Homebrewing for Dummies [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

by Marty Nachel (Author) "One vexing question for the homebrewer wannabe is "why go through the trouble of brewing beer at home when I can just buy it at..." (more)
Key Phrases: flavoring hops, bottling tube, bittering hops, Kent Goldings, Northern Brewer, Nationals Base (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Marty Nachel immediately dispels two long-held myths in Homebrewing for Dummies: brewing your own beer isn't all that difficult, and despite all that you may have heard or assumed, facial hair is not a prerequisite to being a good homebrewer.

Like all other books in the popular Dummies series, Homebrewing for Dummies is a clear, concise, how-to guide for the do-it-yourselfer. As it turns out, making beer isn't hard to do if you have a stove, some basic equipment, and a little time on your hands. Here's your chance to make your own Hefeweizen or India Pale Ale and avoid another trip to the local microbrewery; Nachel provides the recipes and solid step-by-step instructions. And if making beer isn't enough, the chapter on evaluation will teach even the most pedestrian beer drinker to critically analyze homebrews like a pro.

Nachel is well qualified. The former welder is an award-winning brewer and one of the top beer writers in the country. Homebrewing for Dummies covers the gamut--from simple lagers to Belgian Dubbels--and Nachel shows that you don't need a team of Clydesdales or a Colorado mountain spring to make great beer at home.

Product Description
Brewing your own beer, ale, and lager is one of the most rewarding hobbies around -- no wonder it's so popular. Now, with Homebrewing For Dummies, you can begin enjoying your own microbrews right away, saving some for yourself and giving some away as very special gifts.

Author and homebrewing expert Marty Nachel shows you just what you need to get started, including where to find equipment and ingredients. You'll discover how barley, hops, yeast, water, and other ingredients combine to form the irresistible miracle that is beer. Then, Homebrewing For Dummies takes you step by step through brewing your first batch and gives you plenty of ideas for experimenting with various flavorings and combining other additives. Nachel also serves up a tankard's-worth of recipes for ales, lagers, and other special brews. You even get the lowdown on homebrew competitions you can enter after you've perfected your own unique microbrew.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (September 25, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764550462
• ISBN-13: 978-0764550461
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #179,944 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

57 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a GREAT book!, February 3, 2000

By	slider "slider" (NY) - See all my reviews

I am brand new to the world of homebrewing. Actually I was kind of bored and was looking for a hobby. Having been a bartender in my younger days (I'm 38), I always loved beer. So I figured "Why not make it"? So I browsed the bookshelves and came across a few books. I picked up another book by Chuck Papazian that was supposedly the "Bible" of homebrewing. After leafing thru it I thought it was a waste of time and alot of hype (see my review). Then I found this book. I have always been a fan of the Dummies Series and own about ten Dummies books altogether. This book is continues the tradition of a solid, informative read. It is written in a very light, conversational tone that makes the novice feel like they can make beer that competes with the big boys. It goes into the equipment you need, the ingredients and various gadgets and such that might make your brewing experience a little bit easier and definitely more fun. You don't have to read it in a linear fashion, you can jump around from section to section and then refer back to things that catch your eye. When the novice gets a little more adventurous you may want to try one of the many recipes listed in the center of the book. The bottom line is for the money this is one of the best books that I have ever seen on the subject. And, after participating in a few newsgroup discussions on the topic, (and these guys KNOW their beer), even the newsgroup members recommend this book. THAT says alot.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Essential Book For every Homebrewer- Beginner to Pro!, September 15, 2001

By	Joseph P. Spencer III "dskmagazine" (Chula Vista, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

When I first walked into my local homebrew store and purchased a starter kit, I grabbed one of Charlie Papazian's books. "Oh no you don't" stated the brew master, "You want the Homebrewing for Dummies book!" While I was at first insulted by his intimation that I am a 'dummy', I soon realized why he recommended that book. Needless to say, due to using this book my first batch of Pale Ale came out alot better than it could have if I had used a more 'advanced' book!
While I now own every Charlie Papazian, Miller, Snyder, etc. book that's on the market, and refer to them frequently, I still utilize this book more than any other. It is set up in a way that you do not need to read it straight through, so you can use it as a ready reference manual. Helpful charts, needed tables and graphs, and tons of step-by-step instructionals help even the most advanced brewer make a better homebrew!

So sit down, relax, have have a homebrew, and read this book!
(Check out our Homebrew Club ONLINE at: www.dskonline.net/b3)

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is the best homebrewing book on the market., October 29, 1999

By	Steven L. Wagner (USA) - See all my reviews

Whether you are a novice, intermediate, or advanced homebrewer, you should purchase this book. It is well written, and I refer to it more than all my other homebrewing books combined. This book is by far the best homebrewing book on the market.