The holidays are here, again, and Christmas is just a couple of weeks away. That means it’s time for the annual Beer Town Gifts for Beer Lovers.
Every year, I like to point out that beer lovers love beer. And I always recommend giving your friends and neighbors something special from one of the Georgia craft breweries near you.
In 2021, taprooms are back and welcoming visitors, including a whole bunch of new breweries that opened despite the pandemic. I’m sure every one would be more than jolly to have some extra holiday sales.
Breweries and taprooms that debuted in 2021 include: Biggerstaff Brewing in Old Fourth Ward; Blackbird Farms Brewery in Lilburn; Cultivation Brewing in Norcross; Hippin Hops Brewery in East Atlanta; Inner Voice Brewing in Decatur; Kettlerock Brewing in Peachtree Corners; Little Cottage Brewery in Avondale Estates; Monks Meadery in Poncey-Highland; Round Trip Brewing in Upper Westside; and Sabbath Brewing in East Atlanta.
New beer books are always a favorite. Check out these four published in 2021.
“The Beer Bible” by Jeff Alworth (Workman, $24.95) was first published in 2015 and substantially revised and updated for a 2021 second edition. In addition to a breadth of beer travels, Alworth argues that American IPA not only changed beer in the United States, but influenced beer worldwide as the most popular craft style.
“Celis Beer: Born in Belgium, Brewed in Texas” by Jeremy Banas (The History Press, $21.99) chronicles how a former milkman, Pierre Celis, became the “godfather” of Belgian witbier with Hoegaarden, then moved to Texas and founded Celis Beer, arguably the first and most famous craft brewery in Austin.
“The Dogfish Head Book: 26 Years of Off-Centered Adventures” by Sam Calagione, Mariah Calagione and Andrew C. Greeley (Wiley, $35) joyfully and chronologically celebrates what’s billed as the “offbeat escapades that propelled Dogfish Head to become the beloved craft brewery, distillery, hotel and culinary hub it is today.”
“World Atlas of Beer: The Essential Guide to the Beers of the World” by Tim Webb and Stephen Beaumont (Mitchell Beazley, $39.99) has been updated with a third edition, arguing that “With thousands of breweries now operating around the globe, and more opening every day, this is the expert guide to what is really worth drinking.”
I enjoy scouting through the latest lists of online gifts for beer lovers to find both essential and sometimes silly ideas.
One of my perennial favorites is the curvy Spiegelau IPA glass ($11) at Crate and Barrel. Spiegelau also offers a 4-Piece Craft Beer Tasting Kit ($39.99) at Amazon.
On the really silly side, the Sudski Portable Shower Drink Holder ($14.99) at Amazon “securely grips a beer can to glossy surfaces like glass, mirror, marble, metal, shiny tile and laminate.”
Sturdy and stylish, the stainless steel Rambler 12-ounce Colster Can Insulator ($24.99) from Yeti will keep your beer cooler-cold in the backyard or camping out.
For someone crazy for the Beatles, or loving the “Get Back” doc on Disney+, the special-edition Beatles “Yellow Submarine” Little Playmate cooler ($39.99) from Igloo could be just the ticket.
If you want to splurge for someone super special on your list (or yourself), the 24-Inch-Wide Dual Tap Stainless Steel Digital Kegerator from Kegco beer dispensing and refrigeration products will set you back $1,049 on sale.
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