What do you think?
Rate this book
The Beer Bible
It’s finally here—the comprehensive, authoritative book that does for beer what The Wine Bible does for wine. Written by an expert from the West Coast, where America’s craft beer movement got its start, The Beer Bible is the ultimate reader- and drinker-friendly guide to all the world’s beers.
No other book of this depth and scope approaches the subject of beer in the same way that beer lovers do—by style, just as a perfect pub menu is organized—and gets right to the pleasure of discovery, knowledge, and connoisseurship. Divided into four major families—ales, lagers, wheat beers, and tart and wild ales—there’s everything a beer drinker wants to know about the hundreds of different authentic types of brews, from bitters, bocks, and IPAs to weisses, milk stouts, lambics, and more. Each style is a chapter unto itself, delving into origins, ingredients, description and characteristics, substyles, and tasting notes, and ending with a recommended list of the beers to know in each category. Hip infographics throughout make the explanation of beer’s flavors, brewing methods, ingredients, labeling, serving, and more as immediate as it is lively.
The book is written for passionate beginners, who will love its “if you like X, try Y” feature; for intermediate beer lovers eager to go deeper; and for true geeks, who will find new information on every page. History, romance, the art of tasting, backstories and anecdotes, appropriate glassware, bitterness units, mouthfeel, and more—it’s all here. Plus a primer on pairing beer and food using the three Cs— complement, contrast, or cut. It’s the book that every beer lover will read with pleasure, and use with even more.
No other book of this depth and scope approaches the subject of beer in the same way that beer lovers do—by style, just as a perfect pub menu is organized—and gets right to the pleasure of discovery, knowledge, and connoisseurship. Divided into four major families—ales, lagers, wheat beers, and tart and wild ales—there’s everything a beer drinker wants to know about the hundreds of different authentic types of brews, from bitters, bocks, and IPAs to weisses, milk stouts, lambics, and more. Each style is a chapter unto itself, delving into origins, ingredients, description and characteristics, substyles, and tasting notes, and ending with a recommended list of the beers to know in each category. Hip infographics throughout make the explanation of beer’s flavors, brewing methods, ingredients, labeling, serving, and more as immediate as it is lively.
The book is written for passionate beginners, who will love its “if you like X, try Y” feature; for intermediate beer lovers eager to go deeper; and for true geeks, who will find new information on every page. History, romance, the art of tasting, backstories and anecdotes, appropriate glassware, bitterness units, mouthfeel, and more—it’s all here. Plus a primer on pairing beer and food using the three Cs— complement, contrast, or cut. It’s the book that every beer lover will read with pleasure, and use with even more.
657 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2015
429 people are currently reading
1095 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
May 18, 2016
I rarely find that books claiming to be "comprehensive" or suitable for everyone from a novice to expert actually fit those criteria. This is one.
Jeff Alworth's latest offering covers everything you'd want to know about drinking, tasting, understanding, storing and appreciating beer, covering geography, history, chemistry, physics, law and social customs along the way.
I started out reading it like a regular book but soon found myself flipping through to read bits about various beer styles, then went back and reread the beginning, then continued moving through, occasionally flipping till a piece of trivia or a heading caught my eye, then reading whole sections before darting off to read about something else.
If you are someone who wants to learn about beer, who's fascinated by beer, or who is considered to be a beer geek (or worse, a beer nerd), this is the book for you. It's taken top place on my shelf, and might - gasp - actually displace Michael Jackson's Ultimate Beer as the ultimate reference.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Jeff Alworth's latest offering covers everything you'd want to know about drinking, tasting, understanding, storing and appreciating beer, covering geography, history, chemistry, physics, law and social customs along the way.
I started out reading it like a regular book but soon found myself flipping through to read bits about various beer styles, then went back and reread the beginning, then continued moving through, occasionally flipping till a piece of trivia or a heading caught my eye, then reading whole sections before darting off to read about something else.
If you are someone who wants to learn about beer, who's fascinated by beer, or who is considered to be a beer geek (or worse, a beer nerd), this is the book for you. It's taken top place on my shelf, and might - gasp - actually displace Michael Jackson's Ultimate Beer as the ultimate reference.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 17, 2015
Slightly embarrassing that I love the Beer Bible :) (but not really).
I hadn't really liked beer until recently when I came across a few that were just simply tasty. Then it all went uphill from there! I limit my beer tasting to once a week and usually ask for recommendations but it was so nice to come across The Beer Bible with literally pages of recommendations for me and explanations of the different beers and processes (which I'll never keep straight). It's got great photos, illustrations, history and great suggestions to try for those looking to expand their beer-izons. I've already suggested the reading to three beer lovers I know and it was a hit.
