Stuff Every Beer Snob Should Know

by Ellen Goldstein

This pocket-sized handbook to all things beer is the perfect gift for the homebrewer, craft beer lover, or anyone who appreciates a good pint.

From classic craft beers to trendy microbrews, beer is booming nationwide. Whether you prefer light lagers or hearty stouts, you’ll find lots to drink in on the pages of this pocket-sized guide, packed with information, how-tos, and trivia for beer enthusiasts of all stripes. Seasoned craft-brew connoisseurs and newbie beer drinkers alike will learn almost everything there is to know about the world’s most beloved beverage,

   • How to Taste Beer Like a Pro
   • How to Store Beer
   • How to Pair Beer with Food
   • How to Host a Tasting
   • How to Drink Local
   • And more!

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Beer, Cookbooks

144 pages, Hardcover

First published February 6, 2018

Reviews

[Deniz Balcı · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bira ulaşmanın en kolay olduğu alkollü içeceklerden biri olmasına rağmen, hakkında nitelikli bilgiye pek sahip olmadığımız tüketim ürünlerinden birisi. Haliyle bu kitap bira dünyasına bilinçli bir bakış atmak için çok ideal bir başlangıç kitabı. Benim için aydınlatıcı olduğu bazı noktalar, tüketim alışkanlıklarımı değiştirecek etkide. O yüzden çok sevdiğimi söylemem lazım. Açın biranızı, oturun şezlongunuza ve okuyun kitabı. Çok keyif alacağınıza eminim. Cheers.

[Flavia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I enjoy beer just as equally as wine (and I only choose between the two based on the occasion), I of course had to request and review Stuff Every Beer Snob Should Know as well! Since the book about wine, and this one about beer are from the same series (Stuff You Should Know), and have similar covers, I just wanted to point out that the authors are completely different. Therefore, it came as no surprise to me, that while this book meant for beer snobs also starts out with a handy index, it then goes into a quiz that readers can take in order to determine whether they are a beer snob or not! I found that to be super neat.

The book then goes into the basics of beer, and a brief overview about what types of beer are out there (such as ale, pilsner, etc.). Beer Snob then goes into the history of beer, before covering some beer-related terminology. The layout of this book then very much mirrors that of the wine book (which is great, because I find that layout to be quite organized, and easy to navigate). I definitely recommend this book for all of the beer snobs out there, and those looking to join the club!

[Matthew Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great overview of beer and brewing that perfectly walks the line between being info-dense and brief

[Christopher Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great resource for quickly identifying or reviewing different styles of beer and the brewing process. By no means an in-depth dive, but rather a high level overview.

[Michael Grizer (He-Him) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great quick little read that hits all the basics of understanding beer. Worth the time even for someone who's been drinking beer for 35 years or more.

[Jindřich Mynarz · Rating 1 out of 5]

A US-centric amalgam of pop-science and "fun facts", suitable for everyone who wants to demonstratively incorporate beer in their identity.

Favourite part: Beer buzzword bingo (e.g., dank coconut bomb beers) seems like the part where the book acknowledges what it is.

[Natalie Cranberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The year? 2022

The girl? 28, recently moved back to the USA from Ireland, inferiority complex but competitive

The dates? Every date since returning to the States has surrounded beer.

American men of a certain age (20s-forever) fall into three categories—Big Bru lover or Beer Snob, or sober. Grand. I like beer. Beer is for (almost) everyone.

However, I recently realized that as a single woman dating drinking beer is only half the battle. Knowing about the brews and what makes them interesting goes a long way. Additionally, beer masters had traditionally been women in many cultures—making my quest to learn more about the beers of the world a feminist feat as well. Two birds, one stone.

Stuff Every Beer Snob Should Know is an excellent place to start. It covers the vocabulary of brewing itself, breaks down home brewing, delves into what processes result in which flavors. The full glass, if you will. It is detailed but still broad enough to be used and reread as a resource.

I especially enjoyed tips for how to get rid of stale beer to cut down on food waste. I also know I’ll be checking the beer pairings in the book as well. It is a great book to kick off this journey and I look forward to wowing my next date with a beer snob (and then being able to talk about something other than beer!).

[Jimmie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stuff Every Beer Snob Should Know is a quick and fun read. I read this book after reading a book about coffee from the same publisher. I learned some new insights after reading this book. I found the science lessons in how beer is made answered questions I have had my whole life. The author provided great insights into this book, provided background information on the various styles of beer, and offered great detail to various beer festivals. If you are a fan of beer, this is a must read book!

[Keith Carmona · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book for anyone interested in some beer history, notes on the craft, how to host a beer tasting party, etc. Goldstien has everything here in a condensed book. Also, don't feel as if you have to read this in order. Just skip to the parts that interest you. Still, stylistically, it is pretty easy to digest with a clean, refreshing mouthfeel. Cheers!

[Heath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to diving deeper into the culture of beer. I can forgive the America-centric perspective, as I’m sure that is where most of this book’s reader reside. All the same, I feel much more confident in identifying, analyzing, and discussing various brews amongst my friends and other “snobs” after reading!

[Brendan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrific guide to beer. It is comprehensive - covering everything from the history of beer to types of beer, to beer terminology - but is not overwhelming. It is just enough to be interesting and informative.

[David Neal · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very informative and quick read for anyone who enjoys the odd beer. It gives a good breakdown of the basics (including the types of beer, how it is made, as well as how to pair with food). I would recommend this book.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very handy introduction to beer. Covers all the basics of how beer is made, types and styles of beer, details on the beer making process, etc. I am a bit of a beer snob and I still found it helpful as a refresher and reference. Published in 2018, it is dated to some degree but still useful, IMO.

[Jean Samaniego · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great little book with tons of information regarding beer! I like the section on descriptors that I can use when I rate and review beer. All beer drinkers should read this book! All my family and friends know me as a beer snob, so this book fits me like a glove. I very highly recommend it!

[Jericho Eames · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tiny book that is packed with so much information! I'm not a beer snob, but hey, this book has taught me how to start appreciating beers and not just chugging them down.

[Carolyn Schafer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, quick read with a lot of interesting facts!

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun little pocket sized book that I finished in a day. Probably mostly common knowledge for beer nerds, but I still learned a few things.

[Kevin Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice little book with a great variety of beer facts and information for anyone from the novice to the beer aficionado.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m obsessed with this little book, it’s perfect

[John Lustrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun quick read with legitimately useful tidbits about all things beer.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and educational, but it sometimes takes itself a little too seriously. Great to keep on hand in the bar!

[Craig Snider]

A short, easy read with some beer basics but also some interesting and obscure facts. Unfortunately it reads a little bit like a few people in a pub brainstormed some beer topics and a few hours/beers later called it a book. Topics cover everything from production to things you'd expect in a copy of Good Housekeeping ("8 Uses for Stale Beer" and "How to Host a Tasting") all of which are covered in 1-3 teeny pages.

More silly than informative, and written mostly for a wide eyed small-town American audience with a feel of "this is what beer is like in the outside world". Nonetheless, good light entertainment.