Holiday Gift Idea | Mashing In

Mother’s/Father’s Day Gift Guide: A Subscription to The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club

Posted on May 8, 2020June 17, 2020 by mashingin

It is once again that time to celebrate our parents during the six week stretch that contains their given holidays in 2020: Mother’s Day on May 10 and Father’s Day on June 21. The crew here at Mashing In is well aware that finding a decent gift gets more and more difficult as we get older (and even more so when we are all dealing with a global pandemic), so we have put our heads together to compile a gift guide for those moms and dads that enjoy a well-crafted adult beverage from time to time. For this installment of the guide, we focus on a gift that caters to the parent that enjoys trying new beers each month: a subscription to one of the many club options from The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club.

Widely known as one of the most respected beer-of-the-month clubs in existence, The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club is a family-owned business that was founded in 1994 with a mission to “consistently [deliver] quality, variety, and value through [its] structured craft beer selection process.” Passionately dedicated to providing the best possible customer experience, the people behind The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club are “committed to building relationships with [their] customers and to offering reliable, responsive customer service from a trustworthy company.” This customer experience is further elevated by The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club’s newsletters that aim to make members more knowledgeable beer drinkers by providing incredibly detailed information on the breweries, beers and beer styles featured in each box. Oh . . . and by the way . . . The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club does not just offer one beer club. They actually have five different club options to fit the taste of the recipient, and here are three examples that could be perfect for mom and/or dad:

**UPDATE** Craft Beer Delivery Option – In order to bring some added convenience to beer fans during the COVID-19 crisis, The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club has adapted to offer customers the chance to assemble a one-time, customized craft beer sampler shipment via their beer store. If you would like to build your parent a package that is targeted directly to his/her tastes, now is the perfect time to do so. All you have to do is click here to jump to the beer store and begin building your order. **UPDATE**

If you are still scrambling to find that perfect gift for your beer-lovin’ mom or dad, your problem is solved because it does not get much easier than The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club. Just head over to their website, select a subscription, and give your parent the gift that will remind them each month of how good of a kid you are. Prost!

Mother’s/Father’s Day Gift Guide: Gift Sets from Shots Box

Posted on May 5, 2020 by mashingin

It is once again that time to celebrate our parents during the six week stretch that contains their given holidays in 2020: Mother’s Day on May 10 and Father’s Day on June 21. The crew here at Mashing In is well aware that finding a decent gift gets more and more difficult as we get older (and even more so when we are all dealing with a global pandemic), so we have put our heads together to compile a gift guide for those moms and dads that enjoy a well-crafted adult beverage from time to time. This installment of the guide focuses on the parent that likes to explore new bottles to rotate into his/her liquor cabinet: a selection of gift sets from Shots Box.

Shots Box is an online fine liquor retailer and monthly subscription service “that brings amazing craft spirits from around the country directly to your doorstep.” Although the company’s goal is to introduce you to and educate you on exciting and new spirits with mini, shot-sized bottles, they also let you directly purchase full-sized bottles of any offering you fall in love with after sampling. This makes Shots Box an incredibly convenient service that “[takes] the hassle and guesswork out of choosing a new drink to enjoy.”

The beverage specialists at Shots Box regularly curate gift sets that are a great option for holidays and celebrations. Here are a few suggestions that would make for a perfect gift for mom or dad this year:

Mother’s Day Gift Set – $38.99

A gift set that contains everything mom needs to enjoy her day. Contains five mini bottles that “Mom is sure to LOVE,” one 187ml bottle of Maschio Sparkling Rosé, and two shot glasses.

Bloody Mary Brunch Bundle – $41.98

Everything mom and dad need to enjoy a Bloody Mary – just Mix and Enjoy! Garnish with whatever is in the fridge! Contains one 750ml bottle of American Harvest Vodka and one 750ml bottle of Classic Bloody Mary Premium Mixer from Hella Cocktail Co.

Customizable Shots Box – $49.99

Custom build a Shots Box just for mom or dad by choosing 10 mini bottles that fit his or her tastes. Choices range from Absinthe to Whiskey and everything in-between.

