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The Homebrewer's Companion
More great advice from Charlie Papazian, homebrew master and author of the bestselling The Complete Joy of Homebrewing . "Many ask me, 'What's different about The Homebrewer's Companion ? ' It's a book that I might have titled The Complete Joy of Homebrewing, Volume 2 . The information is 98 percent new information, including improved procedures for beginning and malt-extract brewers as well as advanced and veteran brewers. There are loads of new recipes and useful charts and data that I continually refer to in my own homebrew recipe formulation (I still homebrew about 20 batches a year). My theme throughout is 'Keep it practical. Keep it useful.' I wanted to answer 10 years' worth of questions in this one volume. I did . . . and I had fun doing it." - Charlie Papazian Get the Most from Your Malt!
464 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1994
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 1, 2021
This book was recommended as an all-around guidebook for homebrewing. It is a good resource for all things beer. I read it cover-to-cover, but now will use it for sectional reference. I recommend this book for anyone interesting in homebrewing beer. I rated it 4 out of 5 as it was great, but not knock-my-socks off.
March 1, 2021
Outdated, too American, even the spirit is not suitable for 2020. Might be read as history of home brewing.
August 18, 2024
A great book for anyone wanting to take a step further into home brewing. The Home Brewer’s Companion, 2nd edition, touches on every aspect of home brewing similar to a 200/300-level college course; above the basics that a 100-level freshman course, but not as nuanced and detailed as a 400-level senior course needs.
The book goes beyond brewing basics and discusses topics such as enzymes and protein in brewing and options for different home brewing setups ranging from mash tons to bottling versus corny kegs. It provides enough of an introduction into each topic that anyone who has brewed one or two batches of beer can catch up, but not so much as to bore an experienced home brewer.
The book is written in an informative yet playful (“relax, have a homebrew”) tone that informs the reader yet tells them to relax, nothing in the home brewing hobby is a 9-1-1 crisis.
The book goes beyond brewing basics and discusses topics such as enzymes and protein in brewing and options for different home brewing setups ranging from mash tons to bottling versus corny kegs. It provides enough of an introduction into each topic that anyone who has brewed one or two batches of beer can catch up, but not so much as to bore an experienced home brewer.
The book is written in an informative yet playful (“relax, have a homebrew”) tone that informs the reader yet tells them to relax, nothing in the home brewing hobby is a 9-1-1 crisis.
August 7, 2022
A great companion to Papazian's The Complete Joy of Homebrewing. That book was informative, but a bit too focused on beginners for my taste. This follow-up contains a lot more detailed information, including quite some tips and tricks that were new to me. A lot of the recipes are also original and inviting.
December 29, 2018
This book is second only to "The Complete Joy of Home Brewing" and is a necessary staple for any home brewer.
April 25, 2019
Great information and follow up to the joy.
December 1, 2019
Useful.
May 16, 2020
This is hands down the best beer book! It is full of technical information but Papazian puts it in layman's terms where it is easily unstable.
January 2, 2011
This is the book I chose to read after I decided that I was finally ready to start home brewing.
Having almost no knowledge of the brewing process, this book got me up to speed pretty quick. The only thing to note is that this book is apparently more for an intermediate level of brewer, someone who has at least tried brewing before.
There were terms and processes that this book seemed to skip over without explaining, assuming you knew the basics. I also got frustrated every time Papazian says, "This process is described in detail in The New Complete Joy of Home Brewing". I found it obnoxious that it was assumed that I should have already read his other book. It would have been fine if this book was specifically labeled to be a "sequel" or add-on, but I had no idea going into it. Maybe that's my own fault.
Anyway, the information is solid, and it isn't so far removed that a beginner can't come into it and figure it out. I did. And above all, I know that this is a book I will constantly be referring back to when I am actually brewing.
Having almost no knowledge of the brewing process, this book got me up to speed pretty quick. The only thing to note is that this book is apparently more for an intermediate level of brewer, someone who has at least tried brewing before.
There were terms and processes that this book seemed to skip over without explaining, assuming you knew the basics. I also got frustrated every time Papazian says, "This process is described in detail in The New Complete Joy of Home Brewing". I found it obnoxious that it was assumed that I should have already read his other book. It would have been fine if this book was specifically labeled to be a "sequel" or add-on, but I had no idea going into it. Maybe that's my own fault.
Anyway, the information is solid, and it isn't so far removed that a beginner can't come into it and figure it out. I did. And above all, I know that this is a book I will constantly be referring back to when I am actually brewing.
September 30, 2008
Papazian is such an avid fan of homebrewing, and of beer in general, that you can't help but read this book and just go out and start brewing. For readers of his Complete Joy of Homebrewing, this book is an indispensable second volume, with lots of more detailed info regarding some of the trickier scientific bits and tweaking of homebrews. Is it accessible? Well, due to cost considerations, I have yet to purchase any of the gear necessary for brewing, but still found it an informative and fun read. If you like beer, find and read these books.
