Pilsners, blonde ales, India pale ales, lagers, porters, stouts: the varieties and styles of beer are endless. But as diverse as the drink is, its appeal is universal - beer is the most-consumed alcoholic beverage in the world. From pubs and inns to restaurants, bars and microbreweries, beer has made itself a staple drink around the globe. Celebrating the heritage of the world's favourite tipple, Gavin D. Smith traces beer from its earliest days to its contemporary consumption. After exploring the evolution of brewing technology, the book travels from Mexico to Milwaukee, Beijing, Bruges and beyond, demonstrating the dazzling variety of beer styles and brewing processes to be found around the world. Once brewed in monasteries to be consumed as 'liquid bread' on fast days, beer is now the drink of choice at festivals and celebrations worldwide. Containing a wealth of detail in its concise, wonderfully illustrated pages, Beer will appeal to connoisseurs and casual fans alike.

Now is the best time in U.S. history to be a craft beer lover. Whether you want to be a craft beer expert or just learn more before trying your first craft beer, The Guide to Craft Beer will help you navigate the brave new world of beer. As of early 2019, more than 7,000 breweries are reinvigorating the beer scene with traditional styles and using American ingenuity to brew beers that push the boundaries of style. These small and independent breweries are changing the way we think about beer. The Guide to Craft Beer explains what craft beer is and how breweries are building community in their local areas. Dive into the 80+ style summaries and determine what beer you might like or find new styles to seek out. Develop your own tasting adventure with beer pairing tips for different styles and types of foods that marry well with them. Record your personal journey using the tasting log included in each book. A great resource for new or seasoned beer drinkers and perfect for gift-giving!