Gift ideas for a beer lover: our suggestions (so you don’t get it wrong)
Buying beer for someone who really knows their stuff is a bit of a minefield. If it’s too generic, you’ll come across as the colleague who just grabbed a six-pack from the supermarket on the way home. Too niche, and you’ll end up with the one NEIPA that the person absolutely hates. There’s a fine line between the two – and that’s exactly what we spend the whole year working on. Here are our suggestions, from the safest bet to the most adventurous.
The gift voucher: the zero-risk option. Let’s be honest for a moment: when you don’t know the other person’s exact tastes, the gift voucher is still unbeatable. You can choose any amount, there’s no expiry date to stress you out in December, and the recipient gets to pick whatever they fancy themselves – in the shop, at the pub or online. It’s the sort of gift that looks a bit lazy on paper, but it never goes wrong. And believe us, a beer lover would much rather choose their own beer than receive one they’d have deliberately avoided.
The bespoke gift set: to show you’ve put some thought into it. If you want that little ‘wow’ factor when they unwrap it, we’ll put together a bespoke gift set. You tell us your budget and what you’re after (more hoppy? more tangy? a fan of heavy stouts?) and we’ll pick from the catalogue : we’ve got plenty to choose from, ranging from breweries in French-speaking Switzerland to hidden gems unearthed from all over. A well-thought-out gift set consists of six beers that tell a story, not just six random tins.
The experience : for the person who already has everything. In every family, there’s always THAT person whose cellar is already overflowing. For them, it’s better to give the gift of an experience than yet another litre. A brewing course in Lausanne: they’ll be shown how the nectar is made, including a tasting session, and they’ll leave having finally understood what ‘dry hopping’ is. And if the gift is more to mark a special occasion (wedding, birthday, leaving party), renting a beer tap will liven up the party far better than a wrapped present.
The discovery subscription : a surprise that lasts. And for the curious type – the one who loves not knowing what they’ll be drinking next month ? In that case, we’ll point you in the direction of our mates at SmartBeer : a box of six 100% Swiss beers, a new brewery every month, delivered straight to your letterbox with the perfect tasting notes. We tend to go for bespoke gift sets and gift vouchers; they, on the other hand, have made surprise subscriptions their speciality since 2012. To each their own, and for a gift that’s remembered twelve times a year, it’s honestly a brilliant idea.
The verdict. There’s no one-size-fits-all gift idea: a gift voucher if you’re unsure, a bespoke gift set if you want to impress, an experience for the person who already has everything, or a subscription for the eternally curious. In any case, do pop in to see us at 14 Rue de la Tour in Lausanne; we love helping people avoid giving just any old thing. And, as an added bonus, it saves you from giving yet another massage voucher.
— Lupulynn
Frequently asked questions
What’s a good gift for a beer lover?+
Three sure-fire ideas: a gift voucher (he chooses for himself, so there’s no risk), a bespoke gift set from a craft beer catalogue, or an experience such as a beer-brewing course. For someone who’s curious and loves a surprise, a monthly craft beer subscription is also a great choice.
Where can I buy a beer-themed gift in Lausanne?+
At La Mise en Bière, 14 Rue de la Tour, Lausanne: a shop, bar and online store. We put together bespoke gift sets, sell gift vouchers valid in-store and at the bar, and offer brewing courses and beer tap hire.
What’s the best Swiss craft beer box to give as a gift?+
If the idea is to discover a new Swiss brewery every month, our partner SmartBeer’s subscription is perfect for that: a box of six 100 per cent Swiss beers delivered every month, complete with tasting notes. As for us, we’re more into à la carte gift sets and gift vouchers.
Is it possible to organise a brewing course in French-speaking Switzerland?+
Yes. We run beer-brewing courses in Lausanne: participants leave having learnt how to make beer, with a tasting session included. It’s available as a gift voucher, ideal for a beer enthusiast who’s already got a full cellar.
How much does a beer gift voucher cost?+
You can choose any amount: you decide how much to give, and the recipient can use it however they like – in-store, at the bar or in the online shop. No stressful expiry dates, and you can’t go wrong.