Brewing and Beer

Let’s face it, beer smells good; and if you just can’t get enough of that great hoppy aroma, why not lather it into your hair?  Tasmanian Beer Shampoo ($11.50) allows you to do that without bringing a bottle of craft brew into the shower with you.  Brewed by the boutique Tasmanian Dark Isle Brewery. Prized Tasmanian hops straight from the oats houses of the lush Derwent River Valley are infused, then added for their conditioning and antiseptic qualities. You can  actually see the flecks of hops in the bar.  It’s also good for your hair as beer has been famed for generations for its ability to leave hair bouncy, shiny and full of body.

You know you’ve thought about it.  That moment when desperation begins to set in due to your lack of a bottle opener and a 6-pack of craft beer begging to be drunk.  But for most of us, the idea of using our iPhone to crack open a beer is only a fleeting thought as we’re left to settle for a curb or table edge to break into the sweet hoppy nectar within.  If you happen to find yourself in this situation more often than you’d admit, or the edge of your iPhone looks like it was attacked by a mouse with metal teeth, then fret no more!  The iPhone Bottle Opener Case ($19.95) is here to save you and your phone from taking any more damage, physically or emotionally.  Plus it’s emblazoned with the logo of one of the best craft breweries in the United States, Sierra Nevada.

Growler Station isn’t your typical bottle shop.  Though they offer over 200 varieties of craft beer from around the world by the bottle, they have 24 craft brews on tap which are available by the growler via their unique growler filling taps which fill the beer carrying vessels by running the draft beer down the sides of the growler, reducing foam and increasing longevity.  “You get the enjoyment of your favorite draft beer, right at home,” says co-owner John O’Connell.  “Oxygen is a killer of beer, we believe that with this technology, we can revolutionize the way beer is delivered to customers.” Growler Station is also offering recyclable 2 liter plastic bottles which they claim retains the same taste and freshness of a traditional glass growler while freeing you from hauling (and cleaning) your old jug.  Located at 26 West 8th St. New York City.

You know those books that list some dude’s 500 favorite beers that you should try but would never be able to track down, ultimately leaving you with a sense of failure and disappointment?  This isn’t one of those books.  500 Beers ($15) is simply a great way to keep track of the beers you’ve tried, want to try, or will never drink again.  With space to keep track of labels, locations, pictures, and notes as well as a progress tracker, this is the best way to document your journey through the wonderful world of craft beer.

Unofficially named the “Spartan Carton”, the Reusable Leather Beer Carton ($65) consists of riveted leather attached to a masonite handle, allowing you to transport your favorite craft beer in minimalistic style.  Designed for use with the 6-Pack Bike Frame Cinch ($22), a simple leather strap that can secure your valuable brew to the top tube of any bike.  It’s no surprise they’re made in Portland, OR.

As anyone who home brews will tell you, if you bottle condition, you’re going to have yeast sediment in your beer.  The only way to avoid the build up is to force carbonate the brew, which typically means kegging, rendering your delicious creation immobile…until now.

BRODIE Home Brew Sediment Catchers ($38/15 caps) are a clever new product that promises to keep yeast sediment out of your bottles without having to force carb.

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With the holidays fast approaching, it’s time to get into gift-buying mode and do our best to stay out of the stores on Christmas Eve.  If you’re having trouble picking a gift for your beer-loving friend or relative, check out the list below for some great ideas that are sure to please.

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The holidays aren’t just a time for drinking craft beer or homebrew, it’s also a time for beer flavored candy.  Beercandy.com has an assortment of beer related confections including the India Pale Ale Caramel ($7.50) shown above, Hop Drops ($10 – $18), and assorted Beer Taffy ($10.50); any of which would be a perfect gift for a beer lover who wants to get his hop fix in non-liquid form.

The right glass can add quality to any beer

It’s true, most people reading this would drink a craft beer or homebrew out of a paper cup and be perfectly satisfied.  But beer has been around a long time, and over that time brew masters, scientists, and engineers have designed, tested, tweaked, and redesigned glasses that are made to perfectly complement a particular beer style.  For example, snifters allow barleywines to be swirled and oxygenated while wheat beer glasses have a wide base to trap yeast; so it would be a shame to allow years of research and fine tuning to go to waste, plus having the right glass for your homebrew could add some quality, not to mention it will look like you know what you’re doing.  Check out the list below to educate yourself on which glasses go with which beers.

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Part of the Images of America series, Brewing in Baltimore ($21.99) is a brief 128 page history of how beer played a pivotal role in the city’s history and shaped the city into what it is today.  For a synopsis of the book, check out this article on City Paper; and if you’re lucky enough to be near Heavy Seas Brewery on Dec. 17 from 11 A.M.-5 P.M, Maureen O’Prey will be there to sign your copy.

“Throughout its rich and vibrant history, Baltimore has been known by a variety of names: Mobtown, the Land of Pleasant Living, or Charm City to name just a few. Perhaps “Beer Town” would have been more appropriate. Several pivotal events in Maryland’s history involved the brewing industry. Baltimore brewers were vital to building the fledgling town into the bustling city it is today. These brewers established some of the earliest churches in Baltimore. Eagle Brewery’s Harry Von der Horst helped build the Orioles into a pennant-winning team in the 1890s. Mary Pickersgill sewed the stars upon the Star Spangled Banner on the floor of Brown’s Brewery during the War of 1812.”