Synopses & Reviews
Pilsners, blonde ales, India pale ales, lagers, porters, stouts: the varieties and styles of beer are endless. But as diverse as the drink is, its appeal is universaland#151;beer is the most-consumed alcoholic beverage in the world. From ballparks to restaurants, bars to brewpubs, this multihued beverage has made itself a dietary staple around the globe. Celebrating the heritage of these popular libations in this entertaining tome, Gavin D. Smith traces beer from its earliest days to its contemporary consumption.
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While exploring the evolution of brewing technology and how it mirrors technological changes on a wider economic scale, Smith travels from Mexico to Milwaukee, Beijing, Bruges, and beyond to give a legion of beer brands their due. He then delves into the growth of beer-drinking culture and food-beer pairings and provides information on beer-related museums, festivals, publications, and websites. He also provides a selection of recipes that will be enhanced with the downing of a glass or two of the amber nectar. Containing a wealth of detail in its concise, wonderfully illustrated pages,and#160;Beerand#160;will appeal to connoisseurs and casual fans alike.
Review
and#8220;The worldand#8217;s biggest brewers are larger and more international than they were in the past. The largest global brewer, Anheuser-Busch InBev, for example, is a half-American company headquartered in Belgium and controlled by Brazilians. But as Gavin Smith shows in this short and engaging book, the familiar global brands are the least interesting ones. Nearly every country has a brewer that is either one of the international leaders or an affiliate brand. But the same countries also have brewers that slavishly tried to imitate the leaders and have long since become part of history.and#8221;
Review
and#8220;Beer: A Global History is the latest addition to the Edible Series. . . . As reading about food and drink is second only in pleasure to consuming it, this might be one of the most ingenious publishing ideas of all time. Gavin D. Smith traces brewing history from the Neolithic peoples of Asia Minor to beerand#8217;s current preeminence. . . . [a] splendid little book.and#8221;
Synopsis
This is the book for everyone who wants to be a beer expert or at least sound like one. Warm, funny and elegantly written, it just might change your life. Far-ranging in scope and written with wit and charm, this guide provides a global perspective on one of the world's most ancient and popular beverages, including how it is made, how to serve and taste it, where to find the best, and what foods to serve with it. With tongue in cheek, the author examines beer's historic connections to the Crusades, the Hundred Years War, and modern-day soccer riots. He also candidly discusses the effects of alcohol on the body and the brain.
Synopsis
Beer: itand#8217;s everywhere. In pubs, restaurants, bars, and homes around the world beer is a mainstay, almost universal in its reach.
Beer: A Global History explores and celebrates the heritage of one of the worldand#8217;s greatest and most diverse drinks, from its earliest origins to contemporary consumption.
Both informative and highly entertaining, Beer explores a legion of brews from Mexico to Milwaukee, and from Beijing to Bruges. The book covers the evolution of beer brewing and the technology behind it, as well as the growth of beer-drinking culture and the matching of beer and food. A handy appendix provides information on beer-related museums, festivals, publications, and websites.
Around 55 illustrations illuminate and embellish the fascinating story of beer: those who have made it, those who have drunk it, and its notable place in modern global culture. Including a selection of recipes intended to be appreciated with the addition of a glass or two of the amber nectar, Beer will appeal to the connoisseur already familiar with this noble libation, as well as the casual fan who simply wants to know more about the fascinating history of this most popular of beverages.
About the Author
Gavin D. Smith is a freelance journalist based in the Scottish borders. He is the author of many books, including A Brief History of Scotch Whisky and The Scottish Beer Bible, and writes regularly for such publications as Beers of the World, Whisky Magazine, and Whisky Advocate.
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. Origins
2. Beer in a Commercial World
3. Beer Comes of Age
4. The Art of Brewing
5. Great Brewing Nations
6. Drinking Beer
7. Beer and Culture
Recipes
Appendix: Great Beer Brands
Select Bibliography
Websites, Associations, Festivals and Museums
Photo Acknowledgements
Index
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