1. A Brewery Gift Card
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
The last several months haven’t been easy for local breweries. But they’ve hung in admirably, and many have been clever with how they do business during the pandemic. Reward them for their tenacity to ensure that bustling taprooms return to normal when COVID-19 is a thing of the past. Gift cards are a great way to do that. The brewery benefits immediately, and the recipient of the card wins whenever they put the gift to use. Spread the wealth among a few of the locals. They’ll appreciate it.
2. Cool Beer Gear
ORDER ONLINE
Milwaukee Beer Gear has been mentioned here before, but it’s simply because they have cool things. The site has a few apparel choices and some glassware. But where it really shines is in the coaster department. The attractive etched wooden gems are adorned with designs like the People’s Flag of Wisconsin and maps of Milwaukee neighborhoods. They’re a great addition to a home bar, which will no doubt be a popular spot during this pandemic winter.
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3. Pack and a Pie from City Lights
2200 W. MOUNT VERNON AVE.
Providing dinner for a night during the hectic holiday season is a great gift. There are plenty of fine options for carryout in Milwaukee, but I love what City Lights Brewing is doing with take and bake pizzas. For just $20 you get a six pack of City Lights beer (yes, Coconut Porter and Hazy IPA are two of the several options) and a 12″ take-and-bake pizza.
4. Baseball and Beer
135 E. PITTSBURGH AVE.
Broken Bat Brewery (135 E. Pittsburgh Ave.) has a gift that combines Brewers baseball with beer, which just makes all sorts of sense. On Saturday (Dec. 19), the brewery is offering signed copies Adam McCalvy’s book, The Milwaukee Brewers at 50, paired nicely with either a four-pack of beer or a bottle of 762* “The King” Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout (a wise choice) for just $50.
5. Brew Day Experience
FROM YOUR HOME
Some aspiring home brewers just need a little push to get into the hobby. Brookfield-based Brew Day Experience brings high-tech brewing equipment to your home so that those who fear the commitment of investing in pricey equipment can try out brewing first. The five-gallon batch of beer is a fortunate byproduct of the fun.
6. Wisconsin Craft Beer Box
8930 W. NORTH AVE.
Ray’s Wine & Spirits offers a great way to sample beers from more than a dozen Wisconsin breweries. The Wisconsin Craft Beer Box features 24 different beers from the likes of New Glarus, Raised Grain, City Lights, Enlightened and many more. The wide range of styles doesn’t disappoint. The box costs $39.99 and is worth every penny.
7. A Late Beer Release
2018 E. NORTH AVE.
If you’re the ultimate procrastinator, you can rely on Hacienda Beer Co. They’re releasing two new beers on Wednesday, Dec. 23. Give the gift of Electric Flower Garden Rye Pale Ale, a dank and spicy pour or Tropi-Choco Chocolate Orange Milk Stout. It’s like drinking a chocolate orange candy ball. Happy holidays indeed.
