batting, wood shavings tissue paper, etc,). (Remember to keep the fresh beer refrigerated).

Beer Glasses:

Every beer aficanado needs a set of appropriate glassware to enjoy the various styles of beer in so stop by your local Crate & Barrel (or a similar shop) and purchase one of each of the following: flute, goblet, mug, pilsner, pint, snifter, tulip, Weizen and an oversized wine glass. Consider adding some Coasters and maybe a book on Beer.

Beer and Snack Basket:

Pair a selection of local craft beers with some quality cheeses. Include some fancy crackers, condiments, summer sauasage, dried salami, smoked oysters etc. Add a suitable glass for the beers. Consider starting with a basket from Michael's, some high end snacks and cheeses from whole foods and beer and glasses from Spirits Unlimited in Red Bank.

Homebrew Kit:

You can buy a starter kit online or at The Brewers Apprentice in Freehold.

As I explained in an earlier column making your own beer can be a real adventure. For the faint of heart, consider a gift certificate to the Brewers Apprentice where you can do all the work on their premises. This lets your aspiring brewer do much of the work, but it keeps that aroma of and inevitable spills that accompany the brewing process out of your home. Brewers Apprentice

Breweriana:

Brewery advertisement collectibles, commonly called Breweriana by the beer afficcianado, Many of the antique stores in Red Bank will have old beer bottles, beer trays, bottle openers and even posters. Some even have collections of old brewery ads from magazines, which look awesome when framed. You can also look online.

Beer of the Month Clubs:

Michael Jackson's Rare Beer Club - Rare says it all. For the beer hunter that does not travel much.

Beer Across America - This is the original “Beer of the Month Club,” a fine pick for the American craft beer lover.

Books on Beer:

Barnes and Noble have a selection of Beer Books. look in the wine and food section.

BeerAdvocate Gear:

Lastly, one of my favorite beer related sites when I am curious about a new (or old) brew. Consider Beer Advocate.Com In additon to being a great resource tey have a gift shop. Any gear that you buy helps support the running of this donations only site. They have T-Shirts, Zippered Hoodies and more.