The Session #52- Beer Collectibles & Breweriana- Gift Edition

I did not post for The Session last month.  Why? I know nothing about cheese. This month, the topic comes from All Over Beer:

As host of Session #52, I’ve decided not to focus on the substance of beer, but the material that plays a supporting role. Bottles, coasters, cans, labels, ads, tap handles, church keys, hats, t-shirts, tip trays, glassware and signs have been collected by fanatics ever since beer has been sold.

Like all other beer geeks, I have a rather large glassware selection.  Mine came to me through giveaways at bars (mostly Max's Wednesday pint night).  But I will not bore you with my favorite or memorable glasses. Instead, I will talk about gifts- while it is not totally on par with The Session topic, I will write anyway.

First is a gift I gave my brother- the somewhat-expert homebrewer. When traveling to a friends house to sample each other's homebrews, he would take along a leftover six pack holder from a case of beer he drank. I took note, and then found (on Etsy) a guy who made custom wooden six pack carriers.  It instantly became the talk of their little homebrew circle (I made up a logo for his "brewery", and had the ever famous Be Franklin misquote on it).  Even after they moved, he still uses it to lug his beer around, sometimes from the kitchen to the living room.  Definitely the coolest 6er I have ever seen.

The second gift I will talk about was the chalkboard they got me for Christmas this past year.  After buying our house, we were in need of cool beery decorations, enter the Tetley's mirror/chalkboard.  It works well as a mini show piece, as well as a makeshift brew schedule. I do not have many beer items on the walls, but this one is allowed to keep its place.

So for me, these two pieces of beer items are cool to see and talk about.  Hopefully someday I will get my own six-pack carrier.  And if you are looking for one, or looking for a great gift to give someone, check out that link.

Beer Truffles

Brought to my attention by Taste of Baltimore, Parfections in Cockeysville has truffles infused with beer.  Made with Heavy Seas beer, they truffles cost 12 for $21.  You can order online or stop in their store.  It looks like I have found a new unique gift idea.  Now if only I remember.

From their website:

"Heavy Seas”
Unique Beer Infused Truffles
Parfections has joined with Heavy Seas Brewery to bring you unforgettable beer infused truffles.
Contact us for beer-infused truffle availability!

"Peg Leg" Truffle Imperial Stout combined with Dark Chocolate.

“Loose Cannon Ale” Truffle Citrusy hop character ale infused in white & dark chocolate with fresh orange zest.

Below Decks Truffle Malty Barley wine ale infused in dark chocolate.

Smoke on the Water Imperial smoked Porter blended in Dark Chocolate & Topped with a smoked sea salt.

Siren Noire Chocolate Stout blended in Dark Chocolate with roasted cacao nibs. Other Beer Enthusiasts' Favorites Parfections also blends unique truffles from other high quality beers available in the area. A must-try for the beer enthusiast! Young’s Double Chocolate Stout Infused in Dark Chocolate and topped with roasted cacao nibs.  Fuller’s London Porter Blended with Milk Chocolate.  Stone Brewing Co. “Smoked Porter” Infused in Dark Chocolate and topped with a hickory smoked sea salt.  Guinness Dark Chocolate infused with Guinness Stout and enrobed in Dark Chocolate

Valentine's Day gifts

I caught a hold of DRAFT Mag's "6 Valentine's gifts for beer lovers" article this morning and noticed two things:

A) They are some cool items to get for beer people.

from his etsy page (not my purchase)

B) They have listed a 4-pack/6-pack holder from a guy on Etsy.

I feel bad that I don't think I ever mentioned this, but for Christmas last year, this was my gift to my brother. And it was Awesome. He carries his homebrew in it everywhere he goes. His neighbors were jealous (all homebrewers) and were hinting to their spouses to get them one.  A couple things about it:
-it is very sturdy, no thought of it coming apart.
-it can be customized. I sent the graphic to the maker, it came out perfectly. (And I am pretty sure he will be able to draft something simple up for you if you don't have something.)
-he is a real person. It is great to work with someone with a small workshop in his basement.
-it adds a personal touch to any gift. Check out the other stuff, from wedding invitations to coasters to jewelry boxes, the stuff is quality.

This is definitely a gift that almost all beer lovers would like.  Whether it is a homebrewer taking their own beer to a party, or someone who just wants to have something cool on their shelf, it works.