With Thanksgiving safely behind us, it's time to panic about your Christmas gift list. I'll offer two suggestions for your favorite beer lover. (Of course, if that happens to be you, you'll also want to read on.) I have one suggestion for thinkers, another for doers.

        You couldn't possibly buy a better gift than the new book, Over the Barrel, Volume Two: Prohibition to the Present (Sudhaus Press; $29.95) by Timothy Holian. Last year saw publication of Volume One: 1800-Prohibition ($24.95), subtitled “The Brewing History and Beer Culture of Cincinnati.” Now, Volume Two tells the rest of the story.

        This is the book we always wanted to see written about Cincinnati's brewing heritage. It's a monumental effort that works both as a readable historical overview and a library reference.

        For the history buff who enjoys learning about the earliest days of making and selling beer, the rise to national prominence of our homegrown brewers, or simply for those with curiosity about how Prohibition came about and its effects on the industry, Volume One is the most thorough account compiled. I can't tell you how many times I've referred to it in the last year, to either settle an argument or answer a question.

        If your interest lies more in how the brewers survived Prohibition, the amazing consolidation of the industry in the last century and how the newer innovations such as microbreweries have fit into the picture, the newly released Volume Two provides the same thorough treatment.

        I should warn you that whichever book you buy, you'll find it so irresistible you'll have to get the other as well. Both volumes should be available in bookstores soon. For an extra touch, you can get copies signed by the author from the publisher's Web site at www2.mwsc.edu/eflj/sudhaus.html for a small shipping charge. I advise ordering early, since Volume One is almost out of print.

        If your intended recipient is the active sort, consider a gift of home-brewing equipment. Learning to make beer is not only easy and fun, but you will also improve your enjoyment of the commercial product.

        A word of caution, however— stay away from those all-in-one contraptions you see advertised in popular magazines and catalogs. Although you can make something drinkable with these kits if you follow instructions carefully, the beer will be noticeably better if you start with fresh ingredients and simple but reliable equipment. Also, I guarantee you'll have far more fun.

        You might be surprised to learn you can brew beer at home that is every bit as good — if not better — than the beer you buy, for a fraction of the cost. I've been home-brewing since 1987, and I enjoy my own beer far more than much of what I buy. That's partly due to freshness, but there's also something deeply satisfying about pouring a glass of beer and knowing you made it from scratch.

        There are many excellent home-brew suppliers, and many offer mail-order catalogs. But most of them get their equipment from a Cincinnati manufacturer that also operates a full-service retail shop. I recommend Listermann Brewery Supply (1621 Dana Ave., Evanston; www.listermann.com).

        This is where I buy my equipment and supplies, and you'll find it a marvelous source of information as well. Mr. Listermann offers most of the available books on home brewing, and even makes his own kits with fresh, premeasured ingredients designed to help you brew any style of beer you care to try.
       Contact Ed Westemeier by e-mail: hopfen@malz.com.

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Tap in to gift ideas for true beer-lovers
Get to it