How to Brew: Everything You Need To Know To Brew Beer Right The First Time

I love reading through this book. There are simple thoughts on changing up recipes and ingredients.... and insane charts and concepts on the biology and chemistry of brewing that I could only hope to understand one day. Nice section of homebrew recipes and tons of resources throughout. Cheers.

Great book, good price, fast professional service. Getting ready to make some brew. How dry I am.

I read "The Complete Joy of Homebrewing" by Charlie Papazian front to back and found myself not having a complete understanding of the entire brewing process, so I thought I would buy another book and after reading this one I was not at all disappointed. John Palmer describes the purpose of this book very well at its introduction; he says "(Brewing) sounds fairly simple, doesn't it? It really isn't any harder than baking a batch of cookies. What is difficult is understanding how to make cookies when you have never seen it done before. When you are done with this book, you will understand what you are doing, why you are doing it, and how to do it easily." I couldn't have described this book better. The problem with most brewing books is they tell you what to do and what not to do, but they don't explain why you are (or aren't) doing something, just to do it and it works. While this book is a lengthy read, it goes into strong detail that made me feel "full" after each chapter. Then when I go to apply something I learned I find I have no questions left.

This book is like having a friend next to you that you can ask any question about and get a straight-forward, clear, scientific answer. There is even a section in the back labeled "Is My Beer Ruined?" where you can look up almost any problem you are having including 3 pages listing off-smells, their causes, and what you can do (if there is anything you can do) to fix them.

I cannot recommend this book any more for anybody that is learning to brew, or even advanced brewers that want a more scientific look at what they are already good at doing. Any knowledge is good, and after spending a good few days curled up with this book I personally guarantee the quality and understanding of your beer will improve.

The book is online but I am more than happy to have read and be able to look at the hard copy all the time, any time, even while mashing or boiling. Clear and to the point information.

I bought this book earlier this year (2008) when starting out in homebrewing. I've done just 2 batches so far and have used this book as my "Bible." For me, a beginning brewer, it has been indespensible. The book is well written, clear, easy to follow and with good pictures of key steps. I have several other books on the topic also, two by the "daddy of home brewing" and this one is the best for my money! Highly recommended for the beginner to the advanced brewer.