An all-in-one volume for the new beer enthusiast, ARTISAN BEER covers how beers are made, how beer styles differ, unusual beers you must try, pairing beer with food, getting the most out of beer events and festivals, beers that can be enhanced by aging, and much more.

For millennia, beer has been a favorite beverage in cultures across the globe. After water and tea, it is the most popular drink in the world, and it is at the center of a $450 billion industry.

For millennia, beer has been a favorite beverage in cultures across the globe. After water and tea, it is the most popular drink in the world, and it is at the center of a $450 billion industry.
The first major reference work to investigate the history and vast scope of beer, The Oxford Companion to Beer features more than 1,100 A-Z entries written by 166 of the world's most prominent beer experts. Attractively illustrated with over 140 images, the book covers everything from the agricultural makeup of various beers to the technical elements of the brewing process, local effects of brewing on regions around the world, and the social and political implications of sharing a beer.

Barley, water, hops and yeast might not sound like a recipe for success, but to the beer connoisseur, the fine balance of those four ingredients is the stuff of legend. If youve ever been to a specialty beer store, the variety can seem infinite, but there are really just two main varieties -- lager and ale. With everyone from home enthusiasts to industry giants continuing to push the limits of flavour development and production technology, beer is more than just a refreshing beverage. Its the worlds greatest science project.