DAVE CUMMINGS
SALES MANAGER, CRAFT BEER GUILD OF RHODE ISLAND
What I'd like is something I wouldn't normally buy for myself, outside of my comfort zone, meaning "get me SOMETHING FUNKY" — which for the most part would be imported large-format bottles (Belgians, Scandinavians).
What I'd give: for the beer geek, as stated above, something funky. For the craft enthusiast (but not a geek), a nice VARIETY 12-PACK or a few mixed 22s of domestic craft, and maybe venture into a Belgian dubbel.
BRIAN OAKLEYOF JULIAN'S
It's hard — a beer enthusiast likes to pick out his own beer unless a trusted fellow beer enthusiast is purchasing the gift. I would base my purchase on what they like and what I would want to introduce them to.
If you're shopping for me at this time of the year, you can never go wrong with BROOKLYN BLACK OPS. One of my favorite beers to share with a group of friends on a cold night is BALADIN XYAUYÙ. They also make a smoked version called FUMÉ — I would be really really, really impressed with that as a gift.
SEAN LARKIN
BREWMASTER/CONSULTANT, REVIVAL BREWING CO, NARRAGANSETT BEER, AND TRINITY BEERWORKS INC.
I think the perfect present for beer lovers would be a trip to Belgium. They could tour the country, eat cheese, drink fantastic beer, and have an eye-opening experience there. If they can't afford that, I suggest a case REVIVAL DOUBLE BLACK. It will be a lot cheaper and hopefully as wonderful an experience (and will be in stores next week).
I would love to receive the money to open Revival's brewhouse. Otherwise, I would love for everyone to buy cases of Revival Double Black so I can pay my heating bills!
BEER NOTES
High Jinx Brewing Company has changed its name to FOOLPROOF BREWING COMPANY to avoid a potential trademark dispute, like the one Grey Sail recently settled with Full Sail (we Googled and found HiJinx Brewing in Allentown, PA). Tuesday was Foolproof's first official brew day, and they hope to hit the market in time for the holidays . . . And JULIAN'S will host its Fourth Longest Night of the Year bash on Tuesday, December 18, with an all-you-can-eat buffet ($15) and "crazy import holiday offerings and rarities" on draft (plus "cellared insanity") and music and more. Hit juliansprovidence.com for updates.
Talk back @bottlescansclaphands@yahoo.com.