Shots Box gift sets are available for delivery in the majority of the United States (click here to view the company’s delivery map). If you would like to hook mom and/or dad up with a fun and tasty gift from Shots Box, all you have to do is click on one of the featured gift sets above to get some fine libations headed their way in time for their holidays. Prost!

Holiday Gift Guide 2019: DraftBottle Stainless-Steel, Reusable Beer Bottle

Posted on December 20, 2019 by mashingin

The 2019 Holiday Season is upon us and it is time to start thinking about those unique gift ideas. The crew here at Mashing In is well aware that it is often difficult to find that perfect gift, so we have decided to compile a gift guide for anyone in your life that enjoys a well-crafted adult beverage from time to time. This installment of the gift guide is for the beer drinker who enjoys his/her draft beer on the go: the DraftBottle from CTL Investments LLC.

Chris Lyons, Inventor/President at CTL Investments LLC & DraftBottle, came up with the idea for the DraftBottle one day when he was wanting to enjoy a beer from his kegerator while doing yard work. In that moment, Lyons realized he did not have a proper vessel for that occasion because a mug or plastic cup could easily spill, make it possible for debris to get into his beer, and would allow the beer to warm/go flat too quickly. That realization led Lyons to mentally design a reusable, insulated, stainless-steel beer bottle that opens below the neck so that it can be easily filled with draft beer. He then put his idea on paper, sent it off to a patent attorney, and the DraftBottle went on to become a reality.

More than just another stainless-steel bottle, the patented DraftBottle is a truly unique beverage container that has the following features and uses (descriptions sourced directly from DraftBottle’s press release):

DraftBottle Features

DraftBottle unscrews below the neck allowing you to easily fill it with 1 Pint (the bottle will hold 22oz in total) of draft beer, beer from a growler, mixed drinks or any other beverage. It’s made from 18/8 food grade stainless steel, and the base cup is double walled and vacuum sealed to keep your brew cold!

The reusable screw cap prevents spills and stops anything unwanted from getting inside. The exterior is powder coated to help durability, it’s sweat-proof, and has a leak-proof seal around the separation. DraftBottle is eco-friendly, BPA free and dishwasher safe.

DraftBottle Uses

The uses for DraftBottle are endless. There is the obvious use for draft beer, beer from a growler, glass bottled/canned beer, and so on. It also is great in the heat around your pool, where you do not want glass drinkware/bottles, at the beach, in the yard, tailgating and on and on. We have also had feedback of customers using them as water bottles where it allows you to easily add ice to the cup.

The DraftBottle is available now for the manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $24.99 each, and you can purchase yours by visiting the DraftBottle website (click here to do so). Prost!

Holiday Gift Guide 2019: Select Rums Chosen by Spiribam Fine Rum Specialists

Posted on December 11, 2019December 11, 2019 by mashingin

The 2019 Holiday Season is upon us and it is time to start thinking about those unique gift ideas. The crew here at Mashing In is well aware that it is often difficult to find that perfect gift, so we have decided to compile a gift guide for anyone in your life that enjoys a well-crafted adult beverage from time to time. This installment of the gift guide is a suggestion for the rum aficionado in your life: a selection of fine rums curated by Spiribam.

Widely known as “America’s fine rum specialists,” Spiribam is a North American company that “represents, markets, and distributes fine Caribbean rums from Martinique, Saint Lucia, Guadeloupe, and Mauritius.” By utilizing their vast knowledge of rum and the relationships they have established with fine rum makers, Spiribam has proudly assembled a “distinguished portfolio of world-class rums, centered on heritage, legacy, innovation, and creativity.”

In order to help you pick out the perfect bottle of rum this Holiday Season, the kind folks at Spiribam have stepped up to provide us all with the following list of reasonably priced selections – in the $30 to $40 range – from Rhum Clement of Martinique, Rhum JM of Martinique, and Chairman’s Reserve Rum of St. Lucia (descriptions sourced directly from Spiribam’s press release):

