The Eleventh Hour

Four days left

Ordinarily, I am not one to incite panic. Especially during a time of year that is supposed to be peaceful. That being said, it is December 21st, so if you haven’t finished your Christmas shopping yet…

IT IS TIME TO PANIC!!!

There is good news, however, if you have any craft beer people on your list, because craft beer people are quite literally the easiest people to shop for. This is due to the proven fact that craft beer people want craft beer for Christmas. Shopping done. See how easy that was?

Now I will show my work.

The easiest possible way to give a craft beer person craft beer for Christmas is to march your happy butt down to your local grocery store, package store, specialty beer store, or whatever, and buy craft beer to give that special someone on Christmas morning. It really is no different than what you ordinarily do when purchasing craft beer, except that once you get it home, you’re going to wrap it (or put it in a gift bag) and give it to the person on Christmas morning. I know it sounds too easy, and may therefore be disregarded as “not trying hard enough,” but if it’s what they want (and I assure you it is), than what’s the problem?

Merry Christmas to me!

If you want to try a little harder, because allegedly it’s the “thought that counts” (whatever that  means), go to your local brewery and fill a growler of fresh, right off the tap, craft-brewed deliciousness and deliver it to your craft beer person on Christmas morning. This will definitely be appreciated, and you will be placed upon the Christmas gift giver pantheon of greatness. I must warn you, if you are going this route, please, please, PLEASE… wait until at least December 23rd to fill the growler and place it immediately into the fridge when you get it home, until Christmas morning. If you want to take it out that morning and move it to beneath the tree, that’s fine. If you leave it sitting out multiple days, or buy it too far in advance of drinking it, it will go flat – thus rendering it not as appreciated as it otherwise would've been.

All shapes and sizes

Another way to ensure legendary Christmas gift giving is to give them craft beer in their stocking. This is one of my personal favorites. Essentially, buy them craft beer and put it in their stocking on Christmas Eve, instead of under the tree. It might not sound like much, but remember back to when you were a kid, and how stocking presents were for some reason, more enjoyable than the rest. It’s not an exact science, and perhaps it’s better that way, but trust me, finding beer in your stocking brings a smile to your face. Note – please don’t put beer in children’s stockings. It won’t end the way you think it will.

You can also give your craft beer people something other than beer, such as craft beer swag (shirts, hats glassware, etc). Craft beer people are more often than not fans of the beer they drink, so much so, that they want to wear it proudly in the form of on clothing. Or, drink it from a glass emblazoned with the logo of their favorite or local brewery. This route toward Christmas gift giving excellence is full of options, and is literally a can’t fail scenario. The best places to look for this stuff is online or at your local brewery.

The merch area at the Blue Mountain Brewery in Afton, VA

Speaking of your local brewery, did you know that most (if not all) of them offer tours? What better way to say Merry Christmas to your craft beer person than by taking him/her to your local brewery and going on a tour? Tours usually are free, and usually include samples, or at least the opportunity to purchase a flight of tasters holding the very craft beer you just saw the brewers making. You’ll be able to fill another growler, buy some more swag from the gift shop area of the brewery, meet fun people and share in their holiday merriment, etc. It might be the best Christmas ever.

A real live brewery tour at the Highland Brewery in Asheville, NC

However you choose to reward that special craft beer person in your life this Christmas, I hope you have a truly great and wonderful holiday. Take a load off, kick your feet up, and enjoy some craft-brewed excellence (or two) with your family and friends (and maybe some people you've never met before). From all of us in the Mash Tun to all you out there in computer or mobile device land…

Merry Christmas!

Here’s to craft-brewed happiness… Cheers!