I would also note that Papazian is in no way a beer snob. He may not be a huge fan of the flavor of the mega-breweries, but he is always sure to give them credit where it is due. His views on their accomplishments, especially in light of the goals of home brewing, are especially revealing.
I would also note that Papazian is in no way a beer snob. He may not be a huge fan of the flavor of the mega-breweries, but he is always sure to give them credit where it is due. His views on their accomplishments, especially in light of the goals of home brewing, are especially revealing.
December 9, 2009
Full of great homebrewing knowledge. This was the first book I read as newbie brewer, and now after five years I will still pull this one off the shelf (one shelf just for brewing books) and read a random chapter.
Most important of all his advice is the mantra "Relax, have a homebrew" This has become my philosophy on life. When work or school has me stressed to my breaking point, when the car won't start and the tires are flat anyways, I take a deep breath relax and have a homebrew.
Those who do not have an interest or an obsession with homebrewing may find the book a bit dry when Papazian attempts to explain things like yeast flocculation or Alpha Acids, but Charlie keeps the technical stuff to a minimum will delivering a very in depth survey of the art.
P.S. The recipe for "Slanting Annie's Chocolate Porter" is my favorite. I recommend this recipe to everyone.
Most important of all his advice is the mantra "Relax, have a homebrew" This has become my philosophy on life. When work or school has me stressed to my breaking point, when the car won't start and the tires are flat anyways, I take a deep breath relax and have a homebrew.
Those who do not have an interest or an obsession with homebrewing may find the book a bit dry when Papazian attempts to explain things like yeast flocculation or Alpha Acids, but Charlie keeps the technical stuff to a minimum will delivering a very in depth survey of the art.
P.S. The recipe for "Slanting Annie's Chocolate Porter" is my favorite. I recommend this recipe to everyone.
February 22, 2014
This was a good companion to the original Complete Joy of Homebrewing but provided some more in depth process and also history on brewing. One of my favorite stories was the story about how Bass, one of the first breweries to brew IPA's back. When this dude into the details, I feel it went a little over my head, but I think as a novice brewer, this is a good reference I can always come back to.
March 5, 2014
A good book on brewing science is one that reminds the reader that brewing is an art, and Charlie Papazian is a master of that. The book gets three stars for being somewhat dated and for the somewhat excessive poetic waxing.
THAT SAID: The book is a wonderful resource full of out-of-the-way knowledge, great stories and lots of charts, references and recipes. If this book ever catches an update I'll buy a copy for my brewery.
THAT SAID: The book is a wonderful resource full of out-of-the-way knowledge, great stories and lots of charts, references and recipes. If this book ever catches an update I'll buy a copy for my brewery.
January 27, 2013
A little more serious than his first book (The Complete Joy of Brewing, Third Edition) but a worthwhile read all the same of you're getting into your home brewing as much as I am. Filled with useful advice gaining from years of experience plus a few more extract, mash/extract and all grain recipes to inspire new ideas, this is a book I'll be coming back to time and time again.
January 25, 2011
Good information!! Great tips for first time beer makers. Some of it was a bit complicated...since I'm only doing small scale brewing in my apartment and don't have room for a lot of the fancy gadgets and gizmos...but, an interesting read! Can't wait to try some recipes.
November 20, 2013
When I started homebrewing in the 80's, this was the definitive book on the subject. I know there are other better books out there, but I still reach for this one first. The recipies are great, if a little light on the hops, and are easy to follow.
June 18, 2008
Indispensable book for making beer at home.
August 18, 2009
Another great book on homebrewing that I continue to use as a reference. I didn't read every single word as it got into details of brewing methods I don't employ (yet).
September 20, 2011
There's a significant amount of out-dated brewing information in this book, but overall it's a good read.
May 12, 2012
But not a beginner book: this is sort of Vol. Two of his earlier book.
September 28, 2012
If you haven't read the Joy of Homebrewing, read that first. If you have and want more, here it is.
June 3, 2022
good reference of more in depth information that I see myself going back to again later...oh and many more recipes.
November 7, 2014
Sorry Charlie. This one was a waste of time. Space beer? Really?
December 13, 2014
Not as good as was hoping. Some good points and recipes but for being revised still seemed dated. Still learned a few things so all is good.
January 1, 2015
A comprehensive reference of beer and beer brewing. I especially like the extensive list of recipes.
April 21, 2015
Practical & expanding technically!
January 25, 2017
A bit dated but pretty good. The style still slightly grates but can't put finger on it. If you drank a homebrew as often as he says to throughout you would have a serious drinking problem.
January 6, 2013
Lots of good tips that I hope will help me make more delicious homebrew.
January 9, 2016
A delightful and informative brew guide. Charle Papazian is a great companion in brewing.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews