Drink Beer, Think Beer: Getting to the Bottom of Every Pint

by John Holl

From an award-winning journalist and beer expert, a thoughtful and witty guide to understanding and enjoying beer Right here, right now is the best time in the history of mankind to be a beer drinker. America now has more breweries than at any time since prohibition, and globally, beer culture is thriving and constantly innovating. Drinkers can order beer brewed with local yeast or infused with moondust. However, beer drinkers are also faced with uneven quality and misinformation about flavors. And the industry itself is suffering from growing pains, beset by problems such as unequal access to taps, skewed pricing, and sexism. Drawing on history, economics, and interviews with industry insiders, John Holl provides a complete guide to beer today, allowing readers to think critically about the best beverage in the world. Full of entertaining anecdotes and surprising opinions, Drink Beer, Think Beer is a must-read for beer lovers, from casual enthusiasts to die-hard hop heads.

Genres: Nonfiction, Beer, Audiobook, Food, Food and Wine, History

273 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 4, 2018

Reviews

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT GUIDE TO ALL THINGS HOPS

My paternal great-grandmother came to America from County Cork to escape the potato famine. She lived into her '90s with my Dad's family and would often send him out for a bucket of beer. Each time she’d reward him with sips, and inscrutably declare, "Ah, Charles, you're a bully boy with a glass eye!" So when I discovered DRINK BEER, THINK BEER, I knew I HAD to do a review because, sure and begorrah, it’s in the blood.

And I love this book! It covers everything you could possibly want to know about the subject in spirited format and narrative. Plus author John Holl, an award-winning journalist and beer expert, is the kind of guy you’d want to share a brewski with. Thoughtful, witty and full of hops wisdom, he’s created a sublime guide for understanding and savoring beer.

You learn that the U.S. has more breweries than at any time since prohibition, and that beer culture is thriving and evolving globally. Holl also draws upon history, economics, and interviews with industry insiders to flesh out this foam-rich compendium on the world’s most hops-ening drink. 5/5b

Pub Date 04 Sep 2018

Thanks to Perseus Books, Basic Books and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are fully mine.

#DrinkBeer,ThinkBeer #NetGalley

[Diane Hernandez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worldwide, beer is the second most popular beverage (after coffee). No wonder everyone wants to Drink Beer, Think Beer.

With only four basic ingredients—water, malt, hops and yeast—it is staggering how many beer varieties are available now. With breweries popping up everywhere and even inexpensive home brewery kits available online, beer is definitely experiencing a renaissance from its former bowling league ambience.

Beginning with a brief history of beer, the book quickly segues into the eccentric world of craft beers. Beers are made with some very unusual add-on ingredients. Some of the weirdest that are mentioned are beef hearts, stones, money and moon dust though the author admits that some are just publicity stunts or solely for collectors—not drinkers.

This is a absorbing study of a favorite subject of many. Whether you like beer to drink, collect or are just following the trends, Drink Beer, Think Beer is a good choice to make you more knowledgeable about beer. 3 stars for me but if you love craft beer, this could easily be a 5 star read for you.

Thanks to Perseus Books and NetGalley for an advance copy.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some fun stories and information in here, but it doesn't really come together as a book, and seems awkwardly padded out in places. I get the sense that Holl has been writing about beer for so long that he sort of assumed he must have enough material for a whole book, but I'm not sure he was right, at least not for one with anything substantial to say. The question "What is this book about?" has the single word "beer" as an answer, but beyond that it's all over the place. It also could have used some more thorough editing for intra-chapter coherence, and even for some ugly repetitive/cliche phrasing throughout. Overall a fun quick read, and I did learn quite a few things, but I was a little disappointed with the quality of the writing, and expected more from the author considering his pedigree.

[Neal Tognazzini · Rating 3 out of 5]

Been working my way through a lot of beer books over the past year, so I was happy to add this one to the list. The author is a journalist so he knows how to write sentences that are easy to read. At the same time, he occasionally comes across as a bit pretentious and a bit preachy. The book is also more like a collection of random thoughts than it is a coherent narrative - it felt meandering at times.

I’ll also note a pet peeve of mine that was triggered toward the end of the book, when he started lamenting the way that people use their phones these days to share their drinking experiences with far-flung friends. If you don’t like using your phone that way, cool, don’t. But let’s skip the lecture about “being present in the moment”. Presence looks different for everyone, and your moment may not be theirs.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't a bad read. I thought it was a bit too in depth for my liking but that also speaks to the level of knowledge and expert-ness of the author. This came across more educational to me than a relaxing book about beer.

