Michael Jackson's Great Beers of Belgium (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Belgium must be Michael Jackson's idea of heaven. The diversity, individuality, and ubiquity of beer in that country astounds even the beer sophisticate. Belgians lay claim to dozens of brewing styles that, motley as they are, read like a royal registry of beer: Lambics, Abbey Ales, Belgian Whites, Strong Golden Ales, Trappist Ales, Belgian Browns. Consider the Lambic brewer's "wind through the rafters" approach, in which wild yeast and airborne bacteria are responsible for the fermentation process and the otherworldly flavor characteristics of the final product. The brewing style is so dependent on the microflora of the greater Brussels area that it cannot be successfully duplicated anywhere else in the world.

Jackson exposes the history and inner workings of this quiet, quirky brewing behemoth with characteristic thoroughness and enthusiasm. We learn the origins of monastic brewing, the good fortune of spiders in Lambic breweries, and the reasoning behind using orange peels, coriander seeds, and three years' worth of stale hops in the brewing process. Ample tasting notes of commercial Belgian products--from those famous worldwide to those available only locally--provide a reference point for the reader's own beer hunting.

A few bottles of Belgian brew and a copy of Great Beers of Belgium are as close to a brewing tour of Belgium one can get, short of visiting the country itself. Such armchair exploration, with Jackson as a guide, may be just the revelation that makes a physical trip irresistible. --Todd Gehman --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description

Many a beer sophisticate is surprised by the diversity, individuality and ubiquity of Belgian beer. Here, beer expert Michael Jackson enthusiastically discusses the history and inner workings of this quiet, quirky brewing behemoth of Belgium. He explains the origins of manstic brewing, the good fortune of spiders on Lambic breweries, the reasoning behind using orange peels, coriander seeds and stale hops in the brewing process. Thorough tasting notes are oncluded, providing a reference point for the reader's own beer hunting. Fully revised with a brand new layout and 300 more photographs than previous editions, this book contains a list of addresses of the most important Belgian brewers, plus all the practical information on brewery visits, overnight accommodation and local restaurants and eateries.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 530 pages
• Publisher: Lannoo International; Revised edition (February 25, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9020965980
• ISBN-13: 978-9020965988
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 5.9 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #551,666 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Belgian Beer Bible, December 28, 1999

By	Lee C. Carpenter (Landisville, PA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Michael Jackson's Great Beers of Belgium (Paperback)

Michael Jackson belies his English heritage to write perhaps the best Belgian beer book in existance. More than just tasting notes, he describes his visits to the breweries, his discussions with the brewers, the smells, the sounds, everything you need to feel like you are there! A prized addition to any library.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If this is Heaven, it must be Belgium., April 28, 2001

By	Noel Molloy (Werribee, Victoria Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Michael Jackson's Great Beers of Belgium (Paperback)

I've loved Belgian beers for years, but never truly understood them fully until now. Where do you begin to classify them? To choose one to drink? Michael Jackson shows you how. From the ancient beginning of the brewing of Belgian beer, to now, as you smell, taste, and swallow, Michael Jackson takes you through the process. This is education in the most delightful way. Great photographs, delightful anecdotes,You almost feel you are on a stool beside him. My wife,who is Belgian born,loved the insights into her native land and traditions. If you can only buy one book on beer, this must be it!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Yum!, March 17, 2000

By	Matt Browning (Singapore) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Michael Jackson's Great Beers of Belgium (Paperback)

This is a great book if you love belgian beer. So many great pictures and chapters to browse through on a cold winter night by the fire with a bottle of aged Westmalle tripel or perhaps a Kwak. Very thorough, he obviously spent a lot of time "researching" his topic!