The world of homebrewing allows for a lot of experimentation and potential. There is no shortage of new equipment to try, ingredients to experiment with, and ways to expand a homebrewing operation. We put together a list of 10 creative gift ideas that touch on all these possibilities to inspire some ideas for what to get the beer-maker friends and loved ones in your life this Christmas.
Sure to be appreciated by your homebrewing giftee, a Yakima Valley Hops gift card allows beer makers to pick from an extensive portfolio of traditional pellets to experimental advanced products, such as liquid hops. This beloved supplier is known for its high-quality products and does not require any long-term contracts. yakimavalleyhops.com, starting at $10
Siebel Institute of Technology Comprehensive Sensory Kit
Know a craft brewer who wants to hone their nose and taste buds? The Comprehensive Sensory Kit by Siebel Institute of Technology, the famous Chicago brewing college, is the perfect training ground. The easy-to-use kit includes 25 vials of good and bad flavors and aromas, representing beer's most important smells and tastes. Smaller specialty kits, such as the Craft Kit or off-flavor kits, are also available. shop.siebelinstitute.com, $228
Brew Share Enjoy Homebrew Starter Kit
You may know someone who wants to try homebrewing but is intimidated by the equipment and process. The Brew Share Enjoy Homebrew Starter Kit is a streamlined, all-inclusive setup so newbies can get started with the essentials without overcomplicating it. The starter kit includes everything the new brewer needs, including ingredients, boil kettles, fermenters, bottling buckets, and straightforward process instructions. The Brew Share Enjoy makes five gallons of beer for 48 bottles. The kits come in three different flavors from Northern Brewer, including an amber ale, IPA, or hefeweizen. Note: bottles are not included in this kit. northernbrewer.com, $120
Tilt Wireless Hydrometer
This helpful tool tracks the gravity and temperature of a brew during the fermentation phase, point by point, so your giftee doesn't have to peek in, fiddle around, and risk ruining their beer. Beer makers who use this tool say it's helped them improve their brewing process by simplifying data tracking. The Tilt connects with an app, and information is updated based on the time increment of the brewer's choosing, so they always know what's happening inside the fermentation tank. amazon.com, $135
Custom Tap Handles
Tap handles help tell a beer’s story and express its personality. For a thoughtful, personal gift, you can make a custom tap handle for the beer lover in your life. Design Your Tap offers fully customizable or quick, semi-custom designs made in the USA. Choose from wood engravings or full graphics, then pick your shape, colors, and material. Design Your Tap is one of many options available online and on Etsy, so it’s worth looking into what might resonate with your giftee the most. designyourtap.com, starts at around $40
The Craft Society Beer of the Month Club
For ongoing inspiration, a monthly homebrew ingredient subscription will keep your beer-making gift recipient busy all year. Each member receives a new surprise of ingredients monthly, starting with an imperial stout recipe kit and other goodies. Kits can come with equipment if needed. Bonus: The initiation box includes two coasters, a member ID, stickers, and a gold-plated glass. Select the subscription based on the amount of equipment your giftee already has, plus the volume amount. The subscription also provides access to the Craft Society’s exclusive Facebook group, where hobbyists trade their expert knowledge and brewing advice, which is just as fun as the boxes themselves. craftbrew.com, Starting at $48 for the first month, then $20 monthly.
Oktober Benchmk Drill-Powered Can Seamer
Canning is usually cost-prohibitive for many homebrewers. But the Oktober Benchmk lowered the cost of entry so now anybody can can! The machine requires a little more manual work than other canners on the market but is simple to use with a little practice. To use, closing the splash guard that locks the can in place. Users have to attach a drill to the top of the machine to spin the can while using an operation lever to seal the can shut. The canner works with standard 16 and 12-ounce cans and is easy to assemble. oktoberdesign.com, $499
A Hop Spider
This piece of equipment can save homebrewers a headache when cleaning their setup. A hop spider is a stainless steel mesh basket that goes in the boil kettle where brewers add hops. The mesh keeps the hop particles from moving around freely in the kettle, making a mess, and clogging equipment. Not everyone is a fan of hop spiders. Some think the baskets themselves are a pain to clean. Others believe brewing without the sleeve adds more hop characters to the beer. However, this is a good gift for a homebrewer willing to experiment and determine what they prefer. pilotbrewingsupply.com, $30
Label Slayer
This doohickey makes labeling cans and bottles simple and affordable for homebrewers, allowing them to add a professional touch to their creations in just a few seconds. Using a 12” roll of labels, beer-makers can apply their custom designs perfectly in one satisfying pull. The device features a straightforward, no-frills design, making it easy to use without any complicated setup. labelslayer.com, Starting at $79