The Beer Bible

August 1, 2015

Alworth (Beer Tasting Quick Reference Guide; beervana.blogspot.com) sets out to create a comprehensive guide similar to Karen MacNeil's The Wine Bible. Both books are meant to be read in pieces and are intended for anyone from novice to connoisseur. While MacNeil focused on looking at wine through place of origin, Alworth prefers to explore the world of beer through brewing styles. Of course, when talking about beer, some places are considered traditional brewing regions, and drinks from breweries in Germany and the UK are well represented, as are many American craft breweries. The author also discusses less famous brewing regions, such as the Czech Republic and Belgium and even devotes space to brewing traditions in Asia and Africa. Additionally, Alworth goes beyond brewing style, writing about such topics as drinking glass shapes, beer labels, and the simple pleasures of a well-made beverage. VERDICT Beer enthusiasts will welcome this guide that feels like one is spending time with a well-versed drinking pal.--Ginny Wolter, Toledo-Lucas Cty. P.L.

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2015
Alworth has crafted a thorough work on all things beer. The introduction provides a detailed history of beer, along with descriptions on how beer is made and how to taste like a pro. Four chapters focus on broad types of beers (ales, lagers, wheat beers, and tart and wild ales) and are further divided into sections describing the myriad styles of each type. Alworth offers suggestions of beers to know for each style (though the recommendations strongly lean toward breweries of the Pacific Northwest and Central Europe). Numerous sidebars and a few short profiles of breweries provide interesting tidbits and quotes. The book also offers a guide to various beer glassware, a hops variety chart, a glossary, a bibliography, and an index. Recommended for public libraries.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)