Deck the Halls with Wheat & Barley: A beer lover’s guide for the holiday season

Whether you’re checking off your Christmas list or stocking the fridge, here is a complete beer lover’s guide to the holidays that’ll let you shop small and grab your loved ones a local brew paired with some unique gear to match.

Narragansett Beer (Pawtucket): Maroon, olive green and black winter caps are available from Narragansett through a collaboration with Bench Craft, a leather company based in Wilmington, Mass. The hats are adorned with a high-quality leather patch displaying the ‘Gansett logo. Pair this with a good old Narragansett Lager. Nothing says tradition more than a beer that’s been drunk by generations for — count em’ — 130 years!

Twelve Guns (Bristol): Twelve Guns released a limited edition anniversary tee that sports a nautical crest to commemorate their first anniversary. Pair this with their collab with Burgundian waffle, a Cookie Butter Waffle Stout for a sweet gift. 

Coastal Roasters (Tiverton): Not technically beer, but without a doubt the second most important brew. Take a scenic drive through the bay down to Coastal Roasters for your caffeine fix. Grab one of their many delicious bags of coffee by the pound, including their Winter Roast 2020 Santa Barbara. For a gift, you can pair this with one of their new winter hats (released in a collaboration with well-known outdoor brand Carhart). Both will keep you warm all winter long. 

Shaidzon Beer (West Kingston): Treat your tastebuds to something sweet with Shaidzon’s third anniversary Imperial Stout with Vanilla Bean and Organic Ethiopia Sidamo Coffee. Pair with a Shaidzon hoodie or a cozy long-sleeved tee.

Redemption Rock (Worcester, Mass.): Skip the cranberry sauce this year and swap it for Cran You Dig It? a cranberry and cardamom sour from Redemption Rock, our dog-friendly neighbor brewery in Worcester. Wrap up with your pup in a Redemption Rock Fleece Blanket, and ensure your 2021 is better than 2020 with a 2020 Taproom Dogs Calendar. 

Whalers Brewing (Wakefield): Whaler’s 2nd annual coasters game is in full effect for this holiday season. Collect all seven coasters featuring their devoted staff and have a chance to win some great prizes including a $200 dinner anywhere Whaler’s is served. Whether you’re feeling Grinch-y and want to keep the prize for yourself or share with a friend is up to you. 

Cooked Current (Pawtucket): A limited holiday release returns to Crooked Current in growlers and crowlers to-go. An Eggnog Milk Stout is guaranteed to bring you that holly jolly feeling this season. Limited merch is available in the Pawtucket brewery as well.

Sons of Liberty (South Kingston): By popular demand, RI distillery Sons of Liberty has brought back their Honey Chamomile Whiskey just in time for the holidays. Every purchase comes with two hand sanitizer sprays that could make great (and topical) stocking stuffers. Pair it with a Drink Local hoodie from Sons of Liberty.