We started out this series with Wacky Craft Beer Gifts Guide: Stocking Stuffers, but we know many of you craft beer lovers have pets that you love too. If we’re finding eclectic craft beer gifts for the special people in your life, how can this series possibly be complete without us also finding just the thing for Fido? Some of these items can even help you enjoy a craft beer while playing with your pet, which is ultimately the best of both worlds. Hope you enjoy our Wacky Craft Beer Gifts Guide: Pets!

A good owner always makes sure his or her dog is fully up to date on shots, licensed and all of that. And what better way to show off that you’re a responsible pet owner than on the dog’s collar? But, while you’re at it, why not show off your love of craft beer also? This collar from Victory Brewing Company proudly proclaims that your dog (or at least his owner) loves Victory Brewing! But, if you’re one of those types that always has your dog with you but never an bottle opener, maybe you should consider this collar from Terrapin Brewing. It comes complete with a bottle opener on it, proving that a dog really is man's best friend!

Now a collar is all well and good, but sometimes you need to make sure you keep your dog on a short leash. Guess what? There are breweries that make those too! We recommend this leash from Magic Hat. In brown and olive, it stylishly states: I’m a responsible dog owner... so feel free to invite me to have a brew with you. Also, guys, we all know there’s no better way to pick up a girl than with a dog. Reel them in with the pup, then let them know you have good taste with the leash.

Once you’ve safely got your dog to the park, or wherever you’re going, you’re going to need to let it blow off some energy. A good round of Frisbee is a great way to get your dog’s heart rate up and you get some exercise too (craft beer is full of calories, after all, so exercise is important for all of us... but we’ll cover more of that later). Check out this flying disc (it’s a Frisbee, but not Frisbee brand) from Long Trail Brewing Co. Nothing but the finest for your dog!

All this writing about walking and playing with dogs has gotten us hungry. After you take your canine out, he’s sure to be famished too. You don’t have to wait until you get home, though, to give him a quick snack or drink. These collapsible portable dog bowls from Terrapin Brewing Co. allow you to get your pet some food or water anywhere, say, if he's lucky enough to join you on the patio at your local craft beer bar as you enjoy a well earned pint!

Now that craft beer stocking stuffers and Fido are taken care of, we’ll be on to bigger gifts in the next articles, so stay tuned!

Given the season we thought it would be a good time to publish an article about craft beer related Christmas gifts, Chanukah presents and other giveables for whatever holiday you may be celebrating. As we started researching we discovered something we should have known all along: brewery folk are crazy, fun, zany people... and that's usually reflected in everything they do. Throughout our travels in craft beer, including beer establishments of the East Coast and Breweries and Bars of the Great Lakes, we’ve met some colorful people who work at and own breweries. While breweries sell the expected pint glasses, t-shirts, coasters and more, it only makes sense that these same people would put out some gifts as interesting and fun as they are. We thought this would be much more fun for you all and, more importantly, more fun for us to research and write. So here is the first part of our Wacky Craft Beer Gifts Guide: Stocking Stuffers!

Want to text or tweet about the great IPA you're drinking at the bar right now? You should probably protect that iPhone of yours, even if you opted for the insurance. Luckily, Victory Brewing Company has just the thing, a Hop Devil iPhone case! Not a bad deal at $7 and a great way to show off your love of craft beer!

Even though Christmas Day might be a little late for this gift, consider giving the gift of craft beer holiday cheer! A tree ornament from Saranac Brewery is a great way for someone to remember to enjoy craft beer with friends and family for years to come.

Got a sweet tooth? Who doesn’t?! Wouldn’t it be great to have something sweet and beery at the same time (and no, we’re not talking about Southern Tier Creme Brulee)? If you agree, check out these beer and pretzel caramels made with Brooklyn Brewery beer. Delicious!

