Giving the Gift of Beer this Christmas

We all know that one person who is impossible to buy for. They usually have everything they want, so buying for them becomes an exercise in creativity each year. If they like beer, you can never go wrong with something interesting and a number of Irish craft breweries are bringing out gift packs this Christmas. These usually consist of a mix of some beers, often including a seasonal special and usually will have a branded glass or two.

O’Hara’s and Black’s have confirmed that they are releasing a gift pack, but many off licences and supermarkets put their own together. The O’Hara’s pack contains either three beers (Winter Star, stout and IPA) or else two beers (Winter Star and IPA) and a glass.

How about an experience instead? The Dublin Bar Academy runs a four hour craft beer appreciation course for €49 and gift vouchers are available. See www.dublinbaracademy.com for more info.

For something a little more in depth and pricey, Porterhouse runs a full day, accredited beer course at their Beer Academy. It’s designed for getting ino the profession but could still be fun for amateurs and enthusiasts alike. Those that finish the foundation course can choose to go on to the advanced course. The foundation course is €280. See www.theporterhouse.ie for more info.

However you choose to spend Christmas this year, consider some beer and food matching to see how different beers compliment or contrast different courses on Christmas day. It might be fun to do this alongside wine to see how both drinks compare. Just be sure to act responsibly and keep the measures to a reasonable tasting level rather than full glasses.