The Brewmaster's Bible : Gold Standard for Home Brewers, The
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (18 June, 1997)
list price: $20.00 -- our price: $13.60
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Reviews (10)

I'd be Lost Without it
Steven Snyder's, The Brewmaster's Bible is a complete reference with information that compliments any skill level.He describes the how and why of proper brewing, and provides enough information on the ingredients of that perfect pint to allow advanced homebrewers to formulate their own recipes.The last half of the book is mostly recipes, it would take a lifetime to brew all of them.Unfortunately the book falls a little short of all-grain recipes, as many rely on using malt extract.With a some experimentation it is easy to get around this downside, and after all experimentation is half the fun of brewing.

Best comprehensive reference around
I've read all the other brewing books, and though Papazain, and homebrewing for dummies may be easier reads, this is the only book that has a complete list of style characteristics, details on ingredients, and fairly complete instructions for more complex methods, such as decoction brewing.Yes, as one reviewer pointed out, much of the book comprises recipes, but the tables and lists are invaluable.I've been brewing for 15 years, and still refer to this book each time I make a new batch.

Even the "lame recipes" are useful to get an idea how people approach the different styles (I never duplicate these recipes, but they are useful for synthesizing one's own recipes).

This is the book for geeks and engineers.If you know what reverse polish is, then buy this book.

poorly organized, mostly recipes and reference tables
This book has a clever name, but is hardly the "Brewmaster's Bible" (unless he means to say you need FAITH to use this book to brew). Of its 400 pages, 300 are recipes. Much of the other 100 pages consists of reference tables, while only a few poorly organized sections explain concepts or tell how to brew.

Better to get the Papazian book (for beginners) or Greg Noonan and Ray Daniels books (for advanced brewers). ... Read more

Isbn: 0060952164
Sales Rank: 32089
Subjects:  1. Beverages - Beer    2. Brewing    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Cooking / Beer   

Homebrewing for Dummies
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (25 September, 1997)
list price: $19.99 -- our price: $13.59
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Editorial Review

Marty Nachel immediately dispels two long-held myths in Homebrewingfor Dummies: brewing your own beer isn't all that difficult, and despite allthat you may have heard or assumed, facial hair is not a prerequisite to being agood homebrewer.

Like all other books in the popular Dummies series, Homebrewing forDummies is a clear, concise, how-to guide for the do-it-yourselfer. As itturns out, making beer isn't hard to do if you have a stove, some basicequipment, and a little time on your hands. Here's your chance to make your ownHefeweizen or India Pale Ale and avoid another trip to the local microbrewery;Nachel provides the recipes and solid step-by-step instructions. And if makingbeer isn't enough, the chapter on evaluation will teach even the most pedestrianbeer drinker to critically analyze homebrews like a pro.

Nachel is well qualified. The former welder is an award-winning brewer and oneof the top beer writers in the country. Homebrewing for Dummies coversthe gamut--from simple lagers to Belgian Dubbels--and Nachel shows that youdon't need a team of Clydesdales or a Colorado mountain spring to make greatbeer at home. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

A great book ... and yet, not that great.
This is the perfect book for someone wanting to learn about home brewing or brewing, but doesn't want to actually DO any brewing.Nachel puts together a high volume of information but only touches on most subjects.The biggest detriment to this book is the rather scant explanations on the actual brewing process and how it works/should work.Pictures or illustrations would help if words aren't available.The lack of illustrations forces this book back from amazing into adequate.You will need more research after this book to find helpful specifics for brewing ... Papazian's 'Joy of Homebrewing' does little to expand on this book, as both are close to identical in contents.Both books go into the intermediate brewing stage (using some extracts instead of full grain mash) in high detail, but then skimp on information for the full grain brewer.I'd rather have seen full grain explained in extreme detail, but that is my preference.I am looking for some version of a brewer's bible that has it all and goes beyond base, beginner texts with glimpses at advanced methods.

Cutesy, condecending and not for the beginner
I didn't like this book at all. It follows the condescending style of being cutesy, belittling kit beer making and contradicting manufacturers' guide lines without explanation.

A good example is the "Beginning Brew Instructions". It tells me not to follow the beer kit's directions and follow the ones in the book. It says that manufacturers "disregard the need for the boiling procedures" and (incorrectly) recommend adding sugar. No explanation is given expect for the condescending token of "Just follow the brewing guidelines in chapter 11 and you'll do fine." I have however noticed on the beer manufacturers' web sites that they say not to boil the wort because it removes volatiles that give beer flavour and that the technology uses means that boiling is no longer required. Anyone silly enough to follow the authors instructions will have to fork out another $30 to buy a pot so they can boil the wort and spend an additional $10 buying 2 beers kits instead of one.

Far from encouraging beginners, it confuses and makes it more expensive.

A Great Reference Book
This is a great book for beginners as you would expect.But I found it to be a good source for little odds and ends that the experienced brewer may need to brush up on.Well written and well organized, I find myself using more than any of my other how-to-brew books. ... Read more

Isbn: 0764550462
Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Beer    3. Beverage Technology    4. Beverages - Beer    5. Beverages - Wine & Spirits    6. Brewing    7. Cooking / Wine    8. Gardening    9. Regional - General    10. Science/Mathematics    11. Cooking / Wine & Spirits    12. Food & Drink / Cookery   

Michael Jackson's Great Beer Guide
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 October, 2000)
list price: $16.95 -- our price: $11.53
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Reviews (15)

The King of Hop!
Who'da thunk? Michael Jackson, beer reviewer. But that's what he does, reviews the finest beers this side of the Columbia River, which doesn't actually go very far. Which means nothing but good taste! Hey, why not? Sausage man rolled the dice.

