Brew Chem 101: The Basics of Homebrewing Chemistry

by Lee W. Janson

Understand the science that goes into making your favorite beverage. This crash course in brewing chemistry makes it easy for every homebrewer to make better beer. Using simple language and helpful diagrams, Lee W. Janson guides you through every chemical reaction in the brewing process and explains how you can avoid potential problems. Steer away from common mistakes in taste, fermentation, and alcohol content, and use your newfound knowledge to successfully brew your most delicious beer yet.

Genres: Brewing, Beer, Nonfiction, Reference

128 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 10, 1996

Reviews

[Robbe Cavyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Die ga ier wel een beetje kort door den bocht soms ze

[Stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent short course in chemistry and microbiology, with a focus on identifying and manipulating the flavor, aroma and mouthfeel profiles in beer.

I checked this out from the library, but I found myself wanting to photocopy pages and add them to my homebrew notebook. I may have to purchase a copy and then write all over it.

I come from a non-science background (although I have taught myself some basics) and I found the chemistry writing accessible and non-patronizing. One quibble is that the book could use an update on the chemical processes behind sour beers, as well as a broader focus on non-hops bittering agents. The book carries a very "trad homebrew" feel, and there's a whole world of fermented beverages that the book sort of glosses over. Hopefully we'll get a second edition.

[Matthew Vallely · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great step in the right direction towards learning more about beer chemistry and all of the delicate organic and inorganic processes underlying the creation of a beer. It was also a nice introduction into recognizing and avoiding off flavors through tasting and brewing techniques. It was a great start and should set me up nicely for my pursuit of further reading on off flavors and tasting, as well as towards my Cicerone certification. It was written fairly simply without too much depth of chemical analysis, but served as a first impression and backbone for a lot of the chemistry involved.

[Lachlan Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, succinct and approachable. Exactly what it sets out to be. Has brought my understanding of brewing chemistry up a long way (from a low starting point!) in a very short time.

[Ronald Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book does use simple language and diagrams key points. A good chemistry primer for homebrewing.

[Travis · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a 100 page book. The first half is about chemistry, while the second half seems to stray from the thesis. It felt as if the first half of the book was the first two weeks of a class and then the author needed to fill some pages and quickly churned out the last half.

I went into this book because I know nothing about chemistry. This is problematic because I have several other books that talk about it as though the reader already has a basic understanding of chem. I do have a slightly better understanding, but I'm left with more questions than answers. I would like to see a revised version focus more on the praxis.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very accessible and a quick read, despite containing a bunch of o-chem. Provides sound reasoning behind all the steps in the brewing process (especially the ones you might try skipping) with enough detail to convince, but not so much that you get bored.

[William · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the NetLibrary eBook.

Discusses chemistry in the context of what makes good and bad beer.

I recommend this book to everyone who is interested in beer, not just those who are going to brew beer.

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

Almost made organic chemistry make sense

[Barry Forrest · Rating 2 out of 5]

The organic compound illustrations were the only new material for me. I've see everything else in "How To Brew" and "Homebrew Beyond the Basics"

[luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

reviewing the basics for an interview with a local brewery...perfect for that purpose. also a good book for the beginning home brewer, to outline how it all works.

[Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

straightforward book, covers the basics well

[Fred · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good information, but beyond my current skill level.

[Tarmo Tali · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hopelessly outdated by now.