Quick question for the veterans of home brewing...
First - I plan on reading both and I own both. But, my question is this:
Would you suggest reading The Complete Joy of Home Brewing or How to Brew first? I didn't know which is more user friendly, whether one compliments the other, etc. I'm off tomorrow and have quite a bit of time on my hands during the day even when I am at work, so I figured I'd probably knock them both out within the next week or so, but I wanted to know where those more experienced than I would start.
Thanks in advance!
__________________ Ducks & Dogs Brewery
Primary: Honey Ale, Cherry Kriek, Dead Guy Clone Secondary: Air Keg #1: Coffee Porter Keg #2: Air Keg #3: Air On Deck: Strawberry Blonde, Smoked Porter, An IPA
I read both books before I started making any beer, and I felt that How to Brew was more informative for describing just how to make beer. That being said, The Complete Joy of Home Brewing was good also, and more entertaining
I just finished Palmer's "How To Brew" and enjoyed how intensive he gets into the chemistry of brewing. Much of the discussion went over my head but I felt all the more wiser for having read it.
I think Papazian is the first book one should read. Why? Because he emphasizes way much more than Palmer on the importance to be zen while brewing. Relax. Don't worry. Have a homebrew. I think Papazian is much better in describing the attitude one should have while brewing.
But Palmer is more informative on homebrewing techniques. And he's up-to-date as far as techniques go.
I think Papazian is the first book one should read. Why? Because he emphasizes way much more than Palmer on the importance to be zen while brewing. Relax. Don't worry. Have a homebrew. I think Papazian is much better in describing the attitude one should have while brewing.
But Palmer is more informative on homebrewing techniques. And he's up-to-date as far as techniques go.
I agree with this point of view, probably just because that's the way I did it. I refer new brewers to Papazian for many things, but I always refer them to Palmer when it comes to a question of specifics. Papazian has some great insight and attitudes, as well as some easy-to-comprehend ways of portraying information. Palmer allows you to take that initial information and get as specific as you can with it.
The end result though: both are great, must-have resources in the world of homebrewing.
Of course Papazian has that Toad Spit Stout recipe in there. God I love that brew.
__________________
Fermenting: A few beers
Conditioning: A few other beers
Bottled: A few more beers
Kegged: Many beers
Next Brews: More beers than you could imagine
The attitude one takes with brewing is a personal thing. Not every home brewer is Buddhist or a quasi buddhist hippy. I bought and read "joy" as an homage to what Charlie did for the hobby but if you're looking for more technical and up to date info, go with Palmer.
I felt like Papazian is a lot easier of a read. Palmer got way more into the chemistry than what I need at this time. Read the all grain sections of both books and you will see what I mean. Both are great!
I felt like Papazian is a lot easier of a read. Palmer got way more into the chemistry than what I need at this time. Read the all grain sections of both books and you will see what I mean. Both are great!
Read them both start with Papazian just for the fact it's an easier, more entertaining read.
Papazians 2nd book, The Homebrewer's Companion, is good too later on, after a few brews under your belt.
__________________ Yankee Sand Flea on a Southern Beach.
“Son, you are a walking violation of the laws of nature, but you’re lucky, we don't enforce them laws.”
Quick question for the veterans of home brewing...
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