It's Buzzer-Beater Time To Complete Your List!
Hoppy…err…Happy
Holidays!
Now that all those crazy
promotion days are out of the way with “Black” and “Cyber” attached to them, don’t
feel bad if you haven’t dropped your cash on gifts yet. It just means it's time to get down to business
and get our annual Last-Minute Gift
Guide shopping on! Since I am doing so much more than just covering the
best libation in the world—beer—nowadays, here is my carefully compiled list of awesome
gifts that include tech gadgets, movies, clothing, spirits, and other awesome smile
bringers you should consider grabbing for friends, fam, that special someone or
heck, yourself. The cool thing is
there is still time to get whatever you pick delivered before especially the 25th or whatever special days apply to you.
Below, I add my two cents about
the suggested gift and then include its official description straight from the
source at times along with a link to where you can find it, plus a few promo codes just for you. I will be adding
some other last-minute selections as the days countdown so keep coming back. Sound good? Well then grab
a cart!
Cheers!
Ale
BUILT NY’s Growler with Neoprene Tote
I say: The popularity of using growlers especially in Georgia has
certainly toned down a bit, but when you get this tote created with a wetsuit material
called Neoprene to insulate 64 ounces of brew for up to four hours, it's cool again to bring these guys to parties! It comes with a growler too. In fact, I want it for the upcoming Super Bowl. Hell yeah!
They say: BUILT NY has released a brand new Growler with Neoprene Tote! This tote is designed with the
same attention to detail as your favorite craft beer, and is PERFECT for
carrying it to the party at the right temperature!
Features
include:
- Amber glass bottle with an ABS twit-off cap
- Comfortably carries your favorite 64 fl. oz. brews
Tote is made
from BUILT’s signature Neoprene (wetsuit material) which keeps your brews insulated
for up to 4 hours! This new bottle and tote not only makes for an awesome
holiday gift, but is the perfect accessory for any New Year’s Eve or
upcoming Super Bowl parties!
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The ManCan
I say: The stainless steel ManCan
is great for anyone serious about their beer. It’s like a pub in your fridge
providing the perfect pour every time! And yes, WomanCan too…
They say: The ManCan is a personal keg system that keeps your favorite
beer fresh, carbonated, and delicious—the way it should be. Available in
indestructible, 128oz (one-gallon) or 64oz (half-gallon) stainless steel. Two
tap systems with the Perfect Pour Regulator can top these bad boys for the
ultimate experience. For more information on ManCan, visit www.mancan.beer and become a fan
on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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Nuit Belge-Atlanta
The Foundry At Puritan Mill January 23, 2016
This is not a beer festival, this is a beer event!
I say: I can’t wait for this event; it’s so damn good it
goes on tour! This Nuit Belge Belgian and Belgian-inspired beer culinary extravaganza taking
place at the Foundry At Puritan Mill on January 23, 2016 sounds like a can’t-miss
date. What makes this thing really over the top is the fact the expected 600
guests will be indulging in more than twelve fine local restaurants dishing out
small plates while we get our sipping on; there will be chefs from Nashville,
TN, and the incredible Blackberry Farm featured as well.
There are two options: There is a Blackberry Farm VIP
session that takes place from 5:30-7 p.m., and the General Session is from 7-10
p.m. (Nuit Belge is made possible by Blackberry Farm, Blackberry Farm Brewery,
Savannah Distributing, Hop City, Orca Coolers, Murder Point Oyster Company, and
Olive and Sinclair Chocolate.) Go here for tickets before they are gone!
Here are the participating Restaurants
·
Ba Bellies
·
Bhojanic
·
Cooks & Soldiers
·
Double Zero
·
Empire State South
·
Holeman and Finch
·
Heirloom Market BBQ
·
Iberian Pig
·
King + Duke
·
Local Three Kitchen & Bar
·
Luca
·
Octopus Bar
·
City House -Nashville Guest Restaurant
·
Blackberry Farm
·
Chocolate Tasting by Olive and Sinclair
Chocolate
·
Raw bar by Murder Point Oyster Company
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Frye
Gift Card
They
have an E-Gift Card for super last-minute gifts too!
I say: They get
the finest leather for some of the hottest boots, shoes and bags in the world,
period.
A pair of kicks from this company is definitely on my wish list. Look
at their selection here and tell me different.
And the best part about it for especially Atlantans is they just opened a store
in the now go-to hot spot Ponce CityMarket, where you can get the footwear and hot specialty items including the
highly recommended Leather & Whiskey All Natural Soy Wax Candle, Travel
Flask Set, Logan Overnight Bag (right) and gift cards to name a few. Boom!
They say: If you ship a Frye Gift Card to a lucky someone, here are the
perks:
- Free Ground Shipping (expedited shipping also available).
- No expiration date or maintenance fee.
- Personal gift message/gift box included.
- Redeem online or at any Frye Flagship store.