I hadn't really liked beer until recently when I came across a few that were just simply tasty. Then it all went uphill from there! I limit my beer tasting to once a week and usually ask for recommendations but it was so nice to come across The Beer Bible with literally pages of recommendations for me and explanations of the different beers and processes (which I'll never keep straight). It's got great photos, illustrations, history and great suggestions to try for those looking to expand their beer-izons. I've already suggested the reading to three beer lovers I know and it was a hit.
May 20, 2017
I read this book for NetGalley.
This book should be titled "All You Ever Wanted to Know About Beer!" - it is a great book, very exhaustive and entertaining as well. This book is accessible for anyone interested in knowing more about beer, from the novice to the true craft beer expert.
Mr. Alworth is approachable and authoritative - never condescending or patronizing. This is a fun form of education for something that a lot of people love.
If you want to really know and understand beer, this book is for you!
This book should be titled "All You Ever Wanted to Know About Beer!" - it is a great book, very exhaustive and entertaining as well. This book is accessible for anyone interested in knowing more about beer, from the novice to the true craft beer expert.
Mr. Alworth is approachable and authoritative - never condescending or patronizing. This is a fun form of education for something that a lot of people love.
If you want to really know and understand beer, this book is for you!
Read
July 28, 2020The perfect non-scientific book on beer. Welcoming to a novice, but heady and deep enough for adepts. I'm using this as part of my collection of materials to study for the cicerone examination, and it has become my primary resource for beer history; especially concerning the differences between related styles (i.e. Porter vs stout / altbier vs Kolsch).
April 30, 2016
Simply fantastic. A wealth of information. I not only learned a lot about brewing methods, styles, regions, and history, but have a solid reference anytime I need to refresh on terms, brands, etc. Read cover to cover, but makes a worthy reference book as well. Beer lovers: get this book.
November 9, 2016
Title's wrong. Better would be The Beer Encyclopedia. Lots of information here. And lots of unintended humor. "For those used to standard draft Guinness, FES [Foreign Extra Stout] is a shock. It is a huge beer, and rough and thick as a stevedore's neck." Apparently Mr. Alworth's experience with stevedores' necks is limited to the 11 inch circumference ones.
On IPAs, he lists Lagunitas Hop Stoopid (which I've had many times) right next to Heady Topper (which I haven't yet) which is interesting given Heady's mythical reputation for those of us who can't get it. And he lists Odell's 90 Shilling as one of the best Scottish Ales out there. That confused me as I was not impressed with it.
Anyway, he has chops, and opinions, and I got some good leads...
Worth the slow read.
On IPAs, he lists Lagunitas Hop Stoopid (which I've had many times) right next to Heady Topper (which I haven't yet) which is interesting given Heady's mythical reputation for those of us who can't get it. And he lists Odell's 90 Shilling as one of the best Scottish Ales out there. That confused me as I was not impressed with it.
Anyway, he has chops, and opinions, and I got some good leads...
Worth the slow read.
May 15, 2016
I LOVE this book being a beer lover myself! It was an easy read and a complete encyclopedia on beer, that Jeff Alworth has outdone himself! Any questions you have has been answered and learning things you never would have thought of! A must read for any beer lover!!
I won this in a giveway by goodreads.
I won this in a giveway by goodreads.
August 29, 2015
Hey people, especially beer lovers, this is the definitive guide to the drink we all love so much. The book is great and the author is my across the street neighbor, not that I'm biased or anything. Seriously, even knowledgeable beer geeks can learn from this one.
July 28, 2015
This is the most comprehensive book about beer I've ever seen. Over 600 pages, packed with anything and everything you ever wanted to know about beer. You can tell the author, Jeff Alworth, definitely did some extensive and exhaustive research on the content. The first part of the book gives a general history of beer, including early varieties and breweries, all the way up to commercial and craft breweries. There are tips on experiencing and appreciating your beer, how to read a label, and understanding the components of different styles and varieties. There is also a section on how beer is brewed, what makes it taste good (or better), and different things that might happen to make it taste bad.
Part Two through Part Five is dedicated to the different types of beer that exist: Ales, Wheat Beers, Lagers, and Tart and Wild Ales. Each type is further broken down into different varieties, taking you through common and traditional styles, as well as lesser-known and emerging styles. You'll learn the origin of each type, characteristics, varieties, brewing notes, and evolution. Each type of beer also has a "Beers to Know" section that lists popular beers, including where to find them and what they are composed of (ABV, IBU, type of hops, malts, other flavors, etc.).
Part Six is titled "Enjoying Beer". Here you'll find different ways to store and serve beer, including storage containers, temperature, staging and aging, how to pour, and the anatomy of a glass. Other topics discussed are food pairing, pubs, drinking games, breweries to visit (broken down by country and the best time of year to visit), and beer festivals.
At the end of the book, I thought the glossary of common terms was really helpful, as well as the appendix chart of the different hop varieties.
