A Year in Beer

by Jonny Garrett

We live in a worldwide boom-time for beer, but the amount of different styles to discover may feel overwhelming to new beer drinkers.

The beers we're in the mood for often change with the weather, seasonal activities, or the holiday calendar. Starting in the summer, then moving on to autumn, winter, and spring, each chapter of A Year in Beer: Styles for Every Season will introduce the beer styles from around the world that best suit that season.

Genres: Beer

256 pages, Paperback

Published September 27, 2021

Reviews

[Ian Mapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fine idea for a book - which I have taken my time over. Its divided into the 12 months, so of course, I read each month in the corresponding timeframe. And then, of course, ordering and trying the recommendations.

The concept is to encourage the reader to drink seasonally. There is some excellent journalistic writing and the photos are lovely to look at. All done with a sense of humour, amongst the learning.

I'm not 100% sure there are 12 different monthly styles to go for. For instance, June was a write up on micro pubs. And fish and chips. Is October the best month for cider? Is anyone else going to go for Deus with Orange Juice on Xmas Morning (I might, if I can get hold it :-) ) ? However, that's nitpicking - I enjoyed January's Gueze - a style I had never tried before. Likewise, April's Maibok.

Ultimately, a book to savour and experiment with.

[Paul Tidsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drink for thought.

[Andrew Stapley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read one chapter a month for the whole year. Fascinating look at the history of drinking seasonally!

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jonny brings something to beer writing that's been vitally lacking in the past: deep dive journalism that couples a technical awareness with fantastic narrative and wonderful photography. Like a cookery book that's more to do with the great stories and people that weave the fabric of the culinary world, A Year in Beer is just as much about the rich and historical culture surrounding beer and the people who make it great.

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read. There are lots of us out there enjoying a beer without knowing how many styles there actually are let alone the history of how they got there.
Such a well set out view of beer and the seasonality of it. I now have a lot of beers to hunt out which is amazing since I have been drinking it for the best part of 30 years but I now need to deep dive many breweries, tap rooms and pubs.
If you enjoy a beer then I can't see how this book could not be of use to you. Not to mention a few recipes included.
Having read several books on beer this one nicely sets out towards a more 'everyman' approach.

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually read most of my books in 3-4 weeks but I decided to read this one with the passing seasons and I quite enjoyed spreading the book out throughout the year, just dipping into it every couple of months. The book doesn't just explore which beers fit best with which seasons but also looks at food, people and places . It was quite a cosy read that had me craving more human connection and to travel more exploring our country and all it has to offer. Not sure it is something I would necessarily go back to but it was a worthy read for beer lovers all the same.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. A great journey through the year of beer and brewing. Anyone who enjoys good beer would enjoy this book.

[Lana Svitankova · Rating 4 out of 5]

Дуже сподобалося, особливо пасаж про "якщо температура касоковго пива - а це 10С - вам видається теплою, скупайтеся в січні у Ла-Манші, у нього така ж температура". Гарно зібрано, з кількома цікавими рецептами, і неочікуваними порадами на кшталт пити охмеленку в квітні, коли виходить пиво з новим врожаєм пелетів. Єдине, що очі вилазили читати цей дрібний шрифт, особливо білий на кольоровому фоні, дуже тяжко, тому читання розтягнулося на дуже довгий період.