The Craft Beer Connoisseur's Gift Guide

If you're looking for the perfect gift for a craft beer lover, there are plenty of options to choose from. From glasses and growlers to books and games, you can find something that fits your budget and their interests. Here are some ideas to get you started:

- Beer glasses, such as those from Spiegelau, Luigi Bormioli, or Libbey, which offer glasses tailored to specific beer styles.

- A growler, like the Hydro Flask 64oz Growler, to keep their favourite craft beer fresh and carbonated.

- A beer subscription box, like Beer Drop or Craft Beer Club, which will introduce them to new microbreweries and styles each month.

- The Guide to Craft Beer or The Complete Beer Course to help them explore and learn more about different beer styles and pairings.

- Fun accessories like beer foaming stones, a campfire beer caramelizer, or a beer belt to keep their drink handy during grilling.

- A beer-themed game like Beeropoly, which is a fun twist on the classic Monopoly, or a 100 Beers Bucket List Scratch Poster to track their beer adventures.

Beer-themed clothing

T-shirts

A T-shirt is a classic gift option, and there are plenty of beer-themed designs to choose from. You could go for a simple simple "Craft Beer Vintage I Do Crafts Home Brew" T-shirt or something more playful like a "Beer Thirty Drinking Party Homebrewers Craft Beer Birthday" tee. For the metathesiophobic friend in your life (someone who fears change), a "Woodpecker T-Shirt" from The Portsmouth Brewery is a fun option, featuring a thirsty woodpecker and a delicious pilsner. If you're feeling generous, you could pair it with a matching woodpecker beer mug!

Socks

Socks are another fun and affordable gift option, and beer-themed socks are sure to bring a smile to any craft beer lover's face. "Lager Love Socks" from Wibby Brewing are a perfect stocking stuffer, especially if you get them in time for the next ugly sweater party! For a more subtle approach, there are also "Beer Socks" with funny sayings that are sure to get a laugh.

Hats

For the friend who loves to combine fashion with function, a beer-themed hat could be the perfect gift. A "Beer & Soda Can Holster Belt" is a fun and practical way to keep your drink close at hand, perfect for tailgating or outdoor parties. Or, for a more whimsical option, you could gift a "Novelty Drinking Helmet" with straws, perfect for a party and sure to be a conversation starter.

Accessories

If you're looking for smaller accessories to complement an outfit, there are plenty of beer-themed options. "Beer Holder Leather Beer Holster Bottle Holders" are a unique way to carry your drink, perfect for grilling or outdoor parties. For a more subtle approach, you could opt for "Beer Fridge Magnets" or a "Beer Belt" to keep your drink close at hand.

Beer-themed homeware

Glassware and Drinkware

• Beer glasses etched with city skylines, available at Uncommon Goods, are a great way to commemorate a favourite city or travel destination.
• For a playful touch, consider the BenShot Pint Glass, which features a real golf ball or hockey puck.
• Freezable beer glasses, such as the Rabbit Freezable Beer Glasses, are perfect for keeping drinks cold without freezing your hands.
• The Yeti Rambler Colster Tall Can Insulator is ideal for keeping cans cold and protected during outdoor adventures, as glass is often not allowed at parks or beaches.
• For a sustainable and stylish option, consider the Snow Peak Shimo Tumbler, which is perfect for pouring beer into.
• The Stanley Big Grip Beer Stein is a versatile option that can keep beer cold for up to five hours and hot drinks hot for an hour.
• For a fun novelty item, the Sway Brewery "Probably Beer" Enamel Coffee Mug hints at the contents without giving it away.

Kitchenware and Tableware

• Beer Foaming Stones can be stored in the freezer and dropped into beer for extra fizz and flavour.
• The Beeropoly board game is a fun twist on the classic Monopoly, where players use bottle caps to drink their way through challenges.
• The Make Your Own Pretzel & Beer Cheese Kit is perfect for those who enjoy snacking with their beer.
• For the adventurous eater, Craft Beer Infused Ice Cream "Cans" offer unique salty-sweet dessert options.
• Beer-themed cookbooks, such as "Mix & Mash: Recipes for the Table and the Glass," provide inspiration for beer-infused dishes.
• Beer-themed coasters, such as those from Graf Lantz, are a simple yet functional way to add a beer-themed touch to the home.
• For a fun and affordable option, consider the Calusa Brewing 16 oz. Silipint, a silicone pint glass that is perfect for outdoor use and comes in colourful, versatile designs.