This would be a great coffee table/discussion book, or a reference book for anyone from beginner to connoisseur in the beer world. I received this as a free ARC from Workman Publishing Company on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Part Two through Part Five is dedicated to the different types of beer that exist: Ales, Wheat Beers, Lagers, and Tart and Wild Ales. Each type is further broken down into different varieties, taking you through common and traditional styles, as well as lesser-known and emerging styles. You'll learn the origin of each type, characteristics, varieties, brewing notes, and evolution. Each type of beer also has a "Beers to Know" section that lists popular beers, including where to find them and what they are composed of (ABV, IBU, type of hops, malts, other flavors, etc.).
Part Six is titled "Enjoying Beer". Here you'll find different ways to store and serve beer, including storage containers, temperature, staging and aging, how to pour, and the anatomy of a glass. Other topics discussed are food pairing, pubs, drinking games, breweries to visit (broken down by country and the best time of year to visit), and beer festivals.
At the end of the book, I thought the glossary of common terms was really helpful, as well as the appendix chart of the different hop varieties.
This would be a great coffee table/discussion book, or a reference book for anyone from beginner to connoisseur in the beer world. I received this as a free ARC from Workman Publishing Company on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 30, 2015
4.5 Stars
A truly comprehensive collection of beer knowledge. I've read quite a few books about beer, but this one surpasses most. The sections are divided by beer types and each part provides extensive details about that type's history, process, and notable beers. There's a section at the beginning describing beer basics and general history as well. A part at the end is very helpful. It includes serving/glass suggestions, possible food pairings, and more. Definitely a must-have for those interested in all things beer. I recommend the print copy.
Net Galley Feedback
A truly comprehensive collection of beer knowledge. I've read quite a few books about beer, but this one surpasses most. The sections are divided by beer types and each part provides extensive details about that type's history, process, and notable beers. There's a section at the beginning describing beer basics and general history as well. A part at the end is very helpful. It includes serving/glass suggestions, possible food pairings, and more. Definitely a must-have for those interested in all things beer. I recommend the print copy.
Net Galley Feedback
March 13, 2016
I received this as a Christmas present. I flipped through it and figured I'd enjoy glancing at it, but assumed it would sit on the shelf as 'resource material'. Not so fast. I poked through a little bit and decided I'd read Alworth's introductory material. Got through that, fascinated, and just kept on going. Alworth presents resource material, yes, but in a way that is engaging and truly tells a story. Definitely recommended for any beer lover. You'll learn so much about beers you already like and you'll be introduced to a whole new list of new beers to try.
November 11, 2015
I kept hitting the five star button trying to get it to register 10 stars but it would only take 5. Seriously this is hands down the most informative book on one great subject that I have read in a long time. If you already have a favorite, such as Coors-Budweiser-Miller, or whatever, and you like beer, BUY this book. Your tummy will thank you when you decide to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.
A word of WARNING! I did not take the authors very sage advice. He said to thumb through this book and find a subject that interests you and read all about it. I wanted to see what all this book had to offer and read it from cover to cover. This book is HUGE!
What I found is that if you buy this book, take the authors advice, and place this in a prominent place where you can constantly reference it, you will experience a lifetime of beer happiness. Awesome, and fantastically researched book that is not recommended, but an absolute must read if you enjoy BEER.
A word of WARNING! I did not take the authors very sage advice. He said to thumb through this book and find a subject that interests you and read all about it. I wanted to see what all this book had to offer and read it from cover to cover. This book is HUGE!
What I found is that if you buy this book, take the authors advice, and place this in a prominent place where you can constantly reference it, you will experience a lifetime of beer happiness. Awesome, and fantastically researched book that is not recommended, but an absolute must read if you enjoy BEER.
March 21, 2019
a truly comprehensive overview of a fast changing industry. Well worth a place on the bookshelf of any foodie, beer nerd, home brewer, or just someone who wants to know what this "craft beer" stuff is all about.
UPDATED REVIEW: MARCH 2019
Time to expand on this very brief snippet-review. I rated this as a 5 star book, which was unfair, but I am not allowed to rate *higher* than 5 stars.
This is a book that rewards repeated reading. I feel like I get another nugget of wisdom and information every time I read this book. The wonderful part of this is I have seen the brewing industry taking up Jeff's implied challenge of "these beers are extinct... do something about it!" and producing some wonderful beers that haven't been seen for decades or even centuries.
Buy a copy. If you have any interest in good beer, buy this book.
UPDATED REVIEW: MARCH 2019
Time to expand on this very brief snippet-review. I rated this as a 5 star book, which was unfair, but I am not allowed to rate *higher* than 5 stars.
This is a book that rewards repeated reading. I feel like I get another nugget of wisdom and information every time I read this book. The wonderful part of this is I have seen the brewing industry taking up Jeff's implied challenge of "these beers are extinct... do something about it!" and producing some wonderful beers that haven't been seen for decades or even centuries.