- And of it’s really last minute, get an E-Gift Card! It’s…
- Emailed within minutes of purchase!
- No expiration date or maintenance fee.
- Personal gift message included.
- Redeem online or at any Frye Flagship store.
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Chromecast
Go big screen style!
I say: Link your computer to the big screen and watch global access
to some awesome time killers in HD (or whatever your viewing pleasure demands).
This is especially true for Netflix! I heard Daredevil and Narcos are
dope shows, so some binge watching is about to be in effect over the Holidays!
They say: Sometimes bigger really is better. Give your loved ones the
gift of their favorite online content on the big screen! Simply put, Chromecast
is the easiest way to make your HDTV a smart TV - streaming movies, TV shows,
videos, music and more from Chrome, Google Play Movies & TV, Google Play
Music, HBO GO, Hulu Plus, Netflix, Pandora, and YouTube.
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Google Play Gift Cards
Read. Watch. Listen.
I say: Digital downloads to books, albums, music, movies…
their selection is gangster. And hey, make it a bundle with the Chromecast suggestion above. Why not?
They say:
Something for everyone.
Google Play has
the music, movies, TV shows, books, magazines, and Android apps and games you
love.
For screens of all sizes.
Google Play
makes music, movies, and more accessible across devices of all sizes, whether
you’re on Android, iOS, Chromecast, or the web.
Ready when you are.
Google Play
gifts can be redeemed in seconds, with no credit card required.
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Kimasi
Washington’s The Epic album
Treat your ears right and chillax.
I say: I am jazz lover—real
jazz that is, so after my friend Karl Injex (the owner of the dope lounge/restaurant
hybrid The Sound Table) had tenor sax
magician Kimasi Washington playing a song from his aptly titled The Epic
album, I was sold! Rocking his Pandora station justified my infatuation for his very uplifting, melodic, yet complex
sound that filled a necessary void to a lot of bullshit out there. It’s awesome
clean-the-house music. I heard Kimasi's live show is bananas
too.
For real record
heads, the Deluxe Three-LP Vinyl Set is also available on Amazon amd Bandcamp.
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18|8
Fine Men’s Salons Membership
Get So Fresh and So Clean While Sippin’ A
Craft Brew!
I say: I had the pleasure of being treated to a quality salon facial while
sipping a Monday Night Draft Kilt from draft at the 18|8 Fine Men Salon in Brookhaven (305 Brookhaven
Ave, Suite A1140, Atlanta GA 30319) and it was a truly relaxing experience.
If you want to get really gangster, purchase an Executive Membership and get the
VIPizzle treatment! (See the details below.) Find a location near you or your
gift recipient asap. Did I mention the beer part?
They say: Executive Memberships: Join the club.
Become a Member. You’re the Man. The membership program at 18|8 Fine Men’s
Salons is a program to simplify your haircut and grooming regimen. When you
sign up to be a member, you get the VIP treatment all year long and all the
perks that come with it. Click here for more information.
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Beer
Books Galore!
I say: Get your reading on and learn as much as possible about brew.
Here are some seriously knowledge-building titles to flip through thanks to the
#1 producer, Brewers Publications. Here are a few suggestions to start with:
How
To Brew: Everything You Need to Know to Brew Beer Right the First Time by John
Palmer ($19.95),
Modern Homebrew Recipes by Gordon
Strong ($19.95)
The Brewers Association’s Guide to Starting Your Own Brewery by
Dick Cantwell ($95). All are published by Brewers Publications, the leading
publisher of books on beer and brewing.
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Vinturi Spirits Aerator
I say: Who wants to sip spirits that are not to their full potential?
Not me! This Vinturi Spirits Aerator
will keep everything from your Cognac to vodka on point!
They say: One thing that
most people don’t realize about spirits is that aerating them, especially ones like whiskey and
bourbon, can seriously enhance the flavors, aroma and create a smoother finish.
However, what holds most people back is the time it takes to decant their
spirits. However, the Vinturi
Spirits Aerator allows you to aerate spirits instantly. Vinturi’s
patented technology, is based on the “Venturi Effect,” a scientific principle
that says when a liquid flows from a wide area to a narrow area, it speeds up,
causing a significant change in pressure–in this case sucking in air to mix
with the spirits at a much faster pace that letting it sit in a traditional
decanter.
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AHA Membership Gift Card
I say: I always do
whatever I can for the American
Homebrewers Association, and with all that they do for the craft beer world
and the overall spirit of brewing, you should become a member and see why the
love is there! AHA membership benefits include access to exclusive
offers, merchandise discounts and super dope events nationwide. Read about it
more here.
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Home
Chef Meal Kit Delivery Service
We get $20 off with the promo code HOLIDAY!
