For those seeking a more refined approach to the festive countdown, a clever real ale advent calendar for 2025 offers a sophisticated alternative to the typical 24-day alcoholic marathon. Currently enjoying a significant price reduction, this curated collection is designed for the discerning beer enthusiast.
A Connoisseur's Countdown to Christmas
Journalist Gareth Butterfield, who has previewed the calendar, notes its inventive format. Unlike traditional advent calendars that feature 24 items, this one from Not on the High Street focuses on the 12 Days of Christmas. This structure spaces out a dozen bottles of hand-picked real ale, a welcome change from the more intense daily commitments of other boozy calendars.
The selection is a highlight, with 12 ales all hand-picked from independent breweries. These are traditional cask ales, presented in proper cask ale bottles. This method is celebrated for delivering a fuller flavour profile, as the beers are fresher, lack artificial carbonation, and offer a more authentic interpretation of the brewer's original vision.
Smart Packaging and a Surprise Element
The calendar's creators, Qwerty Beer Box, have put considerable thought into the presentation. The packaging is ingeniously designed, with cardboard slots that align perfectly with twelve pop-out windows on the top of the box. This simple yet effective mechanism ensures each beer remains a surprise until its designated day is revealed.
Butterfield describes the design as laughably rudimentary but admits it genuinely works and is very impressive. The box itself also serves as a stylish way to store the beers throughout the festive period.
A Festive Bargain for the Beer Lover
The most compelling news is the current price. The real ale advent calendar originally retailed for £92.99, but a Black Friday deal has slashed the cost. Shoppers can now secure it for £74.39, a saving of 20%. This price includes free delivery, with orders dispatched well before the December 2nd start date.
With its brilliant beer selection, genius presentation, and included surprises, this calendar is pitched as the perfect gift for the craft ale connoisseur. It's an ideal present for that person in your life who appreciates traditional methods, perhaps with a favourite old jumper and a shed for tinkering. As Butterfield concludes, I can't think of a bloke I know that wouldn't absolutely love to have this for their Christmas countdown.
