by Cate Kulak

Created on: December 14, 2009

Gifts for a beer lover can be intimidating to shop for, regardless of whether you are a beer drinker.   There is so much to know about beer that no matter how long you have been “studying” the subject, there always remains more to learn.  But the looming holiday deadlines mean it is time to ignore what you don’t know and focus on what you do know:  your beer drinker.

If your beer lover has a brand they love, there are options that go beyond simply buying that beer.  Most brands have websites that sell branded merchandise in every price range.  If you are looking for something a little more off the beaten path, consider hitting an auction site like eBay.  For older, established brands, people sell all kinds of historic memorabilia; newer brands that don’t have the same history still offer unique gifts, such as tap pulls.  If you’re shopping on a small budget, and the brand in question does a lot of marketing, consider swinging through a local store and asking to be called when they change out displays.  Depending on the theme of the ad campaign, this can be an inexpensive way to make a very personalized gift.

If you know your beer lover’s favorite style of beer, you can use that to put together a special, personal gift.  Some stores have cases of unusual beers by the single bottle; that selection itself will help you.  Even better, it indicates a high level of knowledge on the part of the staff, knowledge that you can rely on to guide your decision.   To round out the gift, a set of glasses perfect for appreciating that style of beer is a wonderful touch.  For lighter beers, the slightly tulip shaped pilsner is appropriate.  For Belgian style or Trappist Ales, goblets allow the yeast notes to shine.  For anything with “Imperial” in the name, or for barleywines and strong ales, snifters are necessary, not only because the shape collects the aromas but also because it ensures that servings are appropriately small.  Whatever shape you go with, avoid colored glass, since the subtle variations of a beer’s coloring are part of the enjoyment.

If you know more about the other aspects of your beer lover’s life than you do about their drinking, then consider a regional theme.  Whether the region reflects their favorite food, their family background, or their favorite vacation spot, geography can serve as the kick off to

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