The Holidays are Better with Beer

We're a retailer, so we figured we should probably do a gift guide for the holidays. Is it a little self-serving? So, we looked at all of the stuff we've given our friends over the years and figured that yours would love this stuff, too. From big ticket items to the perfect stocking stuffer, we have ideas to make your gift-giving a little more bubbly.

$100 to $250

Leland CO2 PicnicTap ($185, PortaBeer.com)

We've done a full review of the Leland CO2 PicnicTap Here, but at the risk of sounding like a broken record, we just love this product. Perhaps our favorite story with this was at a recent Jimmy Buffett concert, where we enjoyed a keg of Landshark Lager with the many friends we made that day. "Beer on tap? At a concert? That's awesome!" was the most common refrain. If you're interested in giving a gift that will not only be loved, but give the receiver instant popularity, pony up for this awesome product.

$10 to $25

Beer Wars: The Movie ($19.99, Amazon.com)

Directed by the former Mike's Hard Lemonade CEO Anat Baron, this flick shows the behind-the-scenes mechinations of the beer industry. Featuring Jim Koch of Samuel Adams and Sam Calagione, founder and CEO of PortaBeer favorite Dogfish Head brewery (not to mention TV star on Discovery's show BrewMasters) Ms. Baron takes us through how the big brewers take on the thousands of upstarts sprouting up across the country.

Six Pack Beverage Tote ($19, PortaBeer.com)

A "tote" doesn't seem like something in which you'd want to carry your favorite beer, but you'd absolutely be wrong. Easily transporting six bottles or cans, this carrier keeps your beer cold and refreshing for hours. Whether at a picnic, a party or a low-key tailgate, your beer will be protected and ready-to-go.

Sentol No-Effort Bottle Opener ($14, PortaBeer.com)

Firmly in the category of beer-related gadgetry, this opener will pop the top off of a pry-off or twist-off, but it will impress the heck out anyone within a 20-foot radius. Included is a carrying case that keeps the stainless-steel opener looking great and scratch-free.

$10 or Less

PortaBeer Credit Card Bottle Opener ($8, PortaBeer.com)

We love keychain bottle openers, but we also recognize that they can look a little, well, classless. When we found the wallet bottle opener, we came upon the best of both worlds, a portable, functional opener that can easily be concealed until it's needed. While just a litte on the heavy side (the stainless steel is about as think as two standard credit cards), it fits perfectly in a wallet or purse and is sure to be a crowd pleaser at the most opportune time.

Christmas Beer: The Cheeriest, Tastiest, and Most Unusual Holiday Brews ($7.95, Amazon.com)

A testament to the long winter days, Christmas beers tend to be a little on the "heavy" side, with ABVs often well over 8%. This book chronicles some of the most awesome, and strange, brews you can find around Christmas. You might have the urge, like we did, to tackle a few of these, but do so at your own risk - headaches might await the morning after.