Porter, ale, stout, or lager, every beer has its own unique flavor, in much the same way as wine. Expand your knowledge of an international array of great beers without lifting a glass--although that is part of the pleasure! One of the world's leading beer writers unveils how brewers work, describing brewing methods and explaining how the basic ingredients--barley, hops, water, and yeast--combine to give each beer its individual character. At-a-glance information on the palate, aroma, and other characteristics of each is provided, as are the stories behind the beers. Extras : suggestions for organizing a beer tasting at home, recipes for cooking with beer, and over 400 photographs. A beer-lover's delight.