MALT, HOPS, MAGIC AND PASSION

In Mitchell’s debut beer guide, the longtime brewer considers the beverage’s origins, manufacture, diversity, and health effects.

The author knows a lot about beer. That should come as no surprise, given the 45 years he spent as a brewer, first in South Africa and later in Australia. With this wide-ranging guide for the curious drinker, Mitchell elucidates the brewing process, discussing the revolutionary introduction of pale malt, the backbone of modern beers from lager to India Pale Ale; the irreplaceable element of hops, the “spice” of beer; and the role of yeast, which comes in various strains specific to certain styles (Saccharomyces pastorianus for lagers, Saccharomyces cerevisiae for ales). The author waxes on the subtleties of containers and glassware, shares tips for how to approach beer from a connoisseur’s perspective, explains the best pairings for various types of food, and characterizes the beer preferences of different nations. Readers will learn the cultural aspects of beer, like how the Belgians perfected serving beer at home, and about the various ancient gods, saints, and traditions associated with the drink. Mitchell shares lesser-known information as well, like how alcohol-free beer can reduce cholesterol, or how beer can save a picnic from bees or add a nice shine to wooden furniture. Additionally, he describes numerous styles of beer, from the famous Guinness Stout to Northeast England’s “Bottle of Dog,” to the marzenbier and alt beer of Germany, the Trappist ales and fruity gueuze beers of Belgium, and various Christmas beers from around the world. Mitchell writes with buoyant, clear prose, spreading his pro-beer gospel with every sentence. Here, he cites a Czech study to claim that beer does not cause drinkers to gain weight: “It’s not the beer you drink—it’s the snacks you gobble up with it!” Though the health benefits of beer and alcohol may be disputed, the rest of the material here is persuasively rooted in the author’s deep immersion in the culture of brewing. Those just getting into the world of beer could do much worse than this cheerful primer.

An engaging compendium of beer knowledge for the aspiring aficionado.