The Homebrewer's Answer Book (Answer Book (Storey))

Homebrewing — what hobby could possibly be more rewarding than the one that, in a matter of mere weeks, yields fresh beer delights to the happy brewer? It's hard to beat that kind of payoff. Brewing beer is fun and delicious, but it's also a demanding process, requiring proper equipment, impeccable sanitation, a basic understanding of the chemical process of brewing, and the patience to troubleshoot flavors and aromas that aren't quite right. No matter how experienced the beer maker, unforeseen questions and problems can develop with every new batch of beer.

Master brewer Ashton Lewis has seen and resolved hundreds of brewing problems and answered thousands of questions from amateur brewers as Brew Your Own magazine's Mr. Wizard for 11 years. From simple queries on getting started (Are lagers and ales made differently?) to discussions on the niceties of foam (How can I improve head retention?), Lewis provides the answers that homebrewers need. And his straightforward expertise gives readers the confidence to experiment with new ingredients, flavors, recipes, and styles.

In a friendly question-and-answer format, Lewis explains the wonderful process of converting malt, hops, yeast, and water into beer. Covering the entire range of situations a homebrewer is likely to face, this handy, at-a-glance reference will maximize the flavor of every batch of brew.