Buying a craft beer mix pack for a beer lover is one of the easiest ways to put a smile on their face – but only if you know what you are doing! If you’re new to the craft beer world, choosing the right gift pack might feel a bit daunting; from packs of one specific beer style to brewery-centric collections, there’s something for everyone – but it makes it trickier to narrow down if you are a novice. This guide will walk you through how to choose a craft beer gift pack that’s thoughtful, and tailored to the recipient’s tastes (even if you don’t know much about craft beer – yet).
Er, So What Exactly Is a Craft Beer Gift Pack?
A craft beer gift pack is a curated selection of beers (sometimes paired with extras like glasses, snacks, or accessories) designed to be given as a present. These packs can vary from a simple selection of a brewery’s core beers to themed assortments that explore different styles, strengths, or flavours. They’re a great way to let someone sample a range of brews without having to choose individual bottles or cans one-by-one.
Whether you’re shopping for a birthday, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, or just because, these packs make excellent gifts because once you know the basics, they’re easy to choose – and easy to enjoy!
First Step: Know What They Like
Even if you’re new to craft beer, asking or finding out a couple of basic things can make your gift choice much better:
-
Do they prefer hoppy beers, dark beers, or something lighter?
-
IPAs are bold and aromatic.
-
Stouts and porters are rich and roasty.
-
Lagers and pale ales are smoother and more sessionable (easy to drink over a longer period).
-
Are they adventurous or do they like familiar flavours?
-
Adventurous drinkers might love a mixed pack with different styles.
-
Someone who loves one brewery might enjoy a branded gift box with their favourite brewer’s best.
-
Perhaps they have a strong preference for one style of beer so would like a selection of that type.
Once you’ve got a sense of this, you can start narrowing down your choices.
Choosing the Perfect Pack
If you know or manage to find out their flavour preference you can use this quick-view table to choose the right gift pack for them:
|
Flavour preference |
Suitable packs |
|
Hoppy & bold |
IPAs or hop-centric mixes |
|
Dark & rich |
Stouts or porters |
|
Light & fresh |
Lagers, pale ales or session IPAs |
Types of Craft Beer Gift Packs
Here are some common styles of gift packs you might consider:
Brewery-Specific Packs
These are curated selections from one brewery; great if you know the recipient enjoys that brewery’s beer.
We at Tūn Brewing Co offer a range of mix packs from our own beers. Options include:
-
Core Mix Pack – a balanced set of Tūn’s signature beers
-
Winter Warmer Gift Pack – perfect for colder months
-
Pales & IPAs Mix Pack – great for hop lovers
-
Gluten-Free Mix Pack – for those with dietary preferences
Each pack is thoughtfully put together around flavour themes or styles, making them excellent as both a gift and a beer-tasting experience.
Double-Barrelled Brewery
Double-Barrelled is another independent brewery with several curated pack choices; from Hazy Pales & IPAs to seasonal selections and tasting sets – making excellent gifts for hop lovers or beer explorers alike.
Beerhunter
Beerhunter is a great search tool for finding boxes featuring popular UK brewers such as Beavertown and BrewDog, with assorted beers from each brewery in a ready-made gift pack. These are perfect if you know the recipient enjoys a particular brewer’s style.
Mixed Style Samplers
If you’re unsure what the person likes, go for a mixed style pack. These include a range of beer styles; from hoppy IPAs and crisp lagers to rich stouts and fruity ales – so there’s something new and exciting for your loved one to try.
-
Curators of Craft have thoughtfully curated IPA, sour, pale ale, and porter starter packs.
-
Retailers like Best of British Beer and Beerhunter feature mixed craft beer gift sets with a broad range of independent beers.
These are brilliant if your recipient likes exploring new flavours or if you’re shopping for someone whose tastes you don’t yet know well.
Complete Beer Themed Gift Sets
Some gift packs go beyond just beer and come with accessories like:
-
Branded glasses
-
Beer snacks (nuts, crisps, chocolates)
-
Tasting notes or scorecards
These packs are especially good for making the gift feel extra special and thoughtful. Many online shops pair beers with branded glassware so the recipient can enjoy their beer in the right style of glass.
On Beerhunter you’ll find craft beer gift boxes that include a branded glass alongside a small selection of beers, e.g., lager sets with beerhunter glasses, IPA packs with glassware, and more. These are excellent if you want the gift to feel more ‘complete’ and ready-to-enjoy.
Fodabox offers craft beer hampers, pairing beers with snacks and treats (like crisps, nuts, and artisan goodies), adding a delicious complement to the beer itself. These make fantastic gifts for celebrations or festive occasions.
Beer Subscriptions or Clubs
If you’re thinking beyond a single gift pack, beer clubs and subscription services are fantastic options too. These send a new selection of beers every month (often handpicked from independent breweries around the world), turning your gift into an experience that lasts.
Beer52 is a popular craft beer subscription service, where each month you’ll receive a curated box of craft beers from small-batch and independent breweries from around the world – plus snacks and a copy of Ferment magazine.
Ghost Whale’s Beer Club is a curated discovery club where members get craft beers delivered each month, sourced from around the world. The club focuses on quality and variety, making it a perfect ongoing treat for enthusiasts who enjoy tasting beers they might not pick up themselves.
Why Craft Beer Gift Packs Are a Great Present
If you need any more confirmation that you’re on the right track with your gift idea here’s a little more reassurance:
-
They’re fun to explore: Each beer in a pack offers a new tasting experience, which is sure to thrill your beer loving pal.
-
They fit many budgets: You’ll find great options from around £20 upwards, so you don’t have to break the bank.
-
They show thought: A curated pack tells the recipient you considered their tastes and didn’t just pick something random.
-
Perfect for sharing: Many of these packs are ideal for sharing with friends or enjoying at gatherings – so you might get to enjoy some of it too!
Craft beer gift packs open up a whole world of flavour and fun; there’s something perfect for every beer lover. Whether you pick a Tūn Brewing mix pack tailored around flavour themes (perfect for showcasing a Manchester-based brew selection) or a global craft beer sampler, your gift is sure to be appreciated.
