Stout

Classic Beer Style Series #10

by Michael J. Lewis

Michael Lewis, Ph.D., traces the changing view of this popular beer style from a medicinal tonic to its glorified position in today's beer world. Illustrations and photos throughout.

Genres: Beer, Brewing, Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 25, 1995

Reviews

[David Pickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. The perfect ratio of history, science and easy reading.

[Colin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Way better than Terry Foster.

[Paul Klammer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worthwhile read for gaining confidence about stouts. Interesting and useful analysis of the range of characteristics of the 'style'. PCA analysis section was enlighting for it's purpose (analysing character of the style) and potential application of the technique for other beers. Made me wonder how such data would align with BJCP descriptors. The book is a bit aged now (1995) so that some of the brewery references no longer apply and perhaps some of the examples cited will have changed character somewhat to appeal to consumer tastes and changes in available products and methods. The recipes that are included for home brewers lack yeast and fermentation temperature but these can be assessed from information found in the earlier portion of the book. I came to the book seeking to up my game wiht my stout recipes can came away thinking there is very little more I need to do other than ignore recipes ingredients in most cases other than pale malt, flaked barley, and roast barley, grind fine, and don't sweat the water unless there is excessive hardness.

[James Slaven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three stars on history: there is so much more
Five stars: science (water chemicals and such)
Five stars: brewing hints and help
Three stars: not a great job on tasting and examples
One star: statistics were pointless and vague, for its presentation

[Dan Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

More a history book than a how-to-brew book, this one was a solid entry into the wonderful Classic Beer Style Series.

[Mitch Romig · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot less technical and more entertaining but just as educational as the other entries in this series that I have read Sao far.

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Stout so..... Helps when home brewing to get it kind of right. :)