Home Decor

• The 100 Beers Bucket List Scratch Poster from Gift Republic is a fun and decorative way to track beer adventures.
• The Pop Chart Breweries of the United States Poster is an eye-catching way to showcase a goal of trying beers from different breweries.
• For a functional and decorative piece, consider a beer fridge, such as the EdgeStar Built-In Beverage Cooler, to ensure beers are stored at optimal temperatures.

Beer-themed books

The Anchor Brewing Story

This book is for the American craft beer purist. It tells the story of one of the most iconic breweries in the United States and its 126-year history, which includes surviving fires, earthquakes, and near bankruptcy. The book was written by Anchor Brewing Historian Dave Burkhart, who compiled research, stories, and facts in a gorgeous hardback book.

Hooray for Craft Beer! An Illustrated Guide to Beer

This illustrated guide to all things beer is perfect for picture book lovers. It was written by award-winning cartoonist Em Sauter, also known as @pintsandpanels. The book recently received a "Highly Commended" commendation from the British Guild of Beer Writers and placed second in the "Best Book" category at the North American Guild of Beer Writers Awards.

The Book of Hops: A Craft Beer Lover’s Guide to Hoppiness

This is the first fully illustrated guidebook for craft beer drinkers, pairing high-quality photos of the fifty most popular hop varieties with factual information such as particular flavors, aromas, and bitterness. If you're a true "hop-ophile," this is the book for you!

Trappist Beer Travels: Inside the Breweries of Monasteries

Trappist beers, brewed by monks in Belgium to raise money for their monasteries, have long been revered by beer fans worldwide, developing a cult-like following. This book takes readers inside the walls of the world's most influential Trappist breweries, including Chimay and Westvleteren. The second edition includes updated photographs and a new chapter on England's Mount Saint Bernard Abbey.

Beer A Tasting Course: A Flavor-Focused Approach to the World of Beer

This book is for the supertaster who wants to develop their beer-tasting palate. With so many styles now being brewed, this encyclopedia of beer styles will help readers detect flavors with their eyes, nose, and tongue.

The Botany of Beer: An Illustrated Guide to More Than 500 Plants Used in Brewing

Beer is an agricultural product, and this beautifully illustrated guide explores over 500 species of plants used to make beer around the world. It's a great gift for those with a green thumb!

The Comic Book Story of Beer: The World's Favorite Beverage from 7000 BC to Today's Craft Brewing Revolution

This comic book is packed with 180 pages of full-color, bursting-with-detail comics that highlight beer's ascent from a primal beverage to premiere glassware. It's a fun and informative read for comic book lovers!

The Complete Joy of Homebrewing

Written by Charlie Papazian, one of the most recognized names in the craft beer world, this book is a classic when it comes to homebrewing. It covers all the brewing basics and more, with funny drawings and Papazian's informal, carefree style. It's a must-read for every homebrewer out there!

How to Brew: Everything You Need to Know to Brew Beer Right the First Time

Considered the definitive book on homebrewing, this book will take you through the most basic techniques for that first batch of extract-only beer to more advanced all-grain brewing. It's a go-to resource that you'll pick up again and again as you refine your brewing skills.

The Oxford Companion to Beer

This approachable reference book covers everything from the technical aspects of brewing to the culture of beer. It's a great gift for someone who wants to learn more about beer.

The Brewmaster’s Table: Discovering the Pleasures of Real Beer With Real Food

Written by Garrett Oliver, the brewmaster at Brooklyn Brewery and the 2014 James Beard Award winner, this book is perfect for someone who knows they like drinking beer but doesn't know much about the history or different styles of brewing.

Tasting Beer: An Insider’s Guide to the World’s Greatest Drink, Second Edition

For those who want to learn how to taste beer and develop their palate, Randy Mosher's "Tasting Beer" is the definitive guide.

