Throughout December I posted The Beer Drinker’s Holiday Gift Guide Parts 1 & 2, focusing on books, novelty items, and big ticket presents. With Christmas mere days away Part 3 is going to focus on those last minute gifts that you grab on the way to a Christmas Party, your family’s house, or as you step out to ‘run an errand’ Christmas Eve. So ladies and gents, when you’re pressed for time and all out of ideas the best present for a beer drinker what do you buy? Beer of course! But, the question remains, what beer?
When I think of the holiday season three main beer styles come to mind. Any one of these styles are welcome during fireside gatherings, and better yet some can be cellared as a keepsake if the gift receiver so desires. With this in mind, the truecask.com three best beers to give as gifts during the holidays:
1.) Winter Warmer – Admittedly, I am not the biggest fan of winter warmers. All to often they miss the mark and end up tasting like a cup of christmas spices. That said, when the are on, they are fantastic. As this is the lightest beer in this category some versions may or may not be worthy of cellaring. A good rule of thumb is anything over 8% ABV is good for cellaring, anything under not so much. Click the title link for Beer Advocate’s list of the best winter warmers.
2.) Imperial Stout – Of the three styles listed here, this one has to be my favorite. Russian Imperial Stouts are dry, with big burnt malt and chocolate flavors. Some compare the experience of drinking an imperial stout to that of drinking a fine whiskey. As the Russian Imperial Stout goes from 8% ABV to upwards of 20%+ in extreme cases they are perfect for cellaring. Click the title link for Beer Advocate’s list of the best imperial stouts.
3.) Barleywine – Except for the most extreme imperial stouts, Barleywines are the grandaddy of high-alcohol beers. Although they have no relation to wine itself, the strength and complexity of barleywines helped spawn their name. If any beer was designed to be cellared like wine, this is it. Click the title link for Beer Advocate’s list of the best barleywines.
That’s it for the truecask.com holiday gift guide. I look forward to picking up 2010 where 2009 left off. Have yourself a fantastic holiday season, I wish you and yours all the best!
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