Beer of the Week is sponsored by the Lion & Rose. Each week, we introduce you to a wonderful brew that’s a little bit different and well worth seeking out.

Beer makes a great stocking stuffer because a bottle or can will fit perfectly in most any sock you’ve got hanging on the mantel. But what should you get for the beer lovers on your list? Think about what you usually see these people drink and then upgrade from there.

If they like Bud or Corona, try a bottle or two of Harp’s from Ireland. Or, if it’s a dark beer they’re after, give them Samuel Smith’s Oatmeal Stout.

Here are five recommendations of beers that will please even the pickiest of drinkers:

Smithwick’s Superior Irish Ale is true example of color-coordinating a beer with the season. The label on this wonderful brew is green, while the ale itself is an attractive red. But it’s the smooth nature of this beer, with a light touch of caramel sweetness and malt, that people remember, making this a perennial favorite.

Go Texan and drink one of the local brews. Real Ale Full Moon Pale Rye Ale manages a robust balancing act of orange and coriander flavors with wheat, malt and rye for a

If you know of a beer drinker who is also a coffee fanatic, then try the St. Peter’s Cream Stout. Not only is the bottle beautiful, making each one seem like a more extravagant present, but the flavors inside are bold and brilliant as well, with swirls of chocolate and coffee in your mouth.

For those who turn their nose up at beer, try a Lindemans Framboise Lambic. The art nouveau-style label on the bottle, the festive red foil over the cap and the amazing raspberry aroma will lead them to think that this is not a beer at all. But the beauty of beer is how many styles there are, so that there really is a brew for every taste.

Bard’s Sorghum Malt Beer is perfect for anyone on your list dealing with celiac. This gluten-free brew is also lower in carbohydrates than other beers, but the real draw here is the twin draw that it tastes good and it tastes like beer.

And if still don’t trust your judgment, a Lion and Rose gift card will let the beer lovers in your life explore on their own.

Finish off these Whole-Grain Pancakes with seasonal fruit, syrup or the topping of your choice.

Looking for an easy pancake recipe for Christmas morning that goes great with maple syrup or fresh seasonal fruit? Then try these flavorful vegan pancakes from “Simple Vegan: Delicious Meat-Free, Dairy-Free Recipes Every Family Will Love” (Hearst Books, $14.95) from Good Housekeeping. “These pancakes not only allow you to go egg-free. they give you a double dose of whole-grain goodness (notice the whole-wheat flour and heart-heathly oats in the ingredients list).”

Whole-Grain Pancakes

1 1/2 cups plain soy milk
2/3 cup quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons canola oil

In a medium bowl, combine soy milk and oats. Let stand 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl. combine flour, whole-wheat flour, baking powder and salt. Stir oil into oat mixture and add oat mixture to dry ingredients. Stir just until flour mixture is moistened (batter will be lumpy).

Spray non-stick 12-inch skillet with non-stick cooking spray; heat over medium heat until hot. Make 4 pancakes at a time, pour batter by scant 1/4 cups into skillet, spreading batter into 3 1/2-inch circles. Cook until tops are bubbly and edges look dry, 2 to 3 minutes. With a wide spatula, turn pancakes and cook until undersides are golden brown. transfer pancakes to platter. Cover to keep warm.

Repeat with remaining batter, using more cooking spray as needed.

Makes 12 pancakes or 4 servings.

Approximate nutritional value per serving (pancake only): 300 calories, 8 g protein, 37 g carbohydrate, 14 g total fat, 4 g fiber, 0 cholesterol, 466 mg sodium.

From “Simple Vegan: Delicious Meat-Free, Dairy-Free Recipes Every Family Will Love” from Good Housekeeping