Those who say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks must not know many craft brewers. Small and independent breweries around the country are pretty darn good at reducing, reusing and recycling in new and delicious ways. Whether it’s finding environmentally friendly uses for spent grain, or repurposing wine and spirits barrels for aging beer, brewers are an innovative group. New Holland even ages their Beer Barrel Bourbon in second use Dragon’s Milk beer barrels, yet another tasty example of creative recycling.
Although many craft beer drinkers will associate barrels with their favorite sour ale or oak-aged imperial stout, a barrel’s life can extend well beyond its days at the brewery. Artisans across the globe are constantly working to create new products from yesterday’s leftovers, and that is nowhere truer than it is with barrels.
(VOTE: Great American Beer Bars 2018)
Here are 21 gift ideas for the beer and food lover in your life, all made from recycled barrels, and just in time for the holidays.
1. Barrel Beer MugOpens in new window: Each one is handmade from slats of American white oak.
2. Beer Tasting Flight TrayOpens in new window: Sample a flight of craft beers with this arc of miniature pint glasses on a retired barrel stave.
3. Barrel Aged Vermont Maple SyrupOpens in new window: Eric and Laura Sorkin let their organic syrup cozy up in barrels recently used for aging bourbon. I’ll bet this would go perfect over this breakfast stout french toastOpens in new window stuffed with bourbon cream cheese frosting!
4. Wall Mounted Bottle OpenerOpens in new window: OK, OK. It’s technically not made from a barrel, but it could be. Plus, it’s a cool way to support your local breweries!
5. Platter/Serving TrayOpens in new window: Perfect for whatever you’re pairing your holiday beers with. (P.S. Need help with beer/food pairings? Check out this awesome pairing resourceOpens in new window, made by a professional chef and a Certified Cicerone!)
6. Lazy SusanOpens in new window: This turntable is the perfect centerpiece to your next family meal or your next bottle share.
7. CoastersOpens in new window: Keep your craft beer glass off your in-laws’ expensive furniture with these coasters, made from recycled whiskey barrels.
(READ: 12 Beers of ChristmasOpens in new window)
8. Table Top Candle HolderOpens in new window: Set the mood, Don Juan.
9. Reclaimed Barrel Bow TieOpens in new window: Perfect for the token hipster in your circle of friends. (Think your circle is hipster-free? Psst: It’s you.)
10. Barrel Stave CrossOpens in new window: A unique way to show your holiday Spirit.
11. Decorative Christmas TreeOpens in new window: Made from old wine staves, this tree is perfect for decking the halls when your space is small.
12. Menorah Candle HolderOpens in new window: For your favorite Jewish craft beer drinker.
13. Against the Wall Display CabinetOpens in new window: Perfect for holding your hot sauce collection (which hopefully includes more than one type).
14. Coffee TableOpens in new window: Made from an old whiskey barrel, these tables can be customized with text. You can also get end tables to match.
(READ: Awesomely Affordable Christmas Gifts for Craft Beer FansOpens in new window)
15. Half Barrel LightOpens in new window: This half barrel fixture would be perfect for your home bar or pool table.
16. Sink: With a hand-hammered copper basin, this sink is stylish and space efficient.
17. Dog FeederOpens in new window: Give your pooch a rustic dining table with this feeder, made from an upcycled wine barrel.
18. Dog Beds: Your dog may not appreciate barrel aged beer (the Philistine!), but he will appreciate a comfy place to sleep.
19. Reclaimed Whiskey Barrel PlanterOpens in new window: Something about this makes me want to sing “Circle of LifeOpens in new window.”
20. Adirondack ChairsOpens in new window: Go ahead, lean back.
21. Fire PitOpens in new window: Pull your barrel stave Adirondacks up around this fire pit, while you sip on one of these big beers to keep you cozyOpens in new window.
CraftBeer.com is fully dedicated to small and independent U.S. breweries. We are published by the Brewers Association, the not-for-profit trade group dedicated to promoting and protecting America’s small and independent craft brewers. Stories and opinions shared on CraftBeer.com do not imply endorsement by or positions taken by the Brewers Association or its members.
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