How to Brew by John Palmer

**Brewpastor** · 04-17-2007, 06:44 PM

I finished my first cover-to-cover read of the printed version and I am mightily impressed. This is one fine brewing book, with solid information and research through and through. I would put it at the top of the "if only one book" list for brewers. I particularly enjoyed his discussions of sparging and lauter tun design, but that is only the tip of the iceburg.

I have checked out the on-line version numerous times, but am very glad to have the whole tamale in my slimmy little hands.

rdwj · 04-17-2007, 06:47 PM

I still use mine all the time. I don't know what I'd do without it.

**the_bird** · 04-17-2007, 06:53 PM

Definately recommend to people to pick up a paper copy. There's an amazing amount of practical information in the book, written in a very easy-to-understand manner. There's also enough advanced information where it's a useful tool even for more-experienced brewers.

I've concluded, with much trepidation, that it's a better "first" book for homebrewers than Papazian's.

**Brewpastor** · 04-17-2007, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_bird

I've concluded, with much trepidation, that it's a better "first" book for homebrewers than Papazian's.

I completely agree.

**Brewing Clamper** · 04-17-2007, 07:11 PM

Yeah, good stuff.... gotta have it.

krispy d · 04-17-2007, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_bird

I've concluded, with much trepidation, that it's a better "first" book for homebrewers than Papazian's.

WOW, that's kinda big. I've checked out the on line version but you have my intrest. You say this is a good reference even for those that have brewed consitently for 10+ years? I am always going back to various texts so I'm not saying I know it all by a long shot. But I haven't opened Papazians book in years...

**the_bird** · 04-17-2007, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krispy d

WOW, that's kinda big. I've checked out the on line version but you have my intrest. You say this is a good reference even for those that have brewed consitently for 10+ years? I am always going back to various texts so I'm not saying I know it all by a long shot. But I haven't opened Papazians book in years...

Well, it's not as technical as Ray Daniels' book, for example. But, there's some really good information in there on advanced topics. It's hard for me to say without knowing what "advanced" means to you. Frankly, there's a lot of stuff in there that I'm just starting to get into myself. And, I'm not saying that it's the *only* book to buy to get advanced info, just that it's not a book ONLY for beginners.

**Brewpastor** · 04-17-2007, 07:17 PM

The depth of information is what I like. He covers a wide range of topics and in good detail. Science and art in one nice, easy to read book.

krispy d · 04-17-2007, 07:35 PM

why am I hemming and hawing over 12 bucks? just picked up a copy on ebay! can't hurt right? thanks for the recomendation! I love me some brewing books.

**the_bird** · 04-17-2007, 07:39 PM

Third edition? I can't prove it, but my sense is that Palmer's done a much better job at updating his book with current information than Papazian has. Third edition seems to represent current "best practices."