Which Homebrewing Book to Start With

[Scut_Monkey]

I know when I started researching how to brew I was looking for the best book to start with and not a library. By far the two most commonly referenced books have to be Papazian's book and Palmer's book. I simply wanted to take a poll to see which book was the most popular. I think this might be helpful for those looking to get into the hobby and would like to start off by buying the book that we here on HBT found the most helpful.

If you have any other suggestions other than these 2 books let it be known and why. If you have read both a comparison would be great.

 

[eljefe]

My vote for the novice owuld be How To Brew. The novice can read the first section and be done. The older version is also free online. It won't be long until s/he will want to read "Joy..." not to mention this forum as well.

 

[Rick500]

I voted for How to Brew. However, you can read that book online for free, and buy Brewing Classic Styles, then Designing Great Beers, then buy the updated version of How to Brew.

Joy... is a great read too, and fun, but I'd read the others first.

 

[Dwain]

I think the first book I read was by Byron Burch, Brewing Quality Beers. I loaned it out to someone so I can't review it. As I recall, he had a pretty good approach. Of the two you mentioned, I think "Joys..." would be better. It has been a long time since I read either one. I have Dave Miller's "Homebrewing Guide". I think it's a little too much chemistry/detail for a beginner. The "Homebrewing for Dummies" is pretty good. - Dwain

 

[Fingers]

I voted for How to Brew. However, you can read that book online for free,

At risk of sounding picky, you can read a condensed version online. Very condensed. The actual book has vastly more information. Still, I would vote for either/both as a first read.

 

[davesrose]

I voted for Papazian: I think that book is a good foundation for a new brewer, and is easier to get you started. Palmer can be cursory on some topics and can also be contradictory with his own writings as his theories change over time. If you wind up liking this hobby, you'll read both and can still have Papazian's book for general reference.

 

[JuanKenobi]

I voted for Papazian. I recommend it to all my friends who show an interest in brewing because it's more fun to read. I go on to say that Palmer is probably a better reference, and they should definitely pick it up if they suddenly find themselves brewing their third batch two weeks later.

 

[passedpawn]

Papazian for a beginner. More fun encouragement than science. Got me started!

 

[Hound_Dog]

Well I actually voted for How to Brew, but started on Papa Charlie. Honestly I think it depends on the brewer. If you just love beer Papazian is a great way to be introduced to brewing. Palmer is a bit more intense and scientific. Maybe that's why it was my first choice, I love the scientific aspect of brewing.

 

[homebrewer_99]

Both are good, but Palmer's HTB (1st edition) is FREE to read on-line...

 

[Amiaji]

I own both books and they are quite similar. I voted for Palmer's book mainly because it is available online. Either one will be a great reference for you.
There are lots of great books out there. A simple search on this site will reveal them.

 

[SavageSteve]

I voted for How to Brew for the good, clear, modern instruction on homebrewing that it provides, but I would heartily recommend The New Complete Joy of Homebrewing because it's a fun read and it's what got me excited about homebrewing way back in... well, many years ago!

-Steve

 

[marubozo]

Both are excellent and will cover the stuff you need to know. I started with Papazian's and then referenced the online edition of how to brew, but as soon as I finished pap's book I picked up a copy of the latest edition of how to brew as well.

I like how the complete joy of homebrewing is written, but I like how palmer's book is put together better. Neither is better than the other, just a little different.

 

[Rick500]

Charlie's book is more anecdotal and conversational. I liked it.

But I wanted all the cold, hard facts too, and I think How to Brew did that very well.

 

[Shooter]

I voted for Palmer, because I haven't actually read Papazian's book...

How to Brew can be a bit scientific at times, but it's easy to only take what you need from his explanation and brew good beer. Plus, the science is there for you when you want to step up and learn a little bit more about the process.

I do have to give a nod for Homebrewing for Dummies. If someone came to me and asked me for a recommendation, I'd certainly put it on the list as a very good straightforward guide for getting started.

 

[Kaiser]

My vote goes for Palmer as well. Even though I there are many points that I don't agree with but it is the best book for home brewing beginners out there.

Kai

 

[smackythefrog]

As a brand new brewer, I just finished Papazian and enjoyed it very much. I thought it was easy to read and informative, but it was also very entertaining. I used it as my bathroom reading bible to the point where I would eat and eat just so I had excuse to go to the bathroom and read. I have yet to start in on Palmer only because I thought I would pick up the dead tree version instead of just reading it online, but it will be mine tomorrow, oh yes it will. So whatever you start with, I would suggest reading Joy at some point.

 

[Rick500]

I would eat and eat just so I had excuse to go to the bathroom and read.

Now that's dedication. You'll make a fine brewer.

 

[SPLASTiK]

Before I even attempted my first batch I read both Papazian's book and then Palmer's.

Papazian's is a fun read that gets you excited about brewing but Palmer's is a better and more complete book in my opinion.

 

[Scut_Monkey]

My overall take so far is that people feel the Joy of homebrewing is better at making the brewing process seem fun and unitimidating while still informing the reader while How to Brew touches on the science behind the brewing. Obviously both books are geared to those starting out but with slight variations. Keep the opinions coming.

 

[Homercidal]

I've owned Joy for years and years. After reading How to Brew recently, I can say that Joy was a more entertaining read, and more approachable. But HTB was def more involved and covered more stuff in depth. A bit more stiff, but very informational.

I gave the nod to Palmer on this, but I would certainly say that Papazian is a very suitable book for a beginner too. I would also encourage any newbie to just do it and to come here for encouragement and guidance.

 

[Brewmasters Warehouse]

I went with Palmer on this. How to Brew is just more in depth than Joy. I agree with many of you the Joy is the better read, and both are very good beginner books. I just think that once you have your feet wet in brewing Joy will lose a lot of its value, with How to Brew still remains a valuable resource.

Ed

 

[david_42]

Started with Miller, then read Charlie's.

Voted for Palmer.

 

[Edcculus]

I'd say start with HBT. Joy is a little dated IMO. It is a fun read though.

I think you should also do "Tasting Beer" by Randy Mosher. He touches a lot on the brewing process, but focuses on the sensory evaluation of beer. I think if every new brewer read this book, we would have a LOT less "Is my beer ruined?" threads.