People who like good beer are easy to buy for at Christmas – a few bottles of our favourites and a nice glass to drink them in, and we’re happy. Or maybe a beer hamper if you’re feeling generous?
If you're looking for ideas – or need some helpful suggestions – the Beer Club website is a great place to start. This Irish company is part of CarryOut Tyrrelstown off-licence, which stocks more than 400 beers, with vouchers and beer sets all available to order online (until Thursday December 21st).
They’re happy to offer advice on what to select, or to help create bespoke beer sets of three or four Irish IPAs or stouts or special Belgian beers with a branded glass – you choose. Their beer hampers look particularly good and come in small (€49.99) or large (€79.99) and are stocked with six or 12 bottles or cans, some beer snacks, a glass and Kate O’Ds beer truffles. You can choose from international or Irish beer hampers, including White Hag, Rascals, Trouble Brewing, amongst others. There is a €6 delivery charge for anywhere in Ireland.
A monthly subscription to the Beer Club is another great gift idea and includes a monthly box of beer, with tasting notes and score card. The idea is to bring craft beer drinkers together to learn more about different styles, while you can also join in their online Beer Club Twitter tastings. The solo packages start at €25 for one month up to €300 for 12 months; there are also duo and trio packages for group tastings at home with friends. For details see thebeerclub.ie
Tickets are now available now for Alltech, one of Ireland's biggest craft festivals held each year in Dublin's Convention Centre, March 8th-10th. The event features live music, Six Nations Rugby on big screens, craft distillers and cocktails and more than 300 Irish and international beers. Tickets are €13 to €46 and are available from eventbrite.ie.
@ITbeerista beerista@irishtimes.com
