The Best Holiday Gifts for Beer Drinkers 2021

The holidays are a great time to get the beer lover in your life something unique, fun and of course, something they will love. Here are some great ideas from stocking stuffers to fancy gifts that will really wow them.

Almanac Beer Advent Calendar

California’s Almanac Beer Co. has released three different self-contained “12 beers of Christmas” advent boxes that will be on sale in their online shop and released in mid-November. Each box will contain twelve 16 oz. beers in three different versions. One version is “All Fresh Beers” (that includes a selection of lagers, stouts and IPAs including their Ugly Sweater Love NEIPA). There is also a barrel-aged sour box which includes twelve 16 oz cans of a range of mixed fermentation beers. Lastly there’s a box that contains a little bit of everything. Sadly this is only available to California residents but it looks extra cool!

$89 for twelve 16 oz cans.

Simon Pearce hand blown glassware

If you are looking to spend extra and impress, hand-blown glassware from Vermont-based glass company Simon Pearce makes an attractive present. Their beautifully made beer mugs, pilsner and pint glass are handmade (I highly recommend a trip to their restaurant in Quechee, VT to eat amazing food overlooking a beautiful waterfall and then head downstairs to watch the master glass craftspeople at work!) and would make a wonderful addition to any beer lover’s glass cabinet.

Ascutney Pint Glass- $75

Pilsner Glass -$75

Windsor Tankard- $80

Gift card to a local beer shop

When in doubt, a gift to your favorite beer shop is always a safe bet. You can make it almost any amount you like and you are supporting the local retailer. I love independent beer shops that have knowledgeable staff that treats their beer with the care beer deserves. Even if you aren’t going to buy a gift, look for a specialty beer shop in your area and stop by to check out the goodness.

Beer Books

There are SO many beer books out there which makes a beer book an easy and inexpensive way to give the gift of beer knowledge. I love beer books that are easy to digest but also chock full of knowledge to teach even the most seasoned of beer geeks something new. My two favorites-

The Beer Bible

Just released in a second edition by Jeff Alworth $24.95

Tasting Beer by Randy Mosher $19.95

Retro igloo cooler

A beer cooler makes an excellent gift and they come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and yes, even strengths! For a nostalgia vibe, Playmate still makes that mini-mate that I brought my lunch in on hot summer days at camp. It also holds a six-pack of cans!  $19.95

Coleman cooler

Another throwback is the steel-belted metal-sided version that holds 54 quarts and will keep items cold for up to four days. I used to own one of these from the ’80s and I can attest it kept three Russian River growlers cold for a few days while being stored out of doors in the hot Oregon summer sun. $169.00

Yeti cooler

There’s also a new breed of cooler if you have money to throw around like Yeti or Rtic. These are for the long haul and don’t come cheap. Yeti soft sided coolers start at $200 while the large sided can run hundreds more. Rtic coolers are cheaper with soft sided coolers starting at $99.

Thirstystone coasters

Coasters make the ultimate stocking stuffer. I love the thirstystone brand because they suck up condensation that drips off your beer, especially on hot days. A set of four comes in a variety of colors, designs and shapes and are an excellent budget option starting at $10 for a set. They are also easy to procure at big box shops.

33 Books Beer tasting notepads

there are a lot of beer tasting notepads on the market but if you want a simple, easy to use one, I recommend 33 Books. This little book is pocket sized but comes with enough room to talk about tasting notes and there’s even a flavor wheel to fill in. This book will make you a more thoughtful taster. $5 per book.

A beer you love

Beer is meant to be shared and loved. Getting beer as a gift always makes sense, especially if it’s something you really enjoy. Stop by your favorite brewery or your favorite shop and pick up a few cans/bottles that make you happy and share the love. If someone brought me a four-pack of Allagash White, I’d consider that an incredibly thoughtful present.

Gifts from their favorite brewery

Find out what brewery they frequent and shop from their merchandise area! From gift cards to T-shirts to glassware, breweries are great one-stop shops for any budget. Most Americans live within 10 miles of a brewery as well so this gift choice is an easy winner.

Happy Holidays from The Alcohol Professor!