DaytonDailyNews.com

It's always been said that giving is better than receiving. Unless, of course, you're on the receiving end of a beer gift pack.

Last year's family gift exchange was one of the best ever – I received an assortment of really good craft beer, with cheese, from a brother-in-law.

I sure hope he liked that soap-on-a-rope I gave him.

This time of year, every brewer worth his weight in malt makes a holiday or winter brew that is worthy of giving to anyone who appreciates depth of flavor, and doesn't need more things to clutter his or her life. It's a consumable good that any beer-a-cuda on your list will fully appreciate.

I was told that my brother-in-law had a fun time shopping for unusual beers, knowing I'd appreciate pretty much anything he chose.

You can be creative and combine good beer with cheese, glasses, books, calendars, T-shirts, bottle openers, etc., and you have a complete package. Or make a theme gift pack such as stouts, IPAs, Belgians or assorted American craft breweries. Or look for retailers that do it for you.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2218 or

jwitmer@DaytonDailyNews.com.

A gift certificate for a pub crawl from Boston's Bistro to brewpubs in Columbus, Indianapolis or Cincinnati (about $40, bostonsbistro.com).

Beer books: The RateBeer.com The Beer Guide is the latest authority on every worthy and not-so-worthy beer on the market ($10). The Brewmaster's Table, written by Brooklyn Brewery's own award-winning brewmaster Garett Oliver, is one essential book for food and beer pairings ($18, local bookstores and Amazon).

Memorabilia: Coasters, labeled glasses, T-shirts, beer signs, mirrors, bottle openers, posters. Locally, Belmont Party Supply and Arrow Wine have various items. Otherwise, search the Web (prices vary).

Beer-of-the-month club: Several options here, but it doesn't require much more than placing an order, and letting them do the rest all year long for 12 assorted microbrews and a brochure. There are three-, six- and 12-month clubs (approximately $28 per month).

Beer travel: If it's the ultimate gift you're looking for, buy a guided tour to beer meccas such as Belgium, Germany or the Czech Republic. Maybe send them to Munich for Oktoberfest.

How about two days at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver. Or, perhaps, a few nights at U.S. brewing hot spots like Portland, Ore., or closer and less costly through Michigan's numerous microbreweries? ($350-$2,600).

How much do you love this person? In a category by itself is a gift trip to a beer spa in places like Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic, where one can soak in a tub of beer or get facials with a mixture of hops, malt, honey and cream cheese. Some have beer-related dining. Once there, the prices start at $52.50 (www.moorhof.com is one example).

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