Rhum Clément VSOP Rhum Agricole Vieux – Established in 1887, Rhum Clement is regarded as the benchmark for Martinique Rhum Agricole. Rhum Agricole is distilled from sugarcane juice instead of molasses as is tradition. Rhum Clement was one of the first available Rhum Agricoles available in the U.S., and if you’re looking for a rhum connoisseurs’ latest obsession, you’ve arrived with Rhum Clément VSOP Rhum Agricole Vieux ($39.99), the flagship AOC Martinique Rhum Agricole and the gold standard of Martinique. Clément V.S.O.P. Rhum Agricole Vieux is aged a minimum of four years in virgin Limousin barriques and re-charred Bourbon casks. The superb alchemy of natural rum from sugarcane juice matured in a unique variety of the world’s finest oak barrels orchestrated by our Cellar Master gives this exceptional aged rum its brilliant mahogany color, roasted cocoa bean aroma and its illustrious smooth mellow character. A true world-class rum experience, and the perfect gift for rum lovers this holiday season.
Rhum Clement’s Select Barrel – For something a little different, try Rhum Clement’s Select Barrel ($39.99). Select Barrel is aged in particular oak barrels selected for their rich natural sweetness and intense aromatic qualities under the watchful eyes of our cellar master at Habitation Clément. The imaginative alchemy with this contemporary approach to selected oak results in a magnificent aged Rhum Agricole with well-balanced sweetness. Perfect for cold weather cocktails, such as Amber Ti’Punch.
Rhum JM V.O. – The elusive Rhum JM V.O. ($34.99) has been consumed with love in Martinique for decades. The V.O has been aged for a minimum of 3 years and the result is a rich, full-bodied rhum with notes of oak & caramel, balanced with the complex, expressive character unique to Martinique’s sugar cane. Three years of aging qualifies this V.O. as an “Aged Rhum” by appellation law, but the price point suits it perfectly for mixing in cocktails, filling a gap that has long existed in the world of rhum agricole. The richness achieved from the new oak makes it an excellent blending partner, while its age has allowed it to truly turn the corner and stand up as an entry-level sipper.
Chairman’s Reserve Rum – One of the best blended rums in the world, Chairman’s Reserve is known by rum nerds as a “single blended” rum as it is a blend of column and pot still rum from the same distillery. Due to their long-standing commitment to only using Guyanese molasses, and the small capacity of the distillery, Chairman’s Reserve is predicated on top quality and distinction. Created by Laurie Barnard, the last founding family member to hold the Chairman’s position at St. Lucia Distillers in 1999, he experimented with blending respective casks of pot still rum and column still rum. By returning the blended rum back into oak barrels for additional aging, Barnard created a soft, well-balanced, and flavorful spirit that has become the benchmark for St. Lucian rum. Try Chairman’s Reserve Original 40% ($27.99) for a taste of this excellency in St. Lucian rum, or Chairman’s Reserve Spiced Rum 40% ($27.99), the only all-natural and true to its heritage spiced rum on the market.

All the rums listed above are available now at select liquor retailers located throughout the U.S. If you would like to order bottles directly, you can do so by visiting Spiribam’s website (click here). Prost!

Holiday Gift Guide 2019: Oso de Oro Vermouth from T.W. Hollister & Co.

Posted on October 28, 2019 by mashingin

The 2019 Holiday Season is fast approaching and it is time to start thinking about those unique gift ideas. The crew here at Mashing In is well aware that it is often difficult to find that perfect gift, so we have decided to compile a gift guide for anyone in your life that enjoys a well-crafted adult beverage from time to time. This installment of the gift guide is for the friend, loved one or co-worker that loves a good martini and/or other vermouth-based cocktails: Oso de Oro Red Vermouth and Oso de Oro Dry Vermouth from T.W. Hollister & Co. (Gaviota, California).

Established in the central coastal area of California, T.W. Hollister & Co. is a family-owned company “dedicated to producing sustainably-sourced and locally-fortified vermouth.” Each hand-crafted Vermouth is fortified with “sustainable Californian ingredients, including those grown on [the family’s] property at Hollister Ranch” such as “white sage, berries, olive, eucalyptus, almonds and walnuts.”

T.W. Hollister & Co. currently offers the following two small-batch Vermouths:

Oso de Oro Red Vermouth

19 botanicals, including Hummingbird sage, blood orange, grapefruit peel, ginger root and wormwood.

