Classic Reviewer Rank: 294,712
|
I very much enjoyed this book. But the reader must be warned that this is a book about Ireland at the time of Arthur Guinness, not a book about beer. If one is looking for "secrets" about the perfect pint, look elsewhere. If, however, one is fascinated by the history of Ireland, then read on.
Arthur and his brewery are thoroughly examined within the context of the greater Irish history. Due to his social standing, the direct historical information about Arthur is a bit thin. So much of the book deals with what was happening in Ireland during Arthur's life and how that may have influenced his course. There is plenty enough about Arthur himself, but sometimes the author needs… Read more
|
|
|
This is one of the first books I bought when I got back into brewing. I found the variety of recipes exciting and it encouraged me to try brewing different styles of beer. I was a pretty basic brewer when I purchased this book and found my horizons expanded greatly. It has been a great learning tool.
This book contains a wealth of information about brewing techniques and beer styles. Each recipe has extract, mini-mash, and all-grain versions. The recipes are very detailed which allows the brewer some flexibility in modifying things to their own taste. There is something for every style of brewer in this book.
The best I can say about this book is that it really… Read more
|
|
|
This book is an essential addition to the bookshelf of any serious brewer. What this book provides is brewing history that does not know it is history. By that I mean that the author is writing from the point of view of a serious practitioner of his craft communicating to a contemporary audience. This is much more useful than filtered and packaged history from a modern point of view.The reader is given a very precise description of the methods of brewing that were considered the most advanced at the time of publication (1804).
From the start of the preface when the author speaks of how useful the new invention of the theromometer is, the reader is made aware that they are… Read more
|
