The Complete Beer Course: From Novice to Expert in Twelve Tasting Classes

by Joshua M. Bernstein

A completely revised, updated, and repackaged second edition of the 2013 bestselling beer guide.

First published in 2013,  The Complete Beer Course  has helped thousands of beer enthusiasts navigate the vast and often confusing world of beer. Bernstein is back to serve up a second round of insights. He introduces readers to must-know breweries, craft beers, and the industry’s rising stars. Each chapter is devoted to a specific beer style and teaches readers how to taste and evaluate a wide selection, especially new beers gaining popularity such as sours and nonalcoholic varieties. Additionally, readers will find up-to-date information on the pandemic’s effects on the beer world, expanded coverage of international beers, and the author’s top picks for any beer-drinking occasion. If your knowledge of IPAs is a little hazy, then this guide is for you.
 
Fans of Randy Mosher’s Tasting Beer or The Beer Bible by Jeff Alworth, who are looking for the most up-to-date information on the world of beer, will find just what they need in this book. Perfect for beer fans everywhere—from casual beer drinkers to homebrew enthusiasts— The Complete Beer Course is the ultimate beer book and makes a great gift for dads, bartenders, or anyone else looking to level up their beer knowledge.

Genres: Nonfiction, Beer

352 pages, Hardcover

Published June 6, 2023

Reviews

[Rich Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whether you are completely new to beer styles and beer tasting, or able to distinguish all the hops in a West Coast IPA, you are sure to learn something. The book has a very light and engaging style; Bernstein seemed to be having fun as he wrote it. Each section has a brief, well-written history of a style of beer, along with recommendations of good examples to drink in order to get a good sense of the style. Throughout the book there are profiles of people who work in the craft brewing industry, and a few profiles of the companies. I like that approach; it brings a nice mix of personal stories and beer education. You can easily go directly to the styles you are most interested in since each chapter stands on its own. I initially did that, but I ended up enjoying all the chapters.

[Brad McKenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

At times too beer snobby for this beer snob, I still learned a lot from it and am glad to have read it. I didn't actually do all of the tastings he recommends, but took pictures so I could go back and do so at my leisure.

I may end up buying the book because it makes a much better reference work than a work to be read all at once!

[John Brugge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like beer, I make beer, but I don't typically think about the experience of it very deeply. This book was a wonderful journey into a better appreciation of beer in all of the forms that it takes. The context of time, place and people around all manner of beer was fascinating, and opens me up to noticing the character of just about any beer, whether I ultimately say I like it or not.