The Homebrewer's Handbook: An Illustrated Beginner?s Guide

by Matthew Schaefer

If you’ve ever complained about a watered-down tasting glass of lager, wondered just what is causing that certain flavor in your favorite porter, or lamented the price of your favorite craft beer, then it might be time to try perfecting your own brew at home. Whether you’re an established beer snob or just want to try your hand at homebrewing, The Homebrewer’s Handbook will teach you everything you need to know to get started in this increasingly popular hobby. Teaching you all about beer and the few very simple components required to make it�malted barley, hops, yeast, and water�this comprehensive guide includes

An overview of the brewing process
Detailed explanations of extract, partial-mash, and all-grain brewing
The best equipment for each process and methods for cleaning and sanitizing
Suggestions on how to correct batches with off-flavors and aromas
How to make bottling your beer easy
A full glossary
And much more
Matthew Schaefer uses his years of expertise to show you how to control the nuances of flavor, body, and aroma, to craft your perfect bottle of beer. Whether brewing to share it with friends and family, or simply for the beautiful craft of the process, this book will guide you start to finish in making a great-tasting beer.

294 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 7, 2014

Reviews

[Ramon van Dam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid, but nothing more than that.

This is a beginner’s guide to brewing at home, with plenty of illustrations that walk you through the process, the equipment and the ingredients. It’s all clear enough, but also pretty general. If you’ve read any other book in this category you’ll recognize most of it, and I honestly think several of those do the job better. I never really felt this one added anything to them.

The recipes it contains are interesting. They look like good starting points for a beginner, and I’d happily point a newcomer to them.

Fine as a first brewing book, but I’d pick another one.

[Rick Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Michael Schaefer & Goodreads for this Giveaway........

I had been planning on looking into the home beer making process, and after reading this amazing book, I'm ready to brew. Superbly written & illustrated, Schaefer has delivered an entertaining, informative and educational guide to making beer at home. This book will be close at hand when I get started. A must book for anyone interested in brewing their own suds.

[Curt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for homebrew hobbiest

This book answered all my beginners questions. It might be a little out of date because of the popularity and growth of the hobby but the fundamentals are here along with various options for the beginner.

[Mj Ionson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had an interest in brewing for some time. I haven't had the time to ever take up the hobby, but I picked up this book on a lark. The book is pretty straight forward and informative for a beginner. This book might have given me the inclination to start brewing in the near future.

[Serena]

In compliance with FTC guidelines, I have won this book through the Goodreads Giveaways.

My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.