Beer has come a LONG way. I'll admit when I started drinking beer it was Bud Light all day. Then I graduated to Blue Moon and Sam Adams. From there it was a free fall into the world of hops, barley, wheat, and whatever other flavors they put together. Now, it's my go-to drink of choice and I'm hard-pressed to turn down a beer.

My favorite quote:

"Beer isn't binary. It's continuously evolving..."

I received an early copy of Drink Beer, Think Beer from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Rayfes Mondal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read about the state of beer in 2018. Touches on beer styles, how they've changed, popular styles today, glassware, why breweries are inviting, how to taste, among other things. Really enjoyed this book and John is quite knowledgeable without being condescending. I also liked when he touched on business aspects such as macro breweries buying smaller breweries like AB InBev owning Karbach and Breckenridge.

[Andy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really like Holl and have enjoyed his writing across various publications. That said, this book suffers a little from lack of cohesion; there is not really a unifying thread for the chapters other than the book is nominally "about beer". It reads more as a collection of magazine articles. The other odd thing, as other reviewers have pointed out, is the lack of graphs or figures. Consider the chapter on stemware in particular, how appropriate some drawings would have been here to relate how glass shape affects the drinking experience.

[Erinp · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had redeeming factors, but John Holl is so condescending and full of himself Its hard to see any other bit of it. Theres lots of books on beer out there, if I were you I'd read a different one

[Mitch Romig · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I was asked to write a book with no other requirements, it would probably turn out about like this.

[Reka · Rating 3 out of 5]

It started off interesting then got waffly and preachy

[Koen · Rating 2 out of 5]

John Holl is a veteran journalist with with 17 years of writing about beer under his belt. He hosts the podcast Steal this Beer, has been editor of multiple beer magazines and his work appeared in New York Times, Washington Post and Wall Street Journal. He’s a certified beer judge and lectured on the history and culture of beer. Save to say Holl knows a thing or two about beer and he has something to say about it.

Drawing on history, economics, and interviews with industry insiders, in Drink Beer, Think Beer, John Holl provides a complete guide to beer today, allowing readers to think critically about the best beverage in the world.

In this concise book Holl tackles quite a few subjects. There’s a little bit of history, a little on ingredients, a little on tasting beer, qualities and flaws to look out for. For a seasoned beer lover there’s not much new here. For someone new to craft beer these topics might be of value but I’m left with the feeling there are better books out there. For one this is an all-text book and I think visual accompaniment would help get the reader interested more. But I might be wrong there.

Some other topics peaked my interest more like equality and diversity in the industry and Holl’s worries about the ever more manic quest for the rarest and extreme beers. I would have loved to have read even more in-depth about these topics though. That’s what I was kinda expecting from this book.

There’s no doubt Holl is an advocate for drinking good beer. He loves what beer can bring, community, meeting new friends, having good talks and wants as many people as possible to experience that. He worries about snobbery, a white male centric scene, the chase for ticks and how those might put people off and not experience the good things.

It’s an entertaining, swift, read for those new-ish to craft beers. As a more experienced beer enthusiast I took away some interesting points but would have preferred more substance. The book is very focussed on the U.S. and less interesting for non-US drinkers in my opinion.

[Danielle T · Rating 4 out of 5]

An approachable, informative guide to beer for readers looking to get more into the complexities of beer. Holl capably describes the core ingredients that go into beer (and how they affect flavor), as well as the features that characterize beer (besides just taste, there's nose, appearance, and mouthfeel). He also discusses where and how we consume beer- at the brewery, in our own homes, and with what glassware? What's an appropriate temperature? How can you tell if a glass/keg lines are clean? Drink Beer, Think Beer brings up many key things for beer explorers to keep in mind as they try new-to-them brews.

This book is very of-the-now, discussing the trend-chasing of the current beer scene (specific examples given are hazy NE IPAs and pastry stouts, but I do not think anyone writing in 2017 would've predicted how explosive the hard seltzer trend came to market). I appreciate that Holl mentions that not everything is glitter in the beer scene, mentioning that for a very long time it's been predominantly straight, white, and male with a penchant for juvenile humor, but it felt like a brief acknowledgement of some of the issues within the industry. The part about the secondary market/hype surrounding beer releases could also easily have gone in the "shadows" section, but there isn't a ready solution offered other than shaking of the head and going to a more lowkey brewery nearby why decrying the instagram crowd. I do think it's a tad unfair to completely decry screens, as they are just another medium for the fan culture/community surrounding beer (and people can definitely become absorbed with checklists instead of paying attention to the person across the booth from them, but you could argue that for most any hobby as well).

