The year’s just about over, but that’s no reason not to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. How’s your mini-bar looking?
Those who love to drink and those who only sip a cup of wine once a week to go with their dinner join hands…there’s a lot of good, seasonal stuff out there for you to enjoy. The winter season is well-known for cultivating as much warmth as possible to push back the chill, extending both to holidays and our own habits. It’s only natural your wine stores and local brew would follow suit. The list below is a great place to start if you want to buy your friends a tasty gift. It’s also a launching pad for giving your tastebuds something to celebrate when you’re weary of the same old bottle.
It’s time to talk craft beer and growlers. Here are some great gift ideas for the beer lover.
Beer Games
What’s a great way to enhance any get-together? Beer games! Every weekend in the United States over 44,000 weddings take place, with office parties and Bar Mitzvahs following close behind. Not only do people want to get good and drunk, they want to enjoy life to the fullest with some good, old-fashioned competitions. Some of the most popular beer games are beer pong, slap cup, and Kings, though you can always come up with some of your own if you’re feeling creative!
Local Beer
The best way to enjoy beer games is with good beer, of course. One of the best ways to bring out the winter season is to look toward local breweries with unique specials. Small and independent businesses account for over 95% of all breweries in operation today, broken down through 2,000 microbreweries, 1,600 brewpubs, and 170 regional craft breweries. Contract brewing companies can also bring you interesting products, so be sure to call in or check online while you’re browsing for presents. You never know what you’ll find.
Seasonal Varieties
Don’t go to liquor stores unless you’re ready for novelty! Seasonal drinks run the gamut from spicy ginger ales to rich, frothy dark beers. Hard cider and spiced wine are also good choices, particularly among Millennials — a 2015 study found this demographic consuming 155 cases, of 40%, of all wine sold in the United States. Younger drinks are also considered to be thirstier than older oenophiles, drinking an average of three glasses compared to two for Gen Xers and one for Baby Boomers. What’s a good way to compliment this thirst?
Growler Fill
Look no further than growlers to cure what’s ailing you. A growler is a classic way of getting a lot of alcohol in a tidy package, particularly if you find yourself partying regularly. Pairing different types of beer with a sturdy growler can make for a great gift on its own or a supplemental touch. Don’t count wine out, however! A recent study found nearly 20% of all Millennial wine drinkers buying a bottle costing more than $20 in the past month, cementing the United States as the largest wine consuming nation in the world.
Today’s Most Popular Alcoholic Drinks
There are thousands of beer brands competing for attention. Delaware liquor stores are ever at work to provide you the highest quality drinks and diverse selection to wrap up your new year. Back in 2015 craft brewers produced nearly 25 million barrels, with a near 15% rise in volume with the retail dollar value. The country also boasts over 7,700 wineries in all 50 states, with the five most popular varieties being Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, and Merlot. Wine and spirits go well with beer games and growlers, creating a full package to be enjoyed the minute it’s opened.
End 2018 in style. See what kind of seasonal liquor for wedding arrangements you can buy to put a smile on your friends’ faces.