Infused with a unique blend of 19 botanicals, our red vermouth is finished with organic caramel sourced from a fifth-generation European caramel company, enhancing the overall texture and imparting a mild, pleasing sweetness to balance the wine’s natural acidity. Fruit-forward and herbal, its complex layers and sweet floral nuances round out the long finish. Try it on its own, or enjoy in your favorite cocktail.

ABV: 18%
No. of bottles: 1,000
Suggested Retail: $37

Oso de Oro Dry Vermouth

12 botanicals, including orange peel, chamomile, rose hips and wormwood.

Infused with a unique blend of 12 botanical ingredients, this dry style of vermouth is fruit-forward and floral, enhanced by subtle herbal notes with a lengthy, pleasant finish. Light on the palate, its complex flavors and balanced acidity make it easy to enjoy on its own or in your favorite cocktail. We love it in a Spritz with a twist of orange peel.

ABV: 16%
No. of bottles: 1,000
Suggested Retail: $37

If you would like to purchase a bottle of Oso de Oro Red Vermouth or Oso de Oro Dry Vermouth (or both) for a loved one this holiday season, you can do so by visiting select retailers in California or you can order directly through the T.W. Hollister & Co. website. Prost!

Holiday Gift Idea: The TrailKeg

Posted on December 19, 2017December 19, 2017 by mashingin

Holiday shopping days are drying up fast, but you still have the chance to hook up the beer fan in your life with a sweet TrailKeg growler system.

We all know that growlers are awesome because they provide us with the option to enjoy fresh draft beer in the comfort of our own homes. The only issue: that freshness is quickly compromised in traditional growlers the moment you unscrew the cap for your first pour. CO2 escapes, oxygen gets in, the beer goes flat, and its flavor could be altered.

The remedy: TrailKeg, “a vacuum-insulated CO2 pressurized beer growler that keeps . . . drinks cold for 24 hours and perfectly carbonated for weeks.” Designed to be a multipurpose device, the TrailKeg can be used as a stand-alone tap system or – with available upgrades – it can “[interface] with industry standard equipment that many beer lovers already own, such as Kegerators, beer taps, gas systems, and more.” Its convenience goes well beyond that as its “virtually indestructible” stainless steel construction and vacuum insulation allow you to pour perfectly “cold and carbonated” beers while “tailgating, enjoying a weekend outdoors, or enjoying a cold one on the back porch with a group of friends.” Whether you are at home or out on an adventure, TrailKeg’s versatile capabilities easily make it the growler that you need to have at your side.

The 64 oz. TrailKeg Growler alone starts at $29.99 each or you can go all-in with the tap-ready TrailKeg Package (64 oz.) that starts at $99.99 each (click here for options and direct link to purchase). Either way you choose to go with this gift, rest assured that any beer lover will get plenty of use and mileage out of a TrailKeg. Prost!

Holiday Gift Idea: Bottle Opener Roundup

Posted on December 13, 2017December 13, 2017 by mashingin

If you are looking for the perfect stocking stuffer for the beer aficionado in your life, for the love of all that is good do not waste your money on some gimmicky, novelty “beer-related” item you found on some display in some department store. Instead, spend your hard-earned cash on something that they will actually use. Something functional. Perhaps something like one of these awesome bottle openers:

For the Bottle Cap Collector – The GrOpener – starting at $16 each (pictured above)

Short for “Grabopener”, the GrOpener is an aluminum bottle opener designed to use the “motion and force from the act of grabbing the bottle to also remove the cap.” Beyond its universal design (that also “accommodates amputees, stroke victims and others who may only have full use of one hand”), the GrOpener “keeps caps flat, . . . leverages pull tabs on cans, and [has a] magnet [that allows] it to stow on your beer fridge.” One of the contributors here at Mashing In is an avid bottle cap collector, and the GrOpener gets daily use in our office because each cap remains in pristine condition after removal. For that reason, we can confirm that this item is an awesome opener that is built for function while still having great aesthetics.

For the Stylish Beer Drinker – The Go-Comb Bottle Opener – starting at $15.99 each

“Made from precision-crafted stainless steel and coated with a smooth finish”, the Go-Comb Bottle Opener fits easily in your wallet or bag, keeps you looking good, and conveniently opens your beer. What else could you ask for? In case you were wondering, the comb has a fine-tooth design that “works best in short hair and beards.”