Buy a copy. If you have any interest in good beer, buy this book.
September 28, 2015
Jeff Alworth has an interesting job, he researches beer. In his book “The Beer Bible, Alworth describes the many types of ale he has tasted in his travels of over 17,000 miles, six countries and 52 breweries. It’s a fun read done in a humorous and entertaining style. If you’re a beer drinker you’ll learn a lot. If you don’t drink beer, you’ll still be entertained. Recommended.
I spoke with Jeff Alworth about his book and that conversation can be heard here: http://dougmilesmedia.com/?p=1882
I spoke with Jeff Alworth about his book and that conversation can be heard here: http://dougmilesmedia.com/?p=1882
June 13, 2017
Great reference book for a beer enthusiast. Majority of the book walks through the various styles of beer. I really appreciated how the author makes recommendations after each style of beers that are good examples of that style.
January 23, 2019
The amount of information in this book is INSANE. While it takes some commitment to ready it cover to cover (as i did sporadically for a year and half), I wholeheartedly recommend it as a reference if nothing else
January 10, 2017
If you like beer in any way shape or form, or even if you don't: do yourself a favour and read this book.
March 16, 2018
Exhaustive, exhausting, comprehensive, long reference work. Everything you could ever want to know about beer and then much more. Recommended.
February 7, 2021
To all beer curious like me, this is the book for you! It’s so comprehensive and detailed, I felt like I got drunk just by reading it. Lol Kidding aside, I enjoyed this book quite a lot that it took me almost a month to finish it as I want to digest every information. From the origin, evolution, brewing to date and of course, the Do’s and Don’ts, Jeff Alworth’s The Beer Bible will serve you right.
July 5, 2019
A very well written and thorough tome on beer. I took my time reading it, sampling many of the different styles throughout the course of the book. I heartily recommend The Beer Bible to anyone interested in learning more about beer.
July 1, 2020
It has All Teh Tings.
I took a lot of notes 🤓
I took a lot of notes 🤓
December 15, 2022
If you want to learn about beer, this is THE BOOK to get. 5-star rating with no hesitation.
I found it to be incredibly comprehensive, thorough, entertaining, and interesting. It covers the many different types and styles of beer, their history over centuries, the brewing process, ingredients, the differences in the brewing for different beers, a description of the taste of each beer style, and "Beers to Know", good examples of specific beers representing each of the beer styles. For each beer type, the author also covers the best type of glass in which to serve it, food pairings, and its origin story.
The book was amazing - clearly titled correctly.
I found it to be incredibly comprehensive, thorough, entertaining, and interesting. It covers the many different types and styles of beer, their history over centuries, the brewing process, ingredients, the differences in the brewing for different beers, a description of the taste of each beer style, and "Beers to Know", good examples of specific beers representing each of the beer styles. For each beer type, the author also covers the best type of glass in which to serve it, food pairings, and its origin story.
The book was amazing - clearly titled correctly.
August 12, 2016
An excellent guide to all things beer. Alworth gives a lot of history on the making (and drinking) of beer and covers a lot of ground discussion what makes beer beer. The meat of the book, however, was the review of the many, many styles of beer. Ever wondered what makes "extra special bitters (ESB)" special? Or what's the difference between German and Czech pilsners? This book will tell you, and give recommendations on beers to try from every style. The only negative to this book is that you'll become very thirsty for beer every time you pick it up (is that a bad thing?).
July 8, 2016
The 5-star reviews are not wrong. There is no more comprehensive or more accessible book on a subject. Jeff Alworth's organization is terrific. His knowledge unchallenged.
My quibble, reading in Kindle format, is the redundancy of information. The same information may appear 3 times within the book.
My quibble, reading in Kindle format, is the redundancy of information. The same information may appear 3 times within the book.
August 10, 2016
This is a great collection of information about all different kinds of beer, specific brews, and breweries. I realized there is SO much I don't know about beer. This is an awesome reference for anyone who loves beer. I feel like it does a good job about talking about flavors and how to describe them, which is something I don't have a lot of experience with yet.
October 17, 2017
Had to put this one down. There is decent information in here about some of your favorite beers, but you have to skim through this one. Not worth reading the whole thing. Time to move on to something that moves the pages.
May 15, 2017
Not into beer, but nice for those who are.
August 5, 2017
It's a textbook of beer types, creation methods, and ways to drink it.
It's well written, straight forward, and informative.
If you like beer, or want to like beer this is a great book.
It's well written, straight forward, and informative.
If you like beer, or want to like beer this is a great book.
September 9, 2017
Very useful, yet already somewhat out of date, which shows how quickly the scene is changing.
February 15, 2018
If you want to learn about beer, this is a great read; it does cover allot of different beers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews