Holiday get-togethers go better with beer

Believe it or not, the holiday season is quickly approaching, and that means many get- togethers. Every year the same thing happens: You get invited somewhere, then scramble to think of something cool to take. Well, this year, plan ahead and change things up by taking a great bottle of beer.

A beautiful bottle of beer will not only impress your host; with so many styles to choose from, you can find something to go with practically any meal. A bonus: Some of the best beers in the world cost a lot less than your average bottle of wine or Champagne.

But not any bottle will do if you want to make a splash. Skip the six-packs unless you’re bringing them as extras. Instead, stick with large- format bottles (22 ounces, or 750 milliliters) that stand out and catch the eye — and can be shared.

The look of a bottle makes a big difference with first impressions. Seek out ones that are corked (with a nice wire cage) or have waxed tops. These add wow factor and a bit more elegance. Label design and art are also important. A tall 750-milliliter bottle with an eye-catching label will always add to the allure.

It goes without saying that the beer inside these sexy bottles has to be top-notch. Looks without substance don’t mean a thing. Luckily, in Hawaii we have an abundance of amazing beers to choose from.

Here are a few recommendations:

>> Belgian-style beers are a go-to for dinner parties. A Belgian Tripel, like Delirium Tremens, with its light body and gentle fruit notes, pairs well with almost any dish. The ceramiclike bottle is topped with a cork, cage and bright blue foil that impresses even before you open the bottle. This beer is fermented three times, and although it is 8.5 percent alcohol by volume, it has a light mouthfeel and finishes moderately dry. It’s a world-class beer with a bottle to match.

>> Beer flavors range greatly, and some can even make for the perfect dessert drink. If everyone brings wine for dinner, think about bringing a bold, rich Bourbon-barrel-aged beer. Deschutes Abyss is a great choice. The 22-ounce bottle is dipped in wax around the cap and neck, giving it an extra look of luxuriousness. Inside, the ink-black beer is loaded with dark chocolate, vanilla, molasses and oaky wood flavors. The 2015 vintage is still available around the island and by now is nicely aged. Crack this after dinner, and sip slowly with a large group of friends.

>> Be bold with a complex sour beer. Not everyone is a fan, so choosing the right offering is key to winning over converts. That means selecting a sour beer that has been aged with fruit. Just in time for the holiday season is Cascade Brewing’s Cranberry Sour, with a light tartness and vibrancy that perfectly complement its gentle sour quality, plus subtle hints of oak and soft fruit flavors that provide balance. This beer is neither sweet nor overly dry — it lands right in the middle. And the cranberry notes are perfect for any holiday dinner.

Tim Golden, a certified cicerone, shares his obsession with all things craft beer monthly. See his blog, “Beer in Hawaii,” at beerinhawaii.com.