For the Cycling Enthusiast – Road Popper – starting at $35 each

A lot of cyclists these days like to finish off a long ride with a refreshing beverage, and the Road Popper makes it so those folks can avoid having to stash an opener somewhere in their cycling shorts. 3-D printed in bronze-infused stainless steel and available in a variety of finishes, this opener is designed “to fasten discreetly to the rails on the underside of” a conventional bike saddle. It can easily open any bottle cap, but you really shouldn’t drink and bike. So, let’s be sure to only open beers with the Road Popper when the ride is officially done.

For the Gamer That Loves Beer – Fallout Nuka Cola Bottle Opener – $19.99 each

We all know things can get a little crazy out there in The Wastes. For instance, say you just got out of a harrowing battle with a frickin’ Deathclaw that came out of nowhere. Despite being wildly unprepared for that moment (both emotionally and in your inventory), you somehow triumphed. Moments like these call for a beer, and nothing will widen a victory smile more than prying that cap off with this gorgeous, wall-mounted Nuka Cola opener.
If you have no idea what we are talking about, please excuse our nerdery. Just trust that Fallout fans will love this opener.

For Lovers of the Short Pour – Hermetus Bottle Opener & Resealer – $9.97 each

The Dilemma: a beer drinker really wants to get into a big ol’ bottle of delicious barrel-aged goodness, but is trying to avoid crushing 22 ounces of high ABV beer in one sitting on his/her own. How can one possibly sip on this brew responsibly without being wasteful?
The Answer: The Hermetus. This item will not only allow you to open that bottle, but it also gives you the ability to “simply seal your bottle by sliding the product on the brim of the glass, keeping the carbon dioxide and freshness inside.” Drink what you want, save the rest for later. It’s perfect.

Holiday Gift Idea: Last-Minute Beer Gift Packs

Posted on December 23, 2016 by mashingin

As the holiday season nears its culmination, many of us may still be scrambling to track down a few last-minute gifts. If a beer lover remains on your list, we have you covered with a few beer gift packs that can be easily acquired at your local bottle shop or liquor store.

For the Belgian Beer Fan: St. Bernardus Gift Set

This beautiful gift set includes a stunning chalice glass and the following four, quintessential Belgian brews from the highly regarded Brouwerij St. Bernardus of Watou:

**Note: There is another gift set available out there consisting of two glasses and a six-pack containing just the St. Bernardus Prior 8, St. Bernardus Tripel, & St. Bernardus Abt 12.**

If the target of this gift pack has been extra good this year, you could also consider rounding off the set by including a 750ml bottle of St. Bernardus Christmas Ale.

For the German Purist: The Ultimate Bavarian Gift Pack from Weihenstephaner

Since I fall into this category, I would be absolutely elated to receive this gift pack each and every year. This set includes a branded Weizen glass and four of the following eight beer offerings from “The World’s Oldest Brewery”, Bavarian State Brewery Weihenstephan:

**Note: The four beers in each gift pack are clearly marked on the top of the box.**

For the Craft Beer Newcomer: Spiegelau Craft Beer Tasting Kit & Hand-Selected Mix Pack

The Craft Beer Tasting Kit from Spiegelau may be a bit harder to track down, but a lot of fine craft beer stores are carrying them these days. This gift set consists of three glasses that were meticulously crafted to improve the experience of certain beer styles. The Craft Beer Tasting Kit includes the following three specialty glasses:

The Spiegelau IPA Glass
The Spiegelau Witbier/American Wheat Glass
The Spiegelau Stout Glass

**Note: You might also find a new Craft Beer Tasting Kit from Spiegelau containing a fourth glass, The Spiegelau Barrel Aged Glass. Either set would make an amazing gift.**

Complete this gift with a mixed six-pack of beers to go into these glasses, and you will probably earn the title of “Coolest Gift Giver Ever” from the recipient.

That’s just a handful of ideas that will make just about any beer drinker happy. If you cannot track these down, most beer stores typically have a wide selection of other gift sets during the holiday season. If not, just talk to the beer specialist at the bottle shop to come up with a few bottles that match the taste and personality of your target. Go the thoughtful route and you can never go wrong. Happy holidays to all! Prost!

