Soap, Suds and Other Duds: Gifts for the Beer Lovers in Your Life
It’s impossible to decode Milwaukee’s DNA without bumping up over and over against a stein of beer. Our history is strangely and romantically intertwined with this glass of brewed bliss. Dazed by that thought and drunk on possibilities, we came up with a list of gift ideas. Strongly emphasizing locally-made and locally-sold, these artisan presents will truly highlight the “craft” in craft beer.
Brew City Brand Apparel
With both subtle and overt tips-of-the-cap to all things local, Brew City Brand inspires pure Milwaukee pride. But nothing in their catalog symbolizes our individualistic city quite like the Beverage Pouch Hoody. This hooded sweatshirt boasts expressive designs on the front as well as a marsupial-like pouch for holding a beer. Yup, a pouch—the ideal present for anyone you know who likes to walk around while
drinking. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Beer! $41.99 – $43.99
Brew City Grand Avenue Mall, 275 W. Wisconsin Ave. ● 414-347-1811
Brew City Market, 400 N. Water St. ● 414-220-9075
Brew City Southridge, 5300
Craft Beer Lovers Box
Who doesn’t enjoy getting a smattering of little gifts all packed into one? From Milwaukee With Love is an online boutique that meticulously gathers locally-sourced products and assembles them into aesthetic packages. The Craft Beer Lovers Box is a carefully selected assortment featuring a bar of Soapworks Oatmeal Stout soap, one each of Indulgence Chocolatiers’ IPA and Porter chocolate bars, and one box of Becky’s Blissful Bakery beer and pretzel caramels made with Lakefront beer. This gift will please even the most surly of Scrooges on your list. $45
From Milwaukee With Love ● 414-745-7615
ECE Beer Candles
ECE Candles will surely shift that sigh you normally hear at this ubiquitous and underwhelming holiday gift. Crafted in Milwaukee, ECE candles use soy which, unlike paraffin, is renewable, clean and biodegradable. The creatively-imagined and handcut ECE Up-cycled Tealight Beer Bottle Lanterns and Recycled Beer Bottle Candles will ignite that Christmas spirit and elicit a joyous smile from anyone on your list. $15-$20
ECE Candles & More Holiday Gift Shop, Elmbrook Plaza, 2425 N. 124th St., Brookfield ● 414-939-4SOY
Fyxation Beer Caddy
Fyxation embodies a modern and urban Milwaukee. The small startup that was born in 2009 by two brothers has morphed into an expanding local visionary in the metro bike scene. Bikes aside, one of Fyxation’s genius offerings is a selection of locally-made leather beer carriers. Choose from options such as a 6-pack carrier or a growler caddy for those on your shopping list. These babies secure right onto the bike frame and make transporting beer a safer, and more enjoyable, endeavor. 6-pack carrier – $59.95, growler caddy – $39.95
Fyxation Bicycle Co., 2943 N. Humboldt Blvd.
414-372-7223
Milwaukee Brewery Tour Package
When winter hits and the mercury dips to malevolent temperatures, give the gift of solace, warmth and beer. The Hilton Garden Inn’s Milwaukee Brewery Tour Package includes a one-night stay at their downtown hotel, a plethora of beer-inspired gifts and snacks, shuttle service to and from Lakefront Brewery (which include 2 tickets to Lakefront’s legendary tour, a free pint glass and 4 beer samples), plus a breakfast buffet back at the hotel. This is the ultimate present for someone who spent the entire year on your “nice” list. Call for current pricing.
Hilton Garden Inn Downtown, 611 N. Broadway • 414-271-6611
Moots Beer Soap
A brand that was founded out of personal exploration, Moots Soap products are handmade locally and have become an artistic nod to the artisanship that has made this city unique. In addition to an array of seeds, herbs and oils used in their products, Moots incorporates the intoxicating essence of—you guessed it—beer. Tapping Milwaukee’s Lakefront Brewery beers like Riverwest Stein, Cream City Pale Ale and IPA, Moots infuses tantalizing aromas into their soothing soaps, so shower that special someone with beer and love.
Available at various Milwaukee retail stores, check website for store locations. Pricing varies depending on retail location.
Wisconsin Cheese Mart Beer Cheese
What iconic foods represent Wisconsin better than cheese and beer? Wisconsin Cheese Mart has partnered with local breweries to produce cheeses that blend the two symbols of our glorious state’s heritage and industries. The Beer Cheese Milk Stout is a coalescence of Milwaukee Brewing’s Milk Stout and a white cheese that results in a rich and creamy texture. The Beer Cheese Coffee Stout combines that same white cheese with Lakefront’s Organic Coffee Stout for a roasty present for any stout lover’s palate. $4-$5.75
Wisconsin Cheese Mart, 215 W. Highland Ave.
414-272-3544