I say: Want to chef up gourmet fare you would usually dish out major
cash for at restaurants that are delicious and pre-portioned out at a fraction
of the price? Home Chef is a
brilliant delivery service that will make you the aspiring chef you always
wanted to be without getting a degree at a world-renowned hospitality school like,
say, Cornell? (I had to plug my school in there.) Well guess what? They love us
so much at Cruisin’ For A Brewsin’ that they have a promo code—HOLIDAY—for
$20 off your first order. Get it!
They say: Home Chef is a Chicago-based meal kit delivery service that
delivers all of the fresh ingredients you need to make chef-tested meals at
home. Home Chef offers gift meals varying in size and price; you can
order six, 12 or 18 plates as part of a gift package for loved ones at any
time, and are especially perfect for the holidays.
- Home Chef gift meals are customized to individual tastes: Home Chef’s website features a unique taste profile, which takes into consideration information like allergies or dietary preferences, then suggests meals catered to those preferences each week
- All gift meals include step-by-step instructions: Home Chef provides step-by-step instructions in every box to walk you through each meal, and each meal can be made in under 45 minutes keeping dinnertime quick and convenient, making it perfect for beginners or experienced cooks
- All Home Chef meals include pre-portioned ingredients: Home Chef ships the exact amount of ingredients you need for each meal serving. It’s perfect for anyone who doesn’t enjoy grocery shopping, or can’t find time to make it to the store. This also helps eliminate waste, so you don’t have that full bundle of cilantro left to wither away in your fridge
- It’s easy to order via Home Chef mobile app: Home Chef’s mobile app is extremely user friendly—you can also order online from your computer or iPad, and the app makes ordering on the go even easier during the busy holiday season
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The DeLeón Tequila Combs Concierge Program
I say: You know anything Sean “Diddy” Combs puts his name to is usually high quality and a success. DeLeón Tequila maintains the luster of his marketing genius with the DeLeón Tequila Combs Concierge Program which includes an engraved bottle of either the Platinum or Reposado version with a message of your choice, four bespoke drink stirrers, and a personal note signed by Diddy. Take it from me, this is no everyday tequila either. The bottle alone is worth the membership!
They say: The Luxury is in the details. Take your gift-giving to #TheNextLevel with a unique engraved message of your choosing on a bottle of DeLeón™ Platinum or Reposado. Thanks to you and the Combs Concierge, your recipient will have everything they need to enjoy a celebratory toast of DeLeón neat or on the rocks - Mr. Combs' favorite.
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Beer Connoisseur Magazine Premium
Membership
I say: Proud to contribute to the very first issue years ago, it’s nice that the Beer Connoisseur Magazine crew continues to report the best in beer. Now going fully digital, this would be a slick gift for anyone who loves the quality suds. Their PremiumMembership deal sounds like a good one, too. Use the promo code BCHOLIDAY15 to save $5 too! Read on…
I say: Proud to contribute to the very first issue years ago, it’s nice that the Beer Connoisseur Magazine crew continues to report the best in beer. Now going fully digital, this would be a slick gift for anyone who loves the quality suds. Their PremiumMembership deal sounds like a good one, too. Use the promo code BCHOLIDAY15 to save $5 too! Read on…
They say: The Perfect Holiday Gift!
A Premium Membership to The Beer Connoisseur is a great way to say “I Beer
You!” this holiday season.
Here is what is
included.
- Premium Web Magazine (6 issues annually + back issues) + Beer School + BC Network
- Exclusive Member Offers + Expert Beer Reviews + Members Forum
- Membership benefits including the current and back magazine issues are available immediately upon activation
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CHOXI
I say: I dunno, they just seem to have some pretty damn good deals on
especially the electronics side. I said this Guide includes gadgets, so here ya go. I'd probably chill on the hover boards until further notice though.
They say: Just when you thought holiday shopping couldn’t get any
easier, we’ve added a ton of new products to our Holiday Gift Guide,
and the savings are spectacular! Shop gifts for him, gifts for
her, all the must-have toys and more for the kids, plus awesome electronics,
all for less than anywhere else. Our deal hunters make it easy to shop, save,
and smile this season, so don’t wait—score your favorites before they’re gone!
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Get 2016 Great American Beer Festival
Tickets Early!
October 6th through the 8th
I say: I have gone to the Great American Beer Fest before and it’s a
blast for anyone who truly appreciates CRAFT
beer. You pick your events, mingle with today’s trendsetters for the liquid
gold, and have a life-long memory during the nation’s biggest beer fest of its
kind. Oh, and the 8th is my birthday so hey, need I type more?
They say: Taking place Oct. 6 to 8 in Denver, this event is
the premier U.S. beer festival and competition, bringing together brewers and
beers that represent the largest collection of U.S. beer ever served. Buy
tickets for your special someone here as soon as they go on sale, and, in the meantime,
book your hotel and travel arrangements.
Look for more
options soon!
And again,
Hoppy Holidays!
Your homey,
Ale
