From mass-produced lagers to craft-brewery IPAs, from beers made in Trappist monasteries according to traditional techniques to those created by innovative local brewers seeking to capture regional terroir, the world of beer boasts endless varieties. The diversity of beer does not only reflect the differences among the people and cultures who brew this beverage. It also testifies to the vast range of plants that help give different styles of beer their distinguishing flavor profiles.
This book is a comprehensive and beautifully illustrated compendium of the characteristics and properties of the plants used in making beer around the world. The botanical expert Giuseppe Caruso presents scientifically rigorous descriptions, accompanied by his own hand-drawn ink images, of more than 500 species. For each one, he gives the scientific classification, common names, and information about morphology, geographical distribution and habitat, and cultivation range. Caruso provides detailed information about each plant’s applications in beer making, including which of its parts are employed, as well as its chemical composition, its potential toxicity, and examples of beers and styles in which it is typically used. The book also considers historical uses, aiding brewers who seek to rediscover ancient and early modern concoctions.
This book will appeal to a wide audience, from beer aficionados to botany enthusiasts, providing valuable information for homebrewers and professional beer makers alike. It reveals how botanical knowledge can open new possibilities for today’s and tomorrow’s brewers.
"Named one of the top beer and booze books of 2022." - Forbes.com
"An astoundingly useful book." - Non Stop Reader
"An excellent reference for those with a serious interest in beer, botany, or both of the above." - The Introverted Yogi
"It is a well organized, useful directory of familiar and unfamiliar plants from North America and the rest of the globe. It has already served me and my brewing team well in conceiving new beer recipes." - Botany BrewFarm Blog
"If you enjoy brewing with foraged or natural ingredients, this book is essential." - Craft Beer and Brewing Magazine
"An astounding amount of information for the advanced amateur or professional brewer who is interested in experimenting with ingredients beyond barley and hops." - American Brewer
