Three Sheets to the Wind: One Man's Quest for the Meaning of Beer

by Pete Brown

Meet Pete Brown—beer journalist, beer drinker, and author of an irreverent book about British beer, Man Walks Into A Pub . One day, Pete's world is rocked when he discovers several countries produce, consume, and celebrate beer far more than the British do. The Germans claim they make the best beer in the world, the Australians consider its consumption a patriotic duty, the Spanish regard lager as a trendy youth drink and the Japanese have built a skyscraper in the shape of a foaming glass of their favorite brew. At home, meanwhile, people seem to be turning their backs on the great British pint. What's going on? Drinking in more than 300 bars in 27 towns, through 13 different countries and four continents, Pete puts on 10 pounds and does irrecoverable damage to his health in the pursuit of saloon-bar enlightenment.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel, Beer, History, Humor, Memoir, Food

460 pages, Paperback

First published May 3, 2006

About the author

There is more than one author with this name

Pete Brown is an English writer who has written extensively on the subject of beer and drinking cultures around the world. He has written three books; Man Walks Into a Pub, Three Sheets to the Wind, and Hops and Glory. Brown was born in Barnsley, South Yorkshire and now lives in London.

Above bio is from Wikipedia. Photo is from Flickr user epicbeer.

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

The British Pub has been a place of refuge from the outside world for centuries. Its long history reaches all the way back to the taverns of Roman Empire, then the alehouses of the Anglo-Saxons and before coming more like the pubs that we know today. Pete Brown loves pubs, so imagine his surprise when he hears that other countries around the world think that their drinking establishments are better, or have a parotitic duty to consume as much beer as possible. Others have the audacity to think that they produce better beer. The only way to verify that these were only rumours is to travel to the countries making those claims and verify the fact from the fiction and undertake the world's biggest pub crawl.

It is a tough call, but someone has to do it.

To ensure that the research was valid and rigorous he would visit three hundred bars, in 27 different towns across four continents to countries as far apart as Ireland and Australia, Japan and Belgium, he even headed over the pond to see if the American lagers were as bad in their native lands as there were here, but was fortunate to discover the craft beer scene. In Japan, he finds that the biggest brewer there has a headquarters that looks like a glass of its brew. In Australia just working how to order a beer in each of the places he went was a challenge, and heading to the largest beer drinking nation on earth, China, was an experience that he would never forget and not pub crawl would be complete without a trip to the Oktoberfest. His liver did not stand a chance.

This is not a normal hangover. This is something life threatening with a yellowy green tinge.

Drinking beer is supposed to be about having a laugh, and this is just what he does all the way through this book. He meets some great people, discovers some great beers and has some monumental hangovers. I really liked the chatty style of writing there are some hilarious parts, which means mostly laughing at his suffering and the odd scrape that he got into. But there was something else too, a touch of jealousy perhaps… All I know is that I want his job...

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though I am a beer fan, on the lookout for new brews to consider, I got this book for the travel narrative aspect; turned out it worked well for that overall. Brown's standard procedure is to contact a country's large brewer ahead of time (such as Asahi in Japan), so that they take him under their wing. However, he does try to get beyond there to larger local beer scene. He does get a bit carried away with the historical background, but not mind-numbing so, and at times tells the reader that he's giving the highlights of the production process, as he knows being too geeky will bore many readers.

The USA proved a bit problematic as he has a virulent dislike of anything related to Anheuser-Busch (Budweiser); I confess I'm not a fan of theirs either, but he takes it to quite an extreme as noted in other reviews. Still, he gets full marks for focusing on the locally-produced beer in Portland, Oregon as typical of today's American beer consumption.

Really 3.5 stars, but wanted to round up as Brown seemed like a nice guy, with real curiosity about beer around the world, rather than looking for an excuse for junkets. One criticism I might make is that in Japan he came across as either a bit naïve, or perhaps a bit of a drama queen, in terms of "coping" with the culture. Only folks who really might not get into the book are ones who don't like beer much at all ("Ugh, what a boring topic!"), as it doesn't quite stand alone as a travel narrative in that case.

[Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reads like an interesting and informative walk (stagger?) around the beer drinking habits of a range of nations, conducted by a knowledgeable and friendly drinking guide with a bring-it-on attitude. This book is a good follow-up from his first book, "A Man Walks into a Pub" which I really enjoyed, as well.

Amusing and intelligent comment abounds and, if you are a beer drinker, you really are going to enjoy the ride! I did!!

