In Praise of Beer

In Praise of Beer is a helpful guide for beer lovers looking to learn more about what they should look for with each sip of beer. In his latest book, Charles Bamforth brings new light to the topic of beer in ways perfect for any beer fan, lover, or connoisseur. In Praise of Beer is a helpful
guide for consumers who want to better understand about the beer they drink. This book answers popular questions from consumers, including what consumers should be expecting from their beer; what styles are available; what they should be thinking about when purchasing beer, either in a bar or a beer
shop; how to look after beer; how to present beer; which beer for which occasion, including dining; and if they can drink beer (in moderation) with a clear conscience. In Praise of Beer is written in an authoritative but easy-to-read style and is full of anecdotes, inside knowledge and valuable
information.

"There is a supposed Chinese curse that says "May you live in interesting times'. There is no doubt whatsoever that, when it comes to beer, these most certainly are extremely interesting times. In China, itself, the brewing of beer accelerated at an astonishing rate in the past couple of decades. Elsewhere, in a huge range of countries but perhaps best typified by the likes of the United States, United Kingdom and Australia, there is a burgeoning so-called craft sector, with a vast growth in the number of brewing companies. Here in California, as elsewhere, there is no end to the ingenuity of these brewers, who are forever pushing the boundaries in terms of styles, ingredients and presentation of products that can either delight, disturb or distress the drinker, depending on perceptions, preferences and pre-conceived biases. No matter, the reality is that the beer world is emerging and exciting. There is an ongoing need for new brewers who are well-informed and capable - for which folks like me, whose day job has been to make a living out of teaching, are inordinately grateful. Equally, there seems to be a growing thirst from customers, not only for the beers themselves but also for an understanding of what they are drinking. Most of the books I have written over a quarter of a century have primarily been targeted at the producers of beer. This one, however, has been penned largely with the customer in mind, although I hope that won't stop those employed by brewing companies from reading it, because they sure need to know what I am preaching to the customer. Customers are becoming more knowledgeable and, therefore, more choosy and, yes, demanding. It's a good thing, provided they speak from a position of genuine understanding. I hope that this volume will help"--

"The author has the gift of both knowing his subject and how to get it across easily and enjoyably. It was meaningfully, yet lightly, presented and enhanced by the many anecdotes scattered throughout." -- Peter Tyers, Science Fact & Science Fiction

"In theory the book is meant for beer enthusiasts of all types, though the geekiest of geeks looking to deepen their arcana may find little of interest here. On the other hand, those same geeks might find this book - if given as a gift - a wise and time saving alternative to boring the pants off
their beer curious friends." -- Beer and Brewing

"Much like an icy-cold but thoroughly new-to-you brew on a blistering-hot day, "In Praise of Beer" truly is a refreshing surprise. Reading this book, in fact, is like sitting in an adult classroom, and the instructor's brought a six-pack to share." -- Terri Schlichenmeyer, Bookworm

"As a leader of the brewing industry for more than 40 years, Bamforth is an expert on what makes a good pint and introduces the reader to the intricacies of brewing in an expert but amiable way." -- Steven Craggs, Northern Echo

"If there's a pre-eminent scholar of beer, the author is it. This succinctly written book doesn't overload the technical jargon, includes a solid glossary, and does a nice job of explaining styles." -- Marc Bona, Cleveland.com

"In Praise of Beer is full of moments of levity and insightful comments (one might even say gossip) from Bamforth's career that make the technical details approachable and entertaining for any beer fan." -- Draught Lines Magazine

"If you are expecting a placid trip through beer styles, a little bit of history, some technical info, and some flavor profiles, it's time to buckle up and get ready for a wild ride. Bamforth delivers the goods as always, but leavened by wry humor, hard-won experience, a whiff of carnality and more
than a little love. You could scarcely ask for a better guide to what beer is, what it tastes like, and, importantly, what it means." -- Garrett Oliver, Brewmaster at The Brooklyn Brewery and editor of The Oxford Companion to Beer

"Delightful reading: surprising personal stories and relevant statements everyone should consider when talking about beer! Bamforth's work was enough to earn him a reputation as one of the most renowned brewing science Professors, but this book explains why the "B" in Beer, apart from its origins in
Brewing, also has something to do with Bamforth!" -- Tiago Brand�o, European Brewing Convention and the Super Bock Group

"Bamforth, like no other, understands how to impart brewing knowledge in an instructive and entertaining way. It doesn't matter whether his readers are professionals or consumers interested in beer and brewing. What you always wanted to know about beer and beer brewing - here you will find the
answers - anything but dry. A real must-read!" -- Lydia Junkersfeld, Editor-in-Chief of BRAUWELT International and Brewing Science