The Brewer's Apprentice: An Insider's Guide to the Art and Craft of Beer Brewing, Taught by the Masters

Koch (coauthor, The Craft of Stone Brewing Co. ), cofounder and CEO of Stone Brewing Company, and freelance writer and beer judge Allyn have put together an in-the-trenches-with-greatness empirical guide to beer brewing. After laying the groundwork with extremely concise nuts and bolts (with charts, print and online references, a glossary, and ingredient profiles), the authors turn to guidance, as each element of the process or varietal character trait is broken down by experts and notables. Maestros from Summit, Russian River, Schneider & Sohn, Dogfish Head, BrewDog, Fuller, Captain Lawrence, and Tugwell spill on mash and lautering, bittering hops, ales, Belgian style, lambic, brewing with fruit, barrel aging, ciders, meads, and evaluating beer. Verdict: Just as a choice session brew is guided by mood, circumstance, and season, this book is designed to be browsed as your taste dictates--not necessarily read straight through. That said, it is not to be dismissed as casual--there is heady methodology, insight, a troubleshooting guide, and evidenced trial and outcome here. For those who see beer as a means, not an end. In the best possible sense, you will need a drink to get through this. -- Library Journal Xpress Review

Koch (coauthor, The Craft of Stone Brewing Co.), cofounder and CEO of Stone Brewing Company, and freelance writer and beer judge Allyn have put together an in-the-trenches-with-greatness empirical guide to beer brewing. After laying the groundwork with extremely concise nuts and bolts (with charts, print and online references, a glossary, and ingredient profiles), the authors turn to guidance, as each element of the process or varietal character trait is broken down by experts and notables. Maestros from Summit, Russian River, Schneider & Sohn, Dogfish Head, BrewDog, Fuller, Captain Lawrence, and Tugwell spill on mash and lautering, bittering hops, ales, Belgian style, lambic, brewing with fruit, barrel aging, ciders, meads, and evaluating beer. Verdict: Just as a choice session brew is guided by mood, circumstance, and season, this book is designed to be browsed as your taste dictates not necessarily read straight through. That said, it is not to be dismissed as casual there is heady methodology, insight, a troubleshooting guide, and evidenced trial and outcome here. For those who see beer as a means, not an end. In the best possible sense, you will need a drink to get through this. Library Journal Xpress Review

Koch (coauthor, The Craft of Stone Brewing Co.), cofounder and CEO of Stone Brewing Company, and freelance writer and beer judge Allyn have put together an in-the-trenches-with-greatness empirical guide to beer brewing. After laying the groundwork with extremely concise nuts and bolts (with charts, print and online references, a glossary, and ingredient profiles), the authors turn to guidance, as each element of the process or varietal character trait is broken down by experts and notables. Maestros from Summit, Russian River, Schneider & Sohn, Dogfish Head, BrewDog, Fuller, Captain Lawrence, and Tugwell spill on mash and lautering, bittering hops, ales, Belgian style, lambic, brewing with fruit, barrel aging, ciders, meads, and evaluating beer. Verdict: Just as a choice session brew is guided by mood, circumstance, and season, this book is designed to be browsed as your taste dictates--not necessarily read straight through. That said, it is not to be dismissed as casual--there is heady methodology, insight, a troubleshooting guide, and evidenced trial and outcome here. For those who see beer as a means, not an end. In the best possible sense, you will need a drink to get through this. --Library Journal Xpress Review