Beer Books | January Edition

How many different styles of beer are there?

What is the difference between a lager and an ale?

What type of food pairs well with this beer?

What do you mean there is a different temperature other than just cold for maximizing the taste of a beer?

     The number of questions is endless when it comes to beer, thankfully the number of answers probably surpasses it. Like food, and a lot of things in life there are basic ideas, rules of etiquette, (even though I hate the use of the word rule and etiquette for that matter) and then there are opinions. There number of opinions cannot be counted, which I want to emphasize is a good thing.

     Even if you are just a causal drinker, I would suggest picking up a book, even just one to better familiarize yourself with the basics of beers. I promise you it will make your beer experience from macro to micro that much better. It’s hard to admit but there is an art and expectation for macro beer, not just micro, and both should be appreciated

     If you are just going to pick up one book there tends to be one book that beer people recommend more that others. The Book is Tasting Beer by Randy Mosher. I believe that there might not be another man on the planet who gets beer like Mr. Mosher. The book is full of styles, history and my favorite part, suggestions of what beer to drink so you can taste the very best of each style.

     I have read it. I will read it again, and then I know I will read it again after that. It’s too much knowledge to take in at once and appreciate it. I will say this though, it’s for the more serious beer geek in training.

     This month’s book recommendation falls along the same lines but I think simplifies it a bit and is more for the everyday drinker who wants to be knowledgeable without being overwhelmed. The Complete Beer Course – Boot Camp for Beer Geeks: From Novice to Expert in Twelve Tasting Classes by Joshua Bernstein. It’s a little more relaxed and almost every chapter has a brewery profile so that you can get to know the people behind your most beloved beer.

No matter which book you pick you can’t go wrong and your taste buds will thank you after your next brewery trip.