When it comes time to give a gift for the seasoned beer drinker — anyone from the Sunday tailgater to the hop aficionado — you set out to find that perfect beer-related gift. But when a quick Google search unearths a swath of products of varying utility and quality, your once obvious gift idea becomes an overwhelming burden.
You know a simple bottle opener is out of the question, and gifting an actual beer can be a risky endeavor, especially with an advanced palate to consider. But a specialized glass or a unique way to store all those neat bottle caps? Well, now you’re onto something.
Consider these five distinct, useful gifts to enliven the next bottle your friend cracks open. In return, they may even offer to share that rare barrel-aged stout at dinner next week.
1. Spiegelau IPA Glass
Notice your friend going on and about their love of hops and IPAs? Turns out, some glasses are designed specifically to accentuate the flavors those wonderful flowers contribute to beer.
Designed in collaboration with breweries Dogfish Head and Sierra Nevada, the Spiegelau IPA Glass features an inverted base meant to enhance both flavor and aroma, all while looking sleek and sophisticated.
2. Spiegelau Craft Beer Tasting Set
Maybe your friend appreciates all kinds of beers, from bitter IPAs to dark, rich stouts! In that case, the Spiegelau Tasting Set is your answer.
This set comes with three different types of glasses, all specially designed for craft beers. These glasses focus on beer enjoyment while staying faithful to the spirit of Bavarian craftsmanship.
Like the IPA Glass, the Stout Glass features the same inverted base, except with a minor variation to the design. This glass will bring out the roasted malt, coffee and chocolate notes of a great stout — the perfect brew for a cold fall or winter evening.
The Wheat Beer/Witbier Glass is a great staple glass for any beer enthusiast. They can enjoy any American and Belgian wheat beer, the world’s most popular beer variety, with a glass that fits comfortable in their hand. They’ll also love getting three gifts for the price of one!
3. Lagunitas Beer Flight
Bring the pub home with our Beer Tasting Flight Set. Created in Petaluma, CA from reclaimed Lagunitas bottles, these glasses are displayed in a recycled oak wood barrel innerstave tray. Each of the four glasses is hand-made with its own character and imperfections.
Give this as a gift to your beer loving friend or invite them over for a craft beer tasting and let them take the flight home at the end of the night!
4. Spiegelau Pilsner Glass
For a Pilsner lover, surprise them with a Spiegelau Pilsner Glass! These glasses will capture that earthy, crispy hoppiness that all ‘Pils’ aficiandos can’t get enough of.
Sold in sets of 4, they are produced in Germany (just like their beer) and possess thin, laser-cut, polished rims to maximize drinking pleasure.
But don’t take our word for it, listen to our valued customers instead:
“These pilsner glasses offer an enjoyable way to dress up beer drinking. The glasses are not too delicate, so they are good for everyday use and cleaning.“
–J, IWA Reviews
5. Growler and Glass Set
Know a homebrewer or someone with an ardent passion for local craft beer who enjoys lager glasses? A customizable Glass Growler and Set of 4 Pint Glasses is a fantastic way to help your friend share the fruits of their (or someone else’s) labor.
The growler and pint glasses each feature their very own chalkboard, offering space to name a beer, claim a glass or even draw a doodle. Either way, it’s a great way to add a personal touch to the beer drinking experience and invite friends along the way.
6. Lucca Wheat Beer Glass
Spiegelau glasses aren’t the only kind we offer – our Lucca collection adds a delicate, formal elegance to any occasion.
For the more sophisticated beer drinker, delight them with the Lucca Wheat Beer Glass. It features a delicate scroll pattern etched completely around the top of the glass. Made in Europe from lead-free crystal, your friend can elevate their drinking experience from the comfort of their own home.
What are your other go-to gifts for beer lovers?
About the author: Jake Guidry is a freelance writer and DJ based in Chicago. He spends his free time learning about — and indulging in — the vast world of food and drink.