Lest you think I think poorly of this, though, I am contemplating getting my own copy and/or gifting it to my sibling, who just started dipping his toe into beers last year. DB, TB very neatly covers the important aspects, and it's up to the reader/drinker to further their study.

[Matt Gosney · Rating 3 out of 5]

He knows his stuff and it was an interesting yarn about MacCullife and how he revived craft beer making, the fight against the big manufacturers, tips on all manner of enjoying beer and a little bit about homebrewing. His delivery, however, especially for a journalist reflecting on their career, appears to be lacking in self-awareness and some of his comments could have been made by Hank Hill. John, yes shock value sells - the name 'brown note' for a beer IS witty for a beer name because it references the way somewhat beer snobs want to smell notes in their beer while also meaning a sound that will make you poop yourself, it is almost a funny stab at themselves. Yes, sex sells, will continue to sell, as it like many other things that draw you to a product affects our choices. If you wanted to say something to appeal to a broader medium about trying to appeal to a demographic beyond 'heterosexual white men' as you call it and to minorities (wait, why are women minorities?), why not frame it to use sex to appeal to the minorities, wouldn't it actually be more progressive to do that, because it would also help break down the social hangups of otherwise fragile egos. Why does it appear that why? Because the only point in which it occurred to you after years in the industry to rally against using sexualisation in marketing is when you pondered how your baby daughter will be one day perceived by men does appear like you are self-serving on a social issue in order to grandstand to a wider market, not for the industry's sake but purely to expand the readership of your content's sake. Cheers.

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

As Senior Editor of Craft Beer and Brewing Magazine, former editor of All About Beer Magazine, author of a beer cookbook and co-host of a beer podcast, John Holl has spent a lot of time drinking, discussing, writing and thinking about beer. His latest effort, Drink Beer, Think Beer: Getting to the Bottom of Every Pint is an extended homage to modern brewing and its independent producers.

While it’s clear Hull is a lover of beer, he does not come off as a beer snob. The book makes it clear that craft beer can and should be enjoyed by everyone. “It’s easy to get caught up in the fever of chasing a new, rare, or local beer without stopping to reconsider and appreciate the classics,” writes Hull. “This is time spent worrying about what a beer should be or could be rather than what it is, and when that happens we lose sight of what got us excited about beer in the first place. Each new trip to the bar, each new beer opened, is a chance to break that cycle and to focus on the moment at hand.”

With the explosion of the craft beer scene there are now more breweries in the United States than at any time since prohibition, and while not a guide to the many styles of beer available, Drink Beer, Think Beer (Digital gallery, Perseus Books) offers ample advice on tasting and judging beer. With the knowledge shared in the book drinkers will be better equipped to determine beer quality and make choices that match their own drinking preferences.

While Drink Beer, Think Beer covers the state of the beer industry, its economics and the threat to independent brewers posed by giants such as AB InBev, the book never gets bogged down. Hull’s writing pedigree includes stints and the New York Times, Newark Star-Ledger and the Indianapolis Star and his journalism skills shows in this most approachable of beer books.

[Ashley Hite · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an early copy of Drink Beer, Think Beer from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

John Holl's newest book Drink Beer, Think Beer is a comprehensive guide to all things beer. He covers everything from variations of hop styles to the types of glasses to use for each beer to the ever growing fight between "craft" and independent vs behemoth conglomerates. Holl has worked in the beer industry as a writer for many years and knows an insane amount about the popular beverage and has tasted about every variation you can think of and he shares that insight with his readers in a straightforward and informative mannor.

I am a newer fan of craft beer and have discovered there is so much more to beer then a basic boring generic lager so I was excited to dive into this book for education purposes. It did not disappoint, I learned a lot from Holl's book and now am more confident in trying new or unusual beers. Like me he leans toward independent and local breweries but still shows respect for those who love beer but produce it in mass quantities. I would recommend this book for those new to the beer Renaissance and looking for detailed information. So, grab a pint, grab this book and enjoy.

