Books

Winner of the IACP award for best book in wine, beer and spirits (2016, Beer Bible) and best book by the North American Guild of Beer Writers (2016, Beer Bible and 2017, Secrets of Master Brewers)


The Beer Bible, 2nd Ed.

The Beer Bible is the most comprehensive guide to the world of beer, whether you’re new to it or an old hand. Divided by beer type, each chapter covers the history, flavor profile, brewing techniques, and current evolution, along with classic examples to familiarize you. The book contains additional sections on tasting beer, flavor compounds, how beer is made, an extensive history, and a world travel guide.

First published in 2015, the newly-revised Beer Bible (2021) contains a regular-book’s worth of new material, with wholly new sections on American hoppy ales, sake, and European farmhouse brewing, plus updated material throughout. The guiding light in writing this book was to answer any questions a person might have about beer, and I hope I came close to the mark.

Purchase: Powell's - Amazon

 
 
 
ww.png

The Widmer Way

The Widmer Way chronicles Kurt and Rob Widmer’s journey from humble homebrewers to craft beer pioneers and founders of Widmer Brothers Brewing. Drawing from hours of interviews with Kurt and Rob, close family and friends, and big names in the beer industry, The Widmer Way offers an exclusive look into the Widmer brothers’ lives and their enormous impact on craft brewing in Portland and beyond. Alworth explores the Widmer family’s beer history, the brothers’ German influence, the brewery’s distribution deal with Anheuser-Busch, and the formation of the Craft Brew Alliance, one of the largest craft brewing companies in the United States.


Purchase: Powell'sAmazon

 
 
 

The Secrets of Master Brewers

Best-selling author Jeff Alworth takes serious beer aficionados on a behind-the-scenes tour of 26 major European and North American breweries that create some of the world’s most classic beers. Learn how the Irish make stout, the secrets of traditional Czech pilsner, and what makes English cask ale unique by delving deep into the specific techniques, equipment, and geographical factors that shape these distinctive styles. Contemporary brewers carrying on their traditions share insider knowledge and 26 original recipes to guide experienced homebrewers in developing your own special versions of each style. 

Purchase: Powell'sAmazon

 
 
 
81nk4E1vOWL.jpg

Cider Made Simple

Cider has become the new "it" drink, with a wide range of styles popping up on restaurant menus and at neighborhood bars everywhere. Sweet, tart, sparkling, still—cider has many wonderful (and sometimes unexpected) qualities. But how to choose? For this gateway guide, author Jeff Alworth traveled to France, England, Spain, Canada, and the United States, asking questions and drinking every variety of cider he could find, resulting in a compact yet comprehensive overview.

Purchase: Amazon

 
 
 
beer tasting.jpg

Beer Tasting ToolKit

Flavor is easy, right? Put something into your mouth, chew or swish, and taste. But what goes into this thing we call flavor? Everything you need to conduct a tasting is included in The Beer Tasting Toolkit: handy numbered sacks that accommodate everything from a stubby to a 750 ml bottle, tasting notepads, a shorthand guide with key aroma and flavor terms, and a 48-page booklet that describes elements of flavor, beer styles, and how to conduct a tasting. There are tips about which beers to include in your tasting as well as suggestions about pairing your beer with food.

Purchase: Amazon