Vintage Beer

February 15, 2014

Many wines improve with age. As beer expert and author Dawson explains in this clearly written volume, some beers also change favorably or improve over time. He opens with his first experience, a magnum of vintage Duvel, and closes with a select guide to bars offering such tipples. In between, he highlights particular types and brands of beers, comparing in rich detail aged ones to young, fresh examples. Readers will find descriptions of the resulting flavors of fig, toffee, or port alluring enough to follow his steps for cellaring beer themselves. What distinguishes Dawson's writing is the seamless way in which he blends the science of aging beer with language that most readers can grasp. This work will be both useful and enjoyable for beer drinkers, but those who are more familiar with vintage wine will also relate to much of the content here. VERDICT An appealing read for more than just a niche audience of vintage beer enthusiasts. Highly recommended for collections with a focus on alcoholic beverages.--Peter Hepburn, Coll. of the Canyons Lib., Santa Clarita, CA

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