[Sean Kottke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw John Holl on an Untappd Happy Hour and enjoyed his insights and attitude. I've not listened to his podcasts yet (I'm generally not much into podcasts), but I may seek out one or two of his. There wasn't a ton of new material here about beer that I hadn't picked up from other books, but there was a lot of good discussion about beer culture that I hadn't thought about before: glassware, tap vs. can vs. bottle, and the social (even family!) functions of local tap rooms. I'd never thought of it before, but many more are the times I've had grand, memorable conversations with strangers in brewery taprooms than in any bar anywhere. What a great revelation! Of course, I'm also the guy who's checking into everything on Untappd, too, but Holl reminded me of what I miss most during these quarantine days: the bonhomie of a brewery.

[Carlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting and entertaining read from the types of beers to the "craft" brewers, now often called "independents" since some of the craft breweries have been bought by large conglomerates, discussions of the various types of hops and malt and most any beer related topic you can think of. Maybe things you hadn't thought that much about such as the importance of temperature or glassware for serving as well as containers for beer: types of kegs, bottles and cans and which might be best for various situations. Even making beer more inclusive in an industry long dominated by men by avoiding sexualization of women in advertising, making brew pubs family friendly gathering places. Reads like a friendly conversation with a very knowledgeable companion over a few brews.

[Thomas Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every so often a book comes along that examines in depth, in a common-sense way, a topic that is both old as the hills, like beer drinking, and as cutting edge as the latest negative political headline, again like beer drinking. In “Drink Beer, Think Beer”, John Holl gives us a wise tour of both the latest and greatest trends and ideas in beer brewing and enjoying but always with one foot planted firmly in the long history of both beer brewing and beer enjoyment. The book is basically like entering an enormous bar where every question you have ever had about the stuff in the glass in front of you is answered — and so are your questions on the glass! A very timely and enjoyable read.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Holl’s Drink Beer, Think Beer delivers a lively — and oftentimes personal — 360-degree look at our current beer culture. Readers join Holl on his visits to breweries, bars, and pubs. It’s there he provides commentary on proper glassware, pouring techniques, and more.

We tag along on his neighborhood walks where he observes changes in taste by which beer bottles are peeking out from recycling bins. As a longtime journalist, Holl addresses not-so-pleasant issues facing beer. But he also recommends that we as beer drinkers remember to enjoy the glass before us.

I wrote a full review for Utah Beer News.

[Abhinav · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drink beer, think beer is a good read, not too bad. Author shares a lot of insights on how beer is appreciated across the world and most importantly the States. This book has a lot of fun stories but sometimes it gets lost in between. It would’ve been a great magazine but not a book. This is certainly not a ‘must read’ book but not too bad.

[Stephanie Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Holl is one of my favorite beer guys, so, despite already knowing and understanding a lot of the info in the book, I still really enjoy listening to his audiobook. Great podcaster. I would definitely recommend this book to somebody newer in the beer industry or wanting to learn more about craft beer.

[Hai Hong · Rating 5 out of 5]

[4.5] Quick read, engaging but succinct journalistic writing that offers a broad, accessible overview of the beer world. From history of independent brewing in the US to beer types, ingredients brewery culture, glasses , bottles vs. cans, trends, health matters, etc. it covers essential topics without getting overly technical, all while celebrating the experience of beer.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Geared towards a more casual, or new craft beer drinker. Brief overview of the history and state of craft beer in the US. Would like to have seen more insight / discussion of why craft beer seems to be all white and all male.

[Kyra Fanning · Rating 5 out of 5]

I drink a lot of beer so I thought hey maybe I should learn a thing or 2 about what I’m putting into my body! I quite enjoyed this read and it’s focus on the history of beer in America. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about beer and the industry.

[Michael J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Water, malt, hops and yeast: Four little ingredients that have come together to create so much. Four little ingredients that Holl loves to think about. He also enjoys drinking them. Both go hand in hand, really.

[Mark Barone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a lot of about what to look for in beer and brewing. I have gone to a lot of breweries and met a lot of brewers. I would say that after reading this book, i felt like an amatuer and will now upgrade my ways of how I go about my beer. Bravo Mr. Holl

[Peter Fumero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book about beer and the industry. Gives a super interesting and in depth breakdown of everything beer. Definitely recommend for those who don’t like beer or have an interest in it and have never tried it.

[Justin Fanelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only book on beer I've ever read.
Framed categories of what there is to know, boxed what I don't know into headers and some terminology, well with from a drinker and writer's perspective.

[Michael Veselik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for anyone interested in the rising beer culture. Holl explores lots of topics ranging from tasting beer to brewing culture to how to appreciate the beer scene even more.

[Josie · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were interesting bits in here, but I didn't actually finish it. Most of the information is in other books and some of those are better written...