Tell me more ×
Homebrewing Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for dedicated home brewers and serious enthusiasts. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 12 down vote favorite
6

What book would you recommend for a beginner hoping to start with extract recipes or from an extract kit?

share|improve this question
3  
From FAQ: "Avoid asking subjective or argumentative questions." One book per answer means you are voting on /books/ not /answers/, which makes this question inherently subjective. Please review the six guidelines for great subjective questions - blog.stackoverflow.com/2010/09/good-subjective-bad-subjective – Mike S Nov 9 '10 at 15:36

9 Answers

up vote 15 down vote

John Palmer's "How to Brew" is one of the most recommended books for anyone starting out with brewing. He goes over the process, the ingredients, and everything else you need to know to start out.

It's available online for free, or for about $15 on Amazon.

alt text

share|improve this answer
I've read parts of this book and it is excellent – Joe Philllips Nov 9 '10 at 1:09
It's also great if you're switching to all-grain brewing. John knows his stuff. – Jeff L Nov 9 '10 at 1:12
I read this online for my first brew, then bought it outright. I'm a cheap college student, but this was completely worth it. – Fishtoaster Nov 9 '10 at 3:52
I bought this when I was first starting out and have it on hand during every brew session just in case. Its great for a quick reference and/or for a read through. – LoganGoesPlaces Nov 9 '10 at 15:46
A lot of detail, especially if you're just starting out. I find myself going back to get any time I see gaps in a recipe. – mummey Nov 16 '10 at 19:00
show 1 more comment
up vote 11 down vote

The complete joy of home brewing

The Complete Joy of Home Brewing

share|improve this answer
You may want to condense your answer posts into one if you wish to be up-voted. – Mike S Nov 9 '10 at 1:17
up vote 2 down vote

The Complete Joy of Homebrewing by Charles Papazian seems to be a perennial favorite that is more colloquially written.

How to Brew: Everything You Need To Know To Brew Beer Right The First Time by John J. Palmer is the cautious beginners guide.

The Complete Handbook of Home Brewing by David Miller is a classic guide

Obviously everyone will have a personal preference, but those three seem to be fairly prolific and well reviewed in the community. If you just want to brew a kit and get started, the Internet and/or the guide that comes with equipment kits will likely suffice.

share|improve this answer
1  
Please provide only one book per answer. Feel free to grab the image from my answer and then I'll delete mine – Joe Philllips Nov 9 '10 at 1:11
I'm the one who upvoted you by the way – Joe Philllips Nov 9 '10 at 1:41
We started with The Complete Joy of Homebrewing and it's very good and a very easy read. Definitely recommended. – Matt Kellogg Nov 9 '10 at 1:42
@Joe Please see my comment on the question. I was attempting to answer a subjective question as objectively as possible. I was trying to stay in line with the first guideline of subjective questions - "Great subjective questions inspire answers that explain “why” and “how”." by providing rationale for /why/ each text would be good for a beginner. Thank you for the up-vote. – Mike S Nov 9 '10 at 15:40
I see your point. I don't see a problem with one book per answer as long as there is reasoning to go along with it. – Joe Philllips Nov 9 '10 at 17:25
show 1 more comment
up vote 2 down vote

Charlie Papazian also wrote "The Homebrewers' Companion", which fills in the gaps of "The Complete Joy of Homebrewing". Awesome author.

share|improve this answer
up vote 2 down vote

The Brewmaster's Bible by Stephen Snyder
ISBN: 0-06-095216-4

Brewmaster's Bible

share|improve this answer
1  
This is definitely a great book! Taught me so much 6 years ago and is still teaching me today. – Room3 Nov 9 '10 at 21:57
up vote 2 down vote

Dave Millers Homebrewing Guide - Dave Miller
ISBN: 0882669052

Dave Millers Homebrewing Guide

share|improve this answer
up vote 2 down vote

A great book for recipe design:

Designing Great Beers by Ray Daniels

alt text

share|improve this answer
I agree, this is a sweet book, but it is pretty heavy reading for a beginner homebrewer. – Joe Lencioni Nov 16 '10 at 15:22
up vote 1 down vote

My favorites are:

Any one of the above should be adequate, but having a few different ones for reference is a good thing.

The Palmer one is available online, but I much prefer my paper copy.

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.