Birthday Gift Help for my Brewer Boyfriend

[DannPM]

Looking to spend in $100-$200 range

He already has all the supplies he needs to make beer? Get a really nice Oktoberfest/Beer-Maid costume to wear. His present really.

 

[ThatOneGuy]

It would also likely cause him to buy things he otherwise wouldn't buy.

Is this a bad thing?

I think thats the best thing about a gift card. There are so many things that can aid in the brewing process that are not absolutely necessary, but make a brew day much easier, which will help motivate future brew sessions. Getting these items for "free" is nice. I wish I received more gift cards.

I definitely recommend two books, "Brewing classic styles" and "Yeast, the practical guide to beer fermentation". Both of these changed the way I brew.

Kegging was also a huge turning point in my brewing. There was a point where I quit brewing for a while due to the dread of having to bottle the beer after I brewed it. That being said, I think picking out any particular kegging gift is risky unless he has specifically listed some things that he had made up his mind on. There are just too many setups and options and our recommendations are based on our unique experiences.

My vote goes to gift card + books. If you want to make it more personal, go with him to the brew store and help him pick stuff out.

Edit: Craigslist is also a great place to save money on kegging equipment, just make sure the c02 tanks are not expired and kegs hold pressure. Not really gift advice, just useful information.

 

[DrunkleJon]

If you decide to spring for a kegging setup or part of one here is some information to keep in mind. Most new keggers have trouble with foamy pours at first. The easiest solution to this is to go with 10-12 foot long beer out lines (hoses) over the 4-5 foot that usually come with these kits. Basically the longer lines slow down the beer flow so that it doesn't knock all of the CO2 out of solution and fill the glass with foam.

I find it great that you understand his passion and are giving him something that shows your support. I am sure that anything you get him will be appreciated. I do hope he returns the favor for you.

 

[glick]

Wow... you are all very helpful! Thank you!!

Can you tell me what you get from these subscriptions that you can't get from the free forums or from just searching online?

I like the idea of the keg kit for the keezer, but there are so many options from the birdman brewing website alone that I wouldn't want to get the wrong thing, especially if he has an idea already of how he wants it set up. Is there a "can't go wrong with"-option here: http://www.birdmanbrewing.com/keg-kits/

byo.com for the Brew Your Own magazine and http://www.homebrewersassociation.org for the American Homebrewers Association. They're both good investments especially the homebrewers association because your membership gets you discounts at brewpubs, some of the discounts are really good!! Both are pretty cheap too.

 

[BirdmanBrewingCo]

Wow... you are all very helpful! Thank you!!

Can you tell me what you get from these subscriptions that you can't get from the free forums or from just searching online?

I like the idea of the keg kit for the keezer, but there are so many options from the birdman brewing website alone that I wouldn't want to get the wrong thing, especially if he has an idea already of how he wants it set up. Is there a "can't go wrong with"-option here: http://www.birdmanbrewing.com/keg-kits/

Hi BrewersgF, we just stumbled upon this thread. You could do a GC here if you want him to pick out his own kegging kit: http://www.birdmanbrewing.com/giftcertificates.php

 

[Homercidal]

A kegging kit would be awesome for sure.

There a MANY thing that a new brewer could use, and this is one of the big ones, IMO.

 

[NathPowe]

I read through this very quickly, so forgive me if I missed this, but does he have a fermentation fridge/freezer to control his fermentation temps? I know you said he's planning to build himself a keezer, but if he doesn't have a way to properly control fermentation temps then this will be HUGE for him. Controlling ferm. temps will result in massive improvements to the quality of his beer.

It's worth looking into, at least in my opinion. Again, if this was already covered, disregard.

Good luck and nice work on being an awesome girlfriend.