The Secrets of Master Brewers: Techniques, Traditions, and Homebrew Recipes for 26 of the World’s Classic Beer Styles
By Jeff Alworth
$24.95, Storey Publishing
Styles no longer exist, so says the editor of this magazine, but they should. Too often professional brewers are all too eager to color outside the lines without first seeking discipline. It’s a trait that has gotten us to the point we are at today, where history sits on a dusty shelf while the new shiny things get all the attention. Homebrewers have fueled this revolution, and Alworth reminds them—and us—why we should look to our elders and embrace the classics. Thanks to his attention to detail, unearthing of forgotten facts and appreciation for the liquid, Alworth has created a must-read book for everyone who makes his or her own beer.
John Holl
John is the editor of All About Beer Magazine and the author of three books, including The American Craft Beer Cookbook. Find him on Twitter @John_Holl.