Sweets not your thing? Maybe you want something with a bit more zip to it. In that case, these condiments can add a little brew to your life even when you're not at your local craft beer bar or enjoying a pint at home. BBQ and hot sauces made with Stone Brewing Company’s very arrogant craft beers can go on any food while Otter Creek Brewery Beer Mustards are great on bratwurst or just a sandwich (Long Trail also has Trail Mix... Long Trail Mix, clever!).

If you need a pick-me-up in the morning as much as Jeff here at DrinkCraftBeer does, you always start your day with a cup of coffee. Well the guys down at Terrapin Brewing Company worked with Jittery Joe’s to develop a special blend of coffee for their Wake-n-Bake Imperial Coffee Stout and now you can get that same delicious flavor (minus the alcohol) bright and early.

Finally, if you know someone who’s feeling a little naughty this season these next two gifts are just what he or she needs. Magic Hat sells their very own branded “magic hats” that may just come in useful if all goes well at your annual holiday party (they’re Magic Hat condoms if the innuendo was a bit veiled). Naughty or nice? I'd call this thong from Brooklyn Brewery a little bit of both. With all this talk about getting dirty, you're going to need to get clean. Who doesn't love a person who smells like beer, which you will if you use these soaps featuring Stone Brewing Company spent grain and beer.

Well that about wraps it up for the first round of wacky craft beer gifts! As a parting piece of advice, though, don’t forget your Oskar Blues Old Chub Chapstick if you want to do any smooching underneath the mistletoe! And what stocking is complete without a gag gift? Lighten the mood with a Portsmouth Brewery Whoopee Cushion, because who doesn’t find fake farts funny?

Now that your stockings are full, keep an eye out for the next Wacky Craft Beer Gift Guides!

Pecan Pie Porter, we were hooked based on name alone. We're always excited when a new beer from Clown Shoes comes out. Their last release Eagle Claw Fist was our favorite yet so we were eager to give this a go. We're going to jump right in with one big disclaimer, this beer is a dessert beer in our minds. The rest of the clown shoes line is very drinkable and we'd have no problem putting back a whole bomber ourselves but this beer is meant to be shared.

The beer pours a deep rich dark brown with a thick dark tan head. The aroma is what really stands out though. The smell of pecans is surprisingly intense, though not in a fake way at all. There's just a very earthy nutty base to the beer followed byt nice dark malts and some sweetness.

The beer drinks much like the aroma. Smooth roasted malts are backed by a nice smooth sweetness that's rounded out with a pecan finish. There are many beers that are sweeter than this, for example Southern Tier Pumking, but this is still a bit on the heavier side which is why it feels more like a dessert beer to us. We found it paired fantastically with some pumpkin cake one of our friends brought over.

This beer makes a fantastic unique addition to dessert, and just in time for the holidays. We've also heard they may be working on a version of this Porter without the Pecan in it which we'd be very interested to try.

A recent addition to Wachusett Brewing's lineup, the Milk Stout is the darkest brew they've ever put out. At 5.8% abv it's not too big of a beer, but the lactose sugar (which is what makes it a milk stout) gives it some good body and richness. They've been adding some really great beer to their lineup as of late, between RYDE and Larry, so we can't wait to try this one. Let's get to it!

Appearance: First of all, a big chocolate milk head forms on this beer... I mean, we’re talking 5-6 fingers... but it quickly recedes to a more reasonable (and photographable) 2 1/2 fingers. The brew itself is pretty much black with some dark red hints at the edges. It looks delicious and, to be honest, the cow and the monochrome label are pretty awesome!

Smell: Yum! Sweet, smooth chocolate is the main aroma... it’s like chocolate milk with alcohol in it!

Taste: Yup, as good as it smells, it tastes phenomenal! Smooth and mildly sweet from the lactose sugar, the dark malt is chocolatey without bitterness. There’s some dark fruit at the very end of the sip that sticks around until your next. While the brew starts sweet and smooth, it ends dry with a pleasant powderyness on the back of the tongue. The sweetness is balanced, the finish is nice, the chocolate is great... this is a delicious and pleasant beer to drink! We’re glad this beer comes in 22oz bottles, because we wouldn’t want any less!