As a renegade from a just cancelled twenty-year membership of CAMRA which I had become increasingly out of sorts with, I could readily appreciate Pete Brown's comments about the CAMRA approach to the changing UK beer market.

If you can cope with a thoughtfully, different attitude to good beer, almost certainly reinforced by experience of travelling and drinking great beer abroad, then you will find this a worthwhile read. Experience and taste first are the watchwords here.

[Darran Mclaughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining travelogue exploring beer and pub culture across the world. Makes me seriously want to visit Belgium and Portland, Oregon. Belgium just went from being somewhere I wasn't bothered about going to to somewhere I would like to get to this year.

I was delighted by a cameo appearance from Don Delillo in this book as he is one of my favourite writers, and as it turns out also one of Pete Brown's favourite writers. Brown is introduced to him my their shared publisher and it turns out Delillo is a massive beer fan who mostly drinks Bass ale.

I was also fascinated to learn that beer is really much more central to history and culture than I had realised, and it is also much bigger business than I had thought. At the time he wrote this book the value of beer sales in America alone was $75 Billion, more than film, music or mobile phones. He also fillets the Anheuser-Busch company throughout the book, exposing them as not only brewers of perhaps the worst beer in the world (Budweiser), but an appalling business run by an appalling family. The story of how they keep trying to crush Budvar makes for some enlightening reading.

I'll definitely pick up a Pete Brown book if I'm in the mood for a light read.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. I just wish they didn't plaster "The beer drinker's Bill Bryson" (TLS) all over his books. I almost didn't buy it because of that. I can see the comparison but I do not find Bryson funny generally and he is ventures into almost being cruel in his poking fun at times. I find Pete Brown downright funny and even if he manages to enter potential cruel territory he pulls it off with a certain British charm. May not make it any better---not claiming it does--but it is far more gentle and, dare I say it, unintended. Sorry to my friends who are Bryson fans. We'll just have to disagree about him.

[Steve Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a few books that have made me hungry, recipe books, but this is the first that has made me thirsty. A great, and humorous, look into how the main drinking cultures approach beer.
As I read Pete Brown's beer travelogue, I kept thinking 'I fancy going there', hopefully I might get to a few and fill in the pages given over to tasting notes, at the back.
If you love beer, and beer culture, you'll love 'Three Sheets To The Wind', but make sure you have a beer at hand to quench your thirst.

[Stephen Brennan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun exploration of the history of beer and the culture of drinking globally. Pete Brown's adventures show how drinking is embraced culturally around the world and how when people are given hte freedom to be themselves and make grown-up decisions about alcohol that they often choose to be sociable, friendly, and together.

I wanted the journey to go further, but also recognised that it didn't need to. What, could on hte surface be a niche read, is actually a story of how we share and commune, and ultimately who we are as people.

[Kiryl Samartsau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks Pete Brown for having endangered your health in the quest for the meaning of beer. I definitely want a pint now, and a pen and paper to collect my travels, experiences and observations. Ended up with 28 notes, superb.
It's the meaning of these books to reflect on the authors' thoughts and explore the meaning of self, and herein beer is a fantastic lubricant for reflection. Hold on, you might need a few mates to help you along the journey of exploration. Now, fancy a pint?

[D'face · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twenty years ago a beer industry publicist travelled the world to understand beer drinking culture and pubs in a range of countries including Australia, Japan, Denmark, Ireland and Germany. He has some funny experiences which are well told and he learns much about beer drinking culture and rapacious multinational brewers.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great, happy romp through beer and beer culture in many different countries. Written in 2004, I found it a bit dated, particularly with the state of beer in the US. I found reading through Pete's beer adventures was like an exercise in beer hygge.

[Scott Thomson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent journey around the world discovering the beer culture in each.

[Kiran Reddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the earliest books I read on beer, it impressed and continues to hold my attention. It's a beer travelogue, with quirky insights and impressions! Makes a good read!

[Mr Garreth J Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

For lovers of IPA, a must!