Holiday Gift Idea: Bourbon Barrel-Aged Bottle Opener from YOpeners

Posted on December 13, 2016December 21, 2016 by mashingin

If you want to hook up your beer-lovin’ friend/family member this year with a unique but useful gift, you really need to check out the Bourbon Barrel-Aged Bottle Opener handcrafted by the folks at YOpeners.

Before we get to these incredibly awesome bottle openers, we really need to let you know the wonderful story behind them. When John Miller came up with the idea to create YOpeners, his intentions went far beyond just establishing a small business. The true inspiration for YOpeners was simply to come up with a project that allowed him to spend some quality time with his autistic and legally blind son. Although his dexterity and vision issues keep him from using power tools, Miller’s son has become quite the expert at “helping press the carriage bolt into the opener.” When the duo completes a batch of bottle openers, pricing for each YOpener is then set to “basically covers the cost of materials and shipping” so that they can continue to buy materials for the next project. It is quite clear that these openers are about much more than selling a product and making a profit. They are more importantly a means to provide a father and son the chance to bond while “making some sawdust together.”

The Bourbon Barrel-Aged Rare Earth Edition YOpener has been made with various bourbon barrels that once aged beers at Anthem Brewing Company. Once the barrels are broken down, the staves are then cut, shaped and assembled to become a uniquely designed bottle opener that “opens the bottle while leaving the cap in perfect condition with no bends or creases of any kind.” For your convenience, these bottle openers also feature a wax cutter to handle those stubborn wax-dipped bombers and a convenient leather strap for added ease of use. As an added bonus, the special edition Bourbon Barrel-Aged Rare Earth Edition YOpener has a “a rare earth magnet embedded so it will stick to the fridge AND hold onto the cap when you open your bottle.” These openers are available on Etsy now for just $22 (click here to check them out), and you can even get a custom engraving add-on for $5 more.

Basically, what we have here is a thoughtful, custom-made, handcrafted gift that will see daily use and act as a heartwarming conversation piece whenever used while entertaining company. How can you possibly go wrong here? Make it happen and you can thank me later. Prost!

bbayopenerbottom_edited — **Photo Credit (Featured Image & Above Image): Brian from the Beer God Blog**

Holiday Gift Idea: Pack of Yetis from Great Divide Brewing Co.

Posted on December 6, 2016July 26, 2018 by mashingin

Looking for that perfect gift for the craft beer lover in your life? Well, Great Divide Brewing Co. (Denver, Colorado) just might have you covered with the release of their Pack of Yetis holiday gift pack.

We know it can a bit challenging at times when it comes to holiday shopping for a craft beer fan, but a variety pack sporting a unique drinking vessel and a selection of award-winning brews is a fantastic place to start. Great Divide Brewing Co. made such a gift a reality when they put together and released the Pack of Yetis. This gift pack consists of a stainless steel carabiner mug that reads, “Yeti In A Coffee Cup Looks Like Coffee In A Coffee Cup” (pictured to the right), and a random selection of three of the five Yeti Imperial Stout variants listed below (22 oz. bottles):

The Pack of Yetis is available now for the suggested retail price of $24.99 (price may vary by location) and can be found in select markets within the Great Divide distribution footprint.

If your craft beer compadre prefers a more fanciful approach to his/her drinking experience, Great Divide Brewing also has some limited edition, specialty Barrel Aged glasses available (pictured to the left). The fine glassware makers at Spiegelau teamed up with representatives from Great Divide, Cigar City Brewing, Green Flash Brewing Co. and Uinta Brewing to design a glass that completely enhances the nuances of barrel-aged beers. You can order these beauties directly from the brewery’s Hop Shop for $10 each plus shipping (click here to do so). Side note: If you are really fond of the recipient of these glasses, you can also track down a bottle of Barrel-aged Yeti Imperial Stout – a limited release offering available in December and sold separately – to throw in the box. Do that and you will instantly become their favorite person. Guaranteed.

We hope these gift ideas have helped you out, and be sure to check back here often because the Mashing In team will be providing tips and suggestions all holiday season long. Prost!