The Complete Beer Course: Boot Camp for Beer Geeks: From Novice to Expert in Twelve Tasting Classes

For a crash course on beer, try Josh Bernstein's "The Complete Beer Course."

The New World Guide to Beer, by Michael Jackson

These books by the late English beer critic and author Michael Jackson (aka the Beer Hunter) are deep cuts for those in the know. Jackson is credited for kickstarting the North American microbrewery movement in the 1970s.

Beer-themed games

Beeropoly

This creative twist on the classic Monopoly game is perfect for beer lovers. Instead of buying properties, players buy or trade their favourite beers and increase property value by purchasing brewpubs and microbreweries. It's a great blend of strategy and drinking, making it a fun option for game nights.

Beer Pong

Beer pong is a quintessential drinking game that is perfect for competitive players. It involves two teams aiming ping pong balls at cups of beer, with the opposing team taking a drink for each successful shot. It's a fast-paced game that can be adapted to different rule variations, such as "On Fire," "Bouncing," and "Island."

Unlabeled: The Blind Beer Tasting Game

Unlabeled is a unique game that challenges players' knowledge of craft beer. Each player brings one or two unlabeled beers, and during each round, players taste the hidden beer and try to identify its characteristics and specific beer type. It's an excellent way to test your ability to distinguish between different beers.

Bottlecap Darts

Bottlecap Darts brings the classic darts game into your living room with a fun drinking twist. Instead of playing for points, you play for drinks. Using a bottle cap shooter, you aim for actions such as "Take a Drink," "Give a Drink," "Dare," and "Rule." It's a pure and light-hearted game that will add excitement to your night.

Brew Ha Ha!

Brew Ha Ha! combines the fun of card games with beer tasting. Players draw cards, sample a beer, and then use the cards to create unique descriptions of what they taste. During each round, the Brewmaster awards points for their favourite and most accurate descriptions. It's a great way to explore different beers and engage in friendly competition.

Circle of Death

Circle of Death is a simple card game that requires only a deck of cards and a communal beer can. Players draw cards, each of which has a specific rule assigned, such as drinking when you draw a 2 card or rhyming words when you draw a 9 card. It's a highly adaptable and inclusive game that helps break the ice and fosters socialisation.

Beer-themed food and drink

Beer-infused snacks

For the beer lover who fancies a tipple and a bite, there are snacks made with beer, such as the Craft Beer Infused Ice Cream "Cans" from Beer on Tap, which combines salty and sweet flavours in unique treats like Couch Potato, which comes with chocolate-covered potato chips, and 2 Pigs in a Blanket, made with candied bacon bites.

Beer-making kits

For those who want to try their hand at crafting their own brew, there are beer-making kits available, such as the West Coast Style IPA Beer Brewing Kit from Uncommon Goods, which includes everything needed to make a delicious brew. This kit produces one gallon, or ten 12-ounce bottles, per batch, and refill packages are offered at a lower price.

Beer-themed cookbooks

For the beer lover who loves to cook, a beer-themed cookbook like "Mix & Mash: Recipes for the Table and the Glass" from MadTree Brewing could be a perfect gift. This gorgeous, hardbound book features more than 25 recipes from the brewery's favourite chefs, combining food and beer in delightful ways.

Beer-themed sweets

For those with a sweet tooth, there are treats like the Jelly Belly Draft Beer Can Tin, which, despite its looks, contains no beer. Instead, it's packed with five 0.35-ounce bags of gourmet beer-flavoured jelly beans, offering the refreshing taste of a draft beer without the alcohol.

Beer-themed breakfast

For the beer lover who wants to start their day with a brew-themed breakfast, there's the "Probably Beer" Enamel Coffee Mug from Swag Brewery. This campfire-style mug holds up to 16 ounces of their favourite "brew," whatever that may be. It's made of enamel-coated cold-rolled steel, so it's dishwasher-safe but not suitable for the microwave.

Beer-food pairings

For a classic beer-food pairing experience, you can gift them a Make Your Own Pretzel & Beer Cheese Kit, which makes about 12 pretzels and plenty of cheese for dipping—a perfect match for a pint.

There are endless options for beer-themed food and drink gifts, so you're sure to find something to surprise and delight your craft beer lover!

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