The tradition of stocking stuffers is very old. You can Google different versions of how the legend started by using your smart phone.  For this blog, we have some stocking stuffers for people of legal drinking age that they would love to get.  However, you will need a very strong stocking and a big nail (and maybe even a padlock!) to keep these ideas for stocking stuffers safe in the stocking.

How about some celebration wine? Which I believe requires bubbles! Our best-selling sparkling wine is Barefoot Bubbly.  Barefoot Bubbly has a new sparkling rosé.  It is the best tasting Barefoot Bubbly offering.  Not too sweet, not too dry.  This wine would make anyone happy at Christmas.  It has aromas of raspberries and cherries, it has flavors of nectarine and red apples.  This wine finishes with citrus flavors.  Pairs with lighter cheeses and sushi. Available in all Family Fare stores.

The fastest growing segment in wine is the premium wine in a 3 liter box. The beauty of premium wine in a box is the value.  You get amazing wine at low pricing on a per glass basis.  The wine stays good for a long time in your refrigerator.  There is less waste with the 3 liter box, up to 85% less than if the wine were in glass.  There are 4 bottles of wine is a 3 liter box.  The wine is kept fresh in a BPA free bag inside the box.  One of our bestselling brand is Bota Box.  Bota, the word for a leather wine pouch, worn long ago to transport wine efficiently.  Great for outdoor activities and wherever glass is difficult to use.  The cardboard box of Bota is 100% recyclable.  Great wine, at a great price equals a great value. Available in all Family Fare stores.

In the tradition of stocking stuffers, the children with less than stellar behavior received coal.  For the adult that has been mostly good we have Perrin Black Ale.  Perrin Black is a black ale from Perrin Brewing on the north side of Grand Rapids.  I read a Q and A online featuring Perrin’s John Stewart.  The Perrin Black Ale has become Perrin’s flagship beer.  Just like Two Hearted at Bells, the Perrin Black Ale took off right away.  When asked why, John believes that it is the beer’s drinkability.  He goes so far as to say it is such an easy sipper that it would make a great transition beer from macro to craft.  Don’t let the dark hue scare you, this beer is very smooth.  John indicates that some people think it’s a lager and not an ale because of its smoothness.  The ABV is 5.8% and it has 22 IBUs.  A reminder to visit the Perrin pub.  Outstanding food options.  Really, really delicious! Available in Michigan stores.

Here is a great gift for yourself.  You’ve earned it.  Try it, you’ll like it.  A very popular beer from Founders, named Solid Gold has jumped into the lager scene with a huge splash.  We have Solid Gold in our ad this week and it has become a fan favorite.  I have not heard any negative comments on this great tasting lager that has all the flavor you are looking for and extra flavor that you expect from Founders.  At only 4.4% ABV and a low 20 IBUs this beer provides what you are looking for to enjoy after shoveling show or taking down the Christmas tree. Available in all Family Fare stores.

Bell’s Lager of the Lakes is another stocking stuffing option.  This beer has been around for quite some time, but Bell’s has re-introduced it now in a can.  This item had mediocre sales when it was available in a bottle.  Now its sales are soaring with the can offering.  This beer is an all malt, natural Bohemian style Pilsner rooted in tradition.  The hops in Lager of the Lakes are German and Czech Republic Noble hops.   These hops lend aromas of herbs, cedar, spice, and floral.  The Pils malt shows toasted grain and a nice light body.  This versatile beer pairs with just about any holiday party.  This beer has an ABV of 5%. Lager of the Lakes is only available in Michigan stores, but be sure to check out some of the many other great brews offer in all of our Family Fare stores.

So hopefully that gives you some great, non-traditional stocking options for the of-age recipient in your life. Be prepared for responses like tackling hugs, shouts of joy, and spontaneous dancing. And most of all, have a happy holiday!

Greg VanOverloop, Beer & Wine Specialist

• Started in the Grocery business bagging at D&W in 1975.  Worked at D&W for 30 years in various departments.
• Worked at SpartanNash for 11 years.  Currently the Category Manager for Wine/Beer/Spirits for SpartanNash East.
• Have been a category manager since 1990 and a category manager of beer  since 1997.  CM of wine and spirits since 2007.
• Have travelled extensively which provided the opportunity to taste many foods and beverages from Hong Kong to Caribbean, from California to Maine.
• Love to cook, grill, and bake, snow ski, sail, and read books.    Best baked item – a bourbon pecan pie with rum crust.  Best grilled item – salmon with blueberry onion wine sauce and goat cheese.  Best cooked item – Squash Apple soup with bourbon.  Best ski slope – Go Devil at Keystone.  Best book – Wonder.
• 1 wife, 3 children, 7.3 grandchildren.