With hundreds of beers from around the world for sale in Alberta, there’s no shortage of gifts or stocking stuffers for the beer lover on your Christmas list. But if you want to take things to the next level, give a beer that’s relatively rare or collectable, or send someone on a fun beer-related experience he or she won’t soon forget. Here are a few ideas, just in time for the holidays.
Edmonton’s Blind Enthusiasm Brewing is releasing the first creation from its Monolith brewery, which specializes in mixed-fermentation beers. The wild yeast strains used in these kinds of beers bring a funk and complexity that’s prized by many craft drinkers, but those traits can sometimes scare off the uninitiated.
Measure of Patience is a gentle introduction to the genre for locals: At 5.9 per cent alcohol, it’s a pale golden ale that’s light, effervescent and balanced with moderate acidity and fruitiness.
“It’s meant to be a mixed-fermentation beer that someone who has never had the style can enjoy,” Blind Enthusiasm owner Greg Zeschuk says.
Measure of Patience will be available at Blind Enthusiasm’s Ritchie Market location, as well as select liquor stores; 750 mL bottles will retail for approximately $20, and 375 mL bottles will sell for about $12.
Sherbrooke Liquor is known for its abundance of beer — but the store is also home to a rare gem. Every fall, the store dusts off a dwindling stash of Samichlaus doppelbock made in 2010, packaged in 750 mL bottles and bundled in a limited-edition gift set with two branded tulip glasses.
Samichlaus is a strong (14 per cent ABV) and complex beer that’s made for sipping on a cold winter’s night. What makes the gift set particularly special is that aging has deepened the flavours and added more complexity.
“You get tons of raisins, prunes and a lot of dates. It also has a vinous red wine characteristic to it now and some brandy,” says Stephen Bezan, beer manager at Sherbrooke, adding that the gift pack sells for just under $35.