There's a difference between the casual craft beer drinker and a beer snob. The snob scoffs every time you order a pilsner and hasn't touched an Elysian beer since 2015 — the year it was bought by Anheuser-Busch. If you were simply considering buying them what you believe to be a nice bottle, I'd advise against that. Chances are your beer aficionado already has the beer they want, or you have no idea what "Cantillon" is or where you would even find it. Instead, let me suggest a few unique gifts that you can find right here in the Inland Northwest.
INSULATED GROWLER
Their kitchen storage space may be overflowing with glass growlers from those countless times they made that last-minute decision to take some delicious beer to-go, but you are here to amend that. The copper color stainless steel growlers available at Perry Street Brewing will make them never want to leave home unprepared again. The fact that they are double-walled and vacuum-insulated assures the snob's beer will stay cold and safe from the mountaintops to the deep waters. Plus, they'll get to represent a local brewery wherever their beer adventures take them. $50 • Perry Street Brewing • 1025 S Perry St #2
IRON BOTTLE OPENER
The typical beer snob is always looking for a way to stand out from the common consumer. With their Teku glassware and watch made from reclaimed beer barrels, you might feel like there's nothing you could impress them with. Well, Nick Bradley's custom bottle openers made from railroad parts and other recycled metal are sure to fit the bill of the highest standards. Each piece is guaranteed to be the highlight of any rare bottle share. Your options include rail spikes, horse shoes, rockers and wrenches. $16.50 • Mom's Custom Tattoo • 1226 W. Summit Pkwy • fb.com/ironsharpensironstudio
LEATHER COASTERS
Their tables are stained with beer rings from overflowed foam and spills. Their solution? Stealing cardboard coasters from their regular hangout because they already exceeded their budget from the latest exclusive release. Help them out. Save their countertops and upgrade their coaster-game with high-quality leather from Thrux Lawrence. Available in black, dark and light brown online or at the Coeur d'Alene shop. $10 • Thrux Lawrence • 206 N. 3rd Street, Coeur d'Alene • thruxlawrence.com
MALTED BARLEY DOG TREATS
People tend to enjoy pushing their passions and hobbies onto their pets. The locally owned Malted Mutt Dog Treats make it possible for dogs to be roped into the craft beer world without being potentially poisoned by hops. The primary ingredient in each treat is malted barley provided by local breweries. Flavor options include Banana Honey Hefeweizen, Oatmeal Apple Farmhouse Ale and Peanut Butter Molasses Porter. It's on you to pick the right style for your beer snob because it's important to them — trust me. You can order the treats online in an Iron Goat Brewing pint glass, which, if you're lucky, the recipient will let you keep because they have plenty of glassware already. $12 • Maltedmutt.com ♦
