How to Brew by John Palmer

[Brewpastor]

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]

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

 

[the_bird]

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]

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

I completely agree.

 

[Brewing Clamper]

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

 

[krispy d]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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."

 

[Yooper]

I got it for Christmas, and I use it all the time. Definitely my favorite resource and I enjoy just reading it at times.

 

[krispy d]

not sure. 2006 publishing date though.

 

[Brewpastor]

I haven't read Papazian in years. I think his book has its place, it just isn't the place I am at. My recollection is it is pretty simple in approach and explanation, which is fine for what it is.

 

[BierMuncher]

Sounds like the Father's Day gift of choice.

 

[Buford]

I have How to Brew and Daniels' Designing Great Beers, and both are great books. I'm thinking about picking up New Brewing Lager Beer as well, as I heard that covers decoction mashing well.

 

[olllllo]

I haven't read Papazian in years. I think his book has its place, it just isn't the place I am at. My recollection is it is pretty simple in approach and explanation, which is fine for what it is.

What?

You're recommending, "On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection," by Charles Darwin (Palmer) over The Bible (Papazian)?

 

[Rhoobarb]

... I'm thinking about picking up New Brewing Lager Beer ...

It does. I have it and recommend it. I tend to reach for Daniels' book more, but I brew more ales, so it figures.

I only have the online version of Palmer's HTB. I saw rdwj's copy and after seeing that, I've put it on my list of books to get.

 

[the_bird]

What?

You're recommending, "On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection," by Charles Darwin (Palmer) over The Bible (Papazian)?

Well, he is an iconoclast...

 

[david_42]

I'll take science over faith any day. Palmer has the heart of an engineer and the soul of a brewing junkie.

 

[RichBrewer]

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."

I must admit that I'm a huge Papazian fan. His book hooked me on home brewing in one evening. Having said that I have to agree with you. I've got the latest version of the Complete Joy and there are very few changes in it. It even has the same old out dated photos.

Looks like I need to get me a new book. You guys have convinced me.

 

[Ivan Lendl]

Yup, great book.

 

[Snakebone]

I have How to Brew and Daniels' Designing Great Beers, and both are great books. I'm thinking about picking up New Brewing Lager Beer as well, as I heard that covers decoction mashing well.

I just ordered these two books from amazon.com this evening for $29.00 including shipping.

 

[EdWort]

Those two books are my first reference books. They simply rock!:rockin:

 

[KopyKat]

Those two books are my first reference books. They simply rock!:rockin:

I second that emotion!!

BTW Ed, I really loved that Ahtanum Pale Ale you sent to the meeting last Saturday. Best beer on the table - except mine of course!

 

[McCall St. Brewer]

I've been thinking about buying Palmer's book for awhile. I've tried numerous times to read the online version but I find it really inconvenient and clumsy to use. Maybe the dead trees version is the way to go. I like Papazian's book (it's the one that came with my first equipment kit), but I'm always looking for new books to add to my library.

 

[Ivan Lendl]

I've been thinking about buying Palmer's book for awhile. I've tried numerous times to read the online version but I find it really inconvenient and clumsy to use. Maybe the dead trees version is the way to go. I like Papazian's book (it's the one that came with my first equipment kit), but I'm always looking for new books to add to my library.

Yeah the virtual version isnt as good as the real one. Unless youve got a laptop, you cant read it on the sh**ter.

 

[uwmgdman]

Best brewing book ever.

 

[cweston]

I agree with what others have said about Papazian vs Palmer. Papazian's book is great for making you excited about wanting to homebrew, but Palmer is a better resource for actually figuring out how to do it.

 

[Jim Karr]

Palmer's book? Amen, Amen, Amen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:fro:

 

[Three_Trees]

I've been using the online "How to Brew." I really want to get the book, just to have something that resourceful on my bookshelf. I agree with Cweston that Papazian emphasizes fun and homebrewing to be a hobby while Palmer gives you a lot more technical details. This is not to say Papazian doesn't have good information. He definitely is a genius when it comes to the science of brewing. I use both Palmer and Papazian as references when I need an answer. I don't think anyone should debate which book to buy, if you're truly into homebrewing, buy both. One thing I have against Papazian is that I barely passed my classes in college because I was nose deep reading his books instead of my assigned readings for class : )