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This reads like Bill Bryson on the lash, if that is imaginable. It is a similar style, and a concept to envy, travelling the world and visiting the world's best bars on the pretext of sampling their beer. Brown knows his stuff, but carries it lightly, and manages to make his journey interesting and amusing without becoming the pub bore that he so easily could. I especially enjoyed the chapter about America, which seems to be on the verge of doing to the beer industry what it did to the wine industry. And I defy anyone who likes a pint not to want to catch the next 'plane to Portland, Oregon after reading it.
There's no place like home though, and the fact is that Britain, and Britain's pubs, are something to be proud of. Our beer is too, if only we'd admit it (and shout about it). America may well be brewing today's most exciting Indian Pale Ales, but we invented the stuff!! Therefore, by being first mover, ours is best. America can only ever be second, and who was the second man to run the 4 minute mile? Exactly.
I'm not sure that Britain has to do much other than be proud of our beery heritage, and I'm sure Pete Brown would agree. In that way, this book is quite inspirational. Many countries claim to have the best beer - Germany, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Britain - and some are just waking up to taking on the crown, but whatever the opinion we have something to raise a glass to. I'll drink to that.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable and light read, if at times a little drawn out. This author is often compared to Bill Bryson, and I'm not sure that's entirely correct. While Brown certainly IS funny, I think he wanders from the point more than Bryson does in his writing.

And as for the beer, yeah, that was the best part. After the chapter on Czech beer, I had to buy a 6 pack of Pilsner Urquell, a beer I haven't had in ages. And I do think I enjoyed it more after reading the book. Brown has accomplished something kind of cool here: he's a beer fan that has written a fairly authoritative book without sounding like a alcohol-soaked frat boy.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining follow-up to the author's first book about pubs, beer and 'beer culture' in the British isles. This time he travels around some of the world's major beer drinking centres - Czech Republic, Australia, USA, Belgium, Ireland, Japan, Denmark - in an attempt to note the differences and find the common ground between different drinking cultures. Wise, witty, affectionate - but never a beardy-beer snob - if you like pubs, you'll probably like this. You may also end up disliking Budweiser Anheuser Busch a lot - along with their ubiquitous, self proclaimed King of Beers, (if you didn't already avoid the ice-pissy swill).

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book in England. It's a book about beer and travelling - how could I pass it up? The author, previously having written a book about British beer customs, decides to travel to the world's great beer-drinking countries to check out their scene. He goes to Spain, Czech Republic, Australia, Japan, Germany and his own backyard. He's a fun travelling companion - he often drinks way too much but remains a great coversationalist. I gave his earlier book to Jay for his birthday this year - I am definitely going to put it on my own must-read list.

[Callum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to hate him- his job was travelling around the world drinking beer. So it's to his great credit that I'd now rather go for a pint with him, happy to hide my seething jealousy.

This sort of book could easily come across as pretentious or didactic, but Brown is refreshingly open-minded and drinks in eager mimicry of the locals- I doubt a card-carrying CAMRA aficionado would drink a *tsk* lager whilst melting under the midday sun on a terrace in Madrid, and that would be his loss.

There's so much information embedded within stories witty regaled, really well researched.

Thanks Pete.

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought for me by Paul a couple of years ago and recently pulled off the shelf again to re-read the chapter on Oktoberfest in preparation for our upcoming pilgrimage. A really great book-- entertaining yet full of facts with interesting insights about beer culture around the world. This is a book about two of my favourite things: beer and travel. Furthermore it is light and funny without diluting its own material. How can you go wrong?

[Lee Slater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three sheets to the Wind is much more than a single handed bar crawl. It is Pete Brown's one-man odyssey to explore the history and relationship other countries have with beer. Well researched and written, the book gives an overall impression of how beer is seen around the world, but in a tone that wouldn't be a miss with a pint in hand.

[Ron Sitton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first Pete Brown book I read. He travels the world on a quest for the meaning of beer. This book made me laugh out loud at different times and led to me also reading "Man Walks into a Pub." Eventually it led me to the Old Chicago chain to get on their "Beers of the World" group ... though I still haven't had them all.

[Devlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book by a British beer writer about a long pub crawl across the world (with stops in Spain, Japan, Australia, Germany, etc)? I thought I'd love it, but it was hit and miss. Some sections are great and others were a chore to slog through. Still recommended for the beer enthusiast.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really nice story of beer in the world. I heartily agree with him that the English have some catching up to do in terms of beer. If you like beer and would like to read more about the history of drinking around the world, give this a go. Mr. Brown is a funny, clever writer as well.

[Steve Chilton · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Craicing read! Particularly liked the stuff debunking the American big beer producers. Will put Man Walks Into a Pub down for a potential future read. Off to look for some craft beers to put down myself now

[Sarah Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this so far, it's making me want to go to Belgium.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great tale of the various drinking cultures throughout the world! It is basically a tour of the world through drink with humorous insights.

[Kitty · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is fun, especially if you are at all interested in beer.

[Kate]

It's pretty funny, full of interesting facts and makes you wish it had been you doing the beer research. Well worth a read.

[Andy9562000 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fun interesting read. Worth its price

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book