I've read Charlie's books as well as a few other "homebrew" centered brewing books. They tend to tell us that certain things are beyond the realm of necessary knowledge for homebrewing, regardless, I want to have as thorough an understanding of the process as possible. So, what books should I read to have a thorough understanding of yeast, mash, fermentation, ageing, history etc... I'm looking to hear from the pros here, or the extremely well informed homebrewers.

So let's say top 5 books any brewer should own.

In addition to the CP books, I have 'The Brewer's Companion' - Mosher, 'Designing Great beers' - Daniels, and 'Brewing Classic Styles' - Zainasheff & Palmer...I may not be a 'pro' brewer, nor extremely well endowed er uh informed. Yet, after reading these tomes and asking on-line questions here and then assimilating said free-absolutes...decide for myself what 'might' be right..

I personally thing CP's book is a waste of time. I got much more out of reading the online version of Palmer's book.

I don't know if I'm a pro, but I'll give you my top 3 list anyway:

Designing Great Beers - Daniels
Homebrewer's Bible - Synder
BrewChem 101 - ???

I find myself referring to the Daniels book more and more for designing a recipe. He also gives a brief historical overview of the styles. He does not include any recipes, but you'll be able to design your own based on the information provided. The Homebrewer's Bible is a great reference book - it describes all the major beer ingredients in detail. Both of these tomes are a bit dated, but still very useful. The BrewChem book is very thin, but will give you some of the chemistry behind brewing and how off-flavors can happen.

I refer to DGB on ocassion. It's probably the last book I'll buy.

For reading past the basics I would suggest:

"How to Brew," by Palmer
"Designing Great Beers," by Daniels

I refer to both of these books regularly and they are the most lent out from my library.

"Brew Chem 101," by Janson
"Principles of Brewing Science," by Fix
"First Steps in Yeast Culture part One," by Rajotte

Thanks for the answers so far guys. So I don't really need a "pros" advice I guess. Charlie's book got me into brewing but I don't like the "don't worry about what's happening just brew". I'm not interested in remaking other beers so much as thoroughly understanding the process so I can refine my own recipes.

Although I'm still new and I've read only one book I'd recommend "How to Brew" by John Palmer. He really understands the science behind brewing and why things work which as a biologist myself I find helpful and quite interesting.

He also recommends "New Brewing Lager Beer" for lagers, but the author's name escapes me at the moment. I plan I buying that one soon before I brew my first lager this winter.

Like cdr,

"How to Brew," by Palmer
"Designing Great Beers," by Daniels

Those are really the only two books anyone needs, period. If you're really into a specific style of beer or technique, then there are lots of supplimental books. Say you wanted to do lambics, then I'd recommend Wild Brews.

As part of the brewing sickness, I've bought and read pretty much all the major books- almost all that have been listed above. They're good reads, and I definitely like the style series; but you can get along just fine without them. Everyone should have "how to brew" though. And if you want to create your own recipes, DGB.

Thanks a bunch. I think I'll be seeking out "how to brew" and "Designing Great Beers" They both seem to come highly recommended and fit with what I'm looking to learn.

Brewmaster_Cannon I believe the authors name is Noonan.. or something like it.

Raising one to this forum right now.

HTB and DGB is a great start. Brewing classic styles is nice for successful examples of the styles. I'd get Moshers book before Noonans lagering book.

My favorite to start with would have to be "Beer Captured" by Tess and Mark Szamatulski. It's filled with great recipes (150) and all are described in extract, partial, and all grain.

Beer Captured... I'll sell you mine.

Ton, what recipe should I try out of that book? I'll give it a chance.

I've had great success with Long Peak's Raspberry Wheat (pg. 157), however I substituted the raspberry with strawberry. Makes a really smooth afternoon beer. I know many people (including myself for a very long time) do not believe in fruit in beer, but this one comes out reaaly good. The wife will love it too.

Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier (pg 150) was also good.

All right I'll keep that in mind. Not a big fruity beer fan but every couple years I make a few. Done with the hefes until next summer, I'll try that one next summer.

Guess I am boring I only have Papazians TJOH the rest of my reading is online.... would like to get a few more books just have not found any that scream out at me...

DGB is a must for english beers.. and if you have the capability for german lagers

I got brew like a monk to supplement GDB.

I like a book that has no recipes, but rather the possible malts, hops, yeasts, and why they are used, their history, and contribution. I guess want I want from a book is what I can't find here online.

I also bough German Wheat Beer, cause wheat just deserves it.

"I like a book that has no recipes"

I'm with you on that one. I just want to have a thorough understanding of the entire process because I get obsessive like that.

In my opinion, Palmer's "How To Brew" is a great book for anyone, especially someone with a basic understanding of brewing that is looking to advance. I consider this the best book out there so far.

I read "Designing Great Beers" also, and enjoyed it, but wouldn't call it one of the best. I think "Radical Brewing" by Mosher is a great book for beginners or more advanced brewers, and teaches you a lot about being creative with your brewing as well.

Not everyone is into belgian beers, but Stan Hieronymous' "Brew like a monk" is one of my personal favorites and gives us tons of insights on what belgian beers should and could be like.

Anyone order that new book on yeast from the AHA? They told me it shipped on the 20th but I haven't seen it yet... Looks like a good read.

If you ordered it from the AHA you probably won't get it.

Cmon now! Its not the moderators who are taking the $$ and shipping (or lack thereof).... I have absolutely no issues with the AHA... just some of the asshats on the forum/committee. Besides I got a smokin deal on cause I ordered early... so much for having some reading material lately...

I'm just jerking your chain.

jerk harder.... so I can get something out of it!

Sorry fellow, wrong guy.

How much was the discounted price from the AHA? Also amazon says the book isn't out yet, so maybe they meant it'll ship on Sept. 20th?

I ordered the yeast book. I think it was 30% off? basically free shipping.

I definitely enjoyed the new wheat book.