Customer Reviews

Brewing Up a Business: Adventures in Entrepreneurship from the Founder of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I received this book for christmas from my girlfriend because as many homebrewers before me I have spoken that I would love to open a microbrewery. I also enjoy the dogfish beers that I have tried so far. I assumed that this book would be more of a "nuts-and-bolts" type book to help you assemble your own brewing company, but what you get is the opposite end of the spectrum. Sam spends a good deal of his time pumping up his accomplishments reminding the reader how difficult it is to start a company. We are all aware that starting a company is difficult and it is highly likely that most will fail. Additionally it is pretty apparent that he is pleased with himself and his accomplishments (he should be, but I don't want to waste my time reading about them). That being said, the book offers interesting insight to aspects outside the brewing realm such as offering your crowd a different twist (e.g. eccentric beers and cool swag). Unfortunately I was turned off by the insistent "At the Dogfish Head Brewery" and the repetitive nature of many of his stories. It is my belief that the book could be greatly improved with a large dose of humility.

My husband has had dreams of starting a brewery, after getting into home brewing. I bought him this book to help him learn more, and he is constantly talking about it. Now he is looking into more details, and maybe one day soon we will be "Brewing up a Business" as well!

A great read; full of enlightening small business/marketing info and entertaining anecdotes specific to Sam's life and the brew biz. Reading it makes me want to start a business and drink beer...preferably at the same time!

Mr. Calagione is certainly passionate about his business. This book takes the reader on an entertaining journey from the time Mr. Calagione brewed his first beers until the present - operating one of the most successful and innovative craft breweries in the country. Great read for both the aspiring entrepreneur or anybody interested in the brewing business. Highly recommended!

I've been a fan of DFH's "off-centered" beers for close to a decade, and now that I'm thinking about opening my own "nanobrewery", this book was a natural pick. After reading the excellent "Beer School" from the guys at Brooklyn Brewery, I was disappointed by the self-congratulating, disorganized, and repetitive feel of this book. Some of the stories are great, if you sift through to find them... the delivery gone bad in Philly is an amazing read, for one. I just wish I didn't have to comb through several chapters on how great it is to be a brilliant rebel to find it.

I saw Sam speak once at a festival in NYC, and boy he's a heck of a guy who's founded a heck of a company, but "Brewing up a Business" could definitely have benefited from a big dose of humility and a good editor.

This is a fun book to read, and has lots of information about starting up a brewing business. I really enjoyed hearing about the bumps on the road to success for Dogfish Head brewery.

As a home brewer that enjoys a whimsical fun writing style Sam has done an absolutely amazing job writing this book (as he is an english major). Never the less it fills in the blanks from MBA business text and leisure books. As he states its a what he found most useful as a new business owner that wasn't exactly covered in text books. Some very helpful thoughts and tips for anyone thinking of starting any business.

I learned some valuable information from Sam, enjoy his style of writing and anecdotal stories that accompany his life/business lessons.

Great great great book. Very inpiring messages sent with a nice dose of humor. If you are a fan of Dogfish Head or just beer, you have to read "Brewing Up A Business". If you have a loved one who is tired of hearing about your dream of opening your own business, DO NOT read this book because it will light a fire underneath your butt that will burn hotter than ever.

I truly believe anyone wanting to open their own business, whatever it may be, will benefit in some way from this book.

This book is applicable to anyone who wants to dive into the small business world or business at all. Sam takes his creation of a brewing empire and applies it across the board for entrepreneurs. Great book!