Holiday Gift Ideas For The Beer Lover 2014

The holidays are here and many of us still need to do some shopping. Here are some ideas for those beer loving friends and family members of yours. Prices are current as of the posting of this blog and are of course subject to change at any time.

BACtrac Vio Breathalyzer $52.02 on Amazon

This is one the better purchases I've made in recent memory. This device works with a free app via bluetooth using either Android or iOS. Guess your blood alcohol content checking it periodically and you'll be surprised at how quickly you actually get to the legal driving limit. Be sure to drink responsibly and never drive intoxicated.

Wooden Six Pack Holder from B.Y. Arcand of Minneapolis available at The Four Firkins for $32.99

Tired of all those empty cardboard six pack holders hanging around the house? Check out this beautiful hand crafted wooden beverage transportation device available at The Four Firkins. The built in bottle opener is a nice feature for those sick of asking for one. These are available in both cherry wood red hue stain, and teak dark wood stain.

Spiegelau Beer Classics Connoisseur Gift Set available on Amazon for $45.99

One of the best beer related gifts I have ever received. I got this set at the Beer Bloggers Conference a couple years ago and I can't get over how great these are. High quality and made of thin crystal, these four different glasses give you a unique beer drinking experience. The one and only Garrett Oliver (author and brewmaster at Brooklyn Brewery) explained to us that the glass you use matters, especially when it comes to tasting beer. These vessels are designed for you to stick your nose in and explore the many aromas, flavors and colors that beer has to offer.

About 4 years ago local/national beer writer, Cicerone, educator and overall good guy Michael Agnew set out to visit every brewery in the region and live to write about the experience. As he found out it was a tough task and after a few revisions it was finally published this year. I keep this well written reference guide on my coffee table and guests seem to enjoy paging through and checking out the local breweries. Michael offers his favorite choices at each brewery (over 200 of them) along with notes and brewery info such as contact information, hours, and nearby attractions. I don't even want to see that four year credit card statement.

Brewed in MInnesota T-Shirt available at brewedinminnesota.com for $20

Surely you have see this shirt around town. First printed by CHUX Print shop in St. Louis Park, this classic bottle cap log shirt is now being made by the Minnesota Craft Brewer Guild. There is something iconic about this logo set against a black background and it's worn proudly by brewers and beer geeks alike.

What are some items on your wish list? Share them in the comments below.