I never really understood where the song "12 Days of Christmas" came from and why they got such lame gifts...except of course the five gold rings. So I came up with my own list as a beer enthusiast and what others like me may want this Christmas if you're having trouble finding that suds-loving partner of yours a gift.
I'll stay away from shameful plugs for my own merchandise (which can be found at Okie Crowe in the Deco District of Tulsa [OK. One shameful plug]) and focus on some easily attainable and affordable items that won't bust your wallet like the price of a Utopian.
1. "Mastering Home Brew: The Complete Guide to Brewing Delicious Beer"
by Randy Mosher (Author of Radical Brewing and Tasting Beer)
One of my favorite authors has done it again by giving us blue-collar beer brewers the tips and knowledge to brew world class beers in the comfort of our home. This won't be available until April of next year but you bet I got my preorder in already. In tandem with his Radical Brewing book this rendition gives home brewers tips, recipes and technical knowledge for beginners to novices. I'm most excited to learn how to develop a recipe and create unique craft beer that I would enjoy. Release date April 22, 2014
2. Hydro Flask www.hydroflask.com
Designed to keep beer cold, this is the first vacuum sealed, double-walled, stainless steel, blah blah blah. Frankly what they are saying is it doesn't get any better than this to store your beer for hikes, camping and picnics and shut up and give them your money. It also keeps coffee piping hot for when you have drank your session IPA or Breakfast Stout too fast and need to cure that hangover. But then why would you want to go and do a thing like that...
3. Okie Crowe Beer Basket
Another way to support local is shop Okie Crowe this holiday season. They have home made soaps made from spent grain, beer making kits, pet treats and custom holiday baskets. Pictured here are Beer Flat crackers, Sfoglini spent grain pasta, Slant Shack Bronk Brewery jerky, Beer Nuts hot bar mix, Beer Is OK koozie, Anarchy in a Jar beer mustard, and A. Whip Designs metal bottle opener.
4. Brew Master: The Craft Beer Game White Labs
This game is perfect for beer fans and home brewers where you collect cards to brew a beer and compete against each other through actual beer events to win the accolades of your adoring fans. While I have not played myself, Brew Master looks challenging as you learn how to brew certains types of ales and learn about all the trials and tribulations that can take place at a microbrewery. Good for beginners who know how to play Rummy and can drink craft beer at the same time.
5. Yeti Cooler yeticoolers.com
OK. I know I said affordable gifts but maybe some of you can afford the best cooler in the world. Yeti coolers are heavily respected in the beer industry and keeps anything cold for a long period of time. How long you may ask? Well, if you were to be stranded in the woods for a few days you'd at least have cold beer for that long, so there. These coolers are tough as nails and also make nice jockey boxes for those raging keggers your partner always throws. (They don't? Well now they have a reason.) If you can only afford their moderately priced merchandise at least you can look like you have expensive taste.
This product hits home for me as a graphic designer and would make a wonderful study tool. These Swiss geniuses took a spectrophotometer that is used to measure SRM (Standard Reference Method), to chart the spectrum of beer colors onto these handy swatches. Now they reference a lot of Swiss beers but the styles are well known and are a great tool to expand your beer brain if you haven't already killed it with that Barleywine from Schlafly. (Too late).
7. Great American Ale Trail by Christian DeBenedetti
I know, another book. But damn if it isn't filled with the most places you can find along America's highways for delicious craft beer. What's great is you don't have to read this from cover to cover. Just flip through, pick a state, read about all the great craft beer bars and brew pubs and breweries then hop in your car and visit them. Sounds like the gift that keeps on giving to me...
8. Cicerone Gift Card www.cicerone.org
You think you know everything about beer...Prove IT! This is the definitive organization that tests and certifies beer aficionados around the globe. Start with the Certified Beer Server test and move up the ladder with their multitude links for training your brain about beer, serving beer, styles, draught systems, etc. Did you know beer pairs better than wine? Now you can actually look smart after you've drank 5 strong ales because you know what malt's and hops are in them that got you so drunk in the first place. They offer off-taste kits and style flash cards as well.
9. High Gravity Home Brew Kit www.highgravitybrew.com
Tulsan's are blessed to have a high quality home brew shop like High Gravity. I love receiving gift cards and purchasing kits from these guys. I can't speak enough about the highly knowledgeable staff and selection of malts, hops, yeast and brewing equipment. Saves me a ton on trying to ship something here in one piece. Purchase your loved one a home brew starter kit and one of High Gravity's beer kits they assemble themselves so you can finally get that alone time you deserve. They even have workshops to learn how to use the kit as well as online ordering you can pick up right there in the store! (I swear I'm not getting any kickbacks from this plug...but I don't discourage it either).
10. Marshall Brewing Co. Merch www.marshallbrewing.com
Let's keep things local by stopping over to Marshall Brewing near downtown Tulsa. Pick up some bitchin' red bike socks featuring Revival Red Ale and a comfy tri-blend shirt to match. They have glassware, brew shirts and more for that craft beer fan in your life. Don't forget to take your friends on a tour this December on Fridays and Saturdays from 12pm - 4pm. Purchase a glass for $5 (stocking stuffer) and help out a great charity as well. (This month features the Make-A-Wish Foundation of OK.) Prost!
11. BreweryMap.com App brewerymap.com
For the techie in your life that loves to travel. Are you curious if you missed a great brew pub or brewery on a recent road trip? Now you have the app that can show you any brew pub or brewery up to a 100 mile radius on your route to that wedding or yearly family vacation you dread so much. So long giant balls of yarn, we're visiting Piney River Brewing before heading home for Christmas this year!
12. Beer Tasting Paddle & Glasses BearMtnCarpentryCo
Craft beer begets crafty, well crafts. This beer paddle and glassware set found on Etsy is the perfect way to hold a tasting with friends. Paddle can be personalized and easily write on with chalk what you are sampling. Now you have no excuse to invite the neighbors over and educate the beer virgins the amazing qualities of local craft beer.