Not Helpful to My Liver
This is one of the finest books I have ever had the pleasure of reading and putting to the practical test.Michael Jackson has an astonishing breath of knowledge and experience when it comes to well made beers.Even more unusual is his ability to write in an interesting, informative, and engaging manner.It is particularly hard to write about a physical ability in the form of taste, but Michael has succeeded admirably in combining insight into the brewing process, taste variations in beer styles, and food pairings with different beers.I have never been so happily blasted in my life as I recently was after a Brew & Stew Festival in Albany, New York where an eight course meal was matched with eight fabulous brews.Sweet little Dipper of course could not contain his joy and heartily requested seconds and thirds of some of the swills.I was particularly taken by Ayinger Celebrator Bock when paired with mulberry stewed beef.I don't remember much about the stew, or anything else beyond my third bottle of Ayinger when I think I began to jump about the room and butt some of the pretty female participants like the cute plastic goats hung around these bottles if they were allowed to also get frisky.It was a bunch of fun and I have this fine book to thank for getting it all started.

Brilliant Guide.
Michael Jackson begins the book with a guide to the ingredients of beer and the types of beer and how they are brewed.That is very informative if you are a beer lover.He neglects the Westvleteren 12 but that is perhaps because it is near impossible to find in the United States.Under each beer is a wonderful description of the taste plus a picture of the glass and the suggested serving temperature.The serving temperature and the type of glass are critical.Enjoy this brilliant mans book.By the way he really knows his history. ... Read more

Isbn: 0789451565
Sales Rank: 45915
Subjects:  1. Beer    2. Beverages - Beer    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine   

The Hangover Handbook, Revised Edition : 101 Cures for Humanity's Oldest Malady
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (25 October, 1997)
list price: $8.95 -- our price: $8.95
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Reviews (1)

funny -- good, cheap gift
A funny little book, with some wild "cures". I'm giving a copy for New Year's to all my drinking buddies -- should come in handy the next day (if we can read!). ... Read more

Isbn: 091445790X
Sales Rank: 377428
Subjects:  1. Beverages - Beer    2. Beverages - Wine & Spirits    3. General    4. Hangover cures    5. Humor    6. Recovery    7. Humor / General   

Libbey4-Piece Heidelberg Beer Mug Set
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $29.99
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Editorial Review

Holding 16 ounces each, these heavy mugs are shaped for servingbeer in traditional style. They're made of thick glass, so you can frost them in the freezer and then use them to keep beer cold to thelast swig. Though the mugs' insides are perfectly round, the exteriorshave 10 facets. Perfect for root beer floats as well as beer, the mugsmeasure 9-1/8 inches high and 3-3/8 inches in diameter. They're durableand dishwasher-safe. --Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• Dishwasher-safe
• Traditional shape for serving beer
• Four mugs hold 16 ounces each
• Round inside, with 10 facets around the exterior
• Made of thick glass to keep beer cold

Reviews (17)

Wonderful Set of Mugs
I ordered these mugs for my boyfriend as a partial Christmas gift. I was a little nervous about the purchase because I could not judge the weight of them, but I took a chance.

Boy am I glad I did! They are nice and sturdy, well made, and a definite asset. They are kept in the freezer so he or company can have a nice, frosty mug of beer any time.

Great buy for the price
These glasses are very durable and perfect for keeping in the freezer to use when you're looking for a nice frosted mug to drink your beer from.I thought that since they were 16oz size that I would have trouble getting them to fit in my dishwasher, but they fit fine.I would recommend these to anyone, especially those of you that have a bar in your house or garage.

I bought these because of the reviews
Thank you for your reviews, I cancelled an order for other mugs to buy these. Heavy, high-quality, and flawless on arrival. Thanks again. ... Read more

Asin: B00005MG3O
Subjects:  1. Bartending    2. Drinkware    3. (Drink Ware)    4. Bar Glasses    5. Casual Glasses    6. Glassware    7. (Glass Ware)    8. Barware    9. (Bar Ware)   

Mr. Beer Premium Micro Brewery 20028 with Bottles
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $67.00
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Editorial Review

In just 14 days, beginning and advanced brewers alike can enjoy a glass of premium, handcrafted beer with this home-brewing kit. The2-1/2-gallon brew keg features a pour tap and wide-mouthed lid for easy cleaning by hand. Included with this microbrewery kit are a can of West Coast Pale Ale mix, which produces a mild, full-bodied beer, asingle-use packet of booster, which contains all-natural carbohydrates that enhance flavor and boost alcohol content, and brewer’s yeast. The beer-making ingredients are simply mixed with water, left to brew in the keg at room temperature for a week, and then put into the kit’s eight one-liter PET bottles for another week, during which time natural carbonation takes place. No CO2 cartridges are needed to enhance sparkle or beer head. Plastic bottle caps and labels are also included, as well as an instruction booklet full of brewing tips and recipes. Other Mr. Beer mixes and booster packs can be ordered separately. The keg is made of FDA-compliant PVC, which does not impart taste or color and is virtually indestructible. --Ann Bieri ... Read more

Features

• Home microbrewery kit brews premium, handcrafted beer
• Beer ready after just 7 days in keg and 7 days bottled
• Includes beer mix, booster, brewer's yeast, and recipe book
• Also includes 8 amber 1-liter P.E.T. bottles with caps and labels
• 2-1/2-gallon keg is FDA compliant and imparts no taste or color

Reviews (9)

Great Gift!
I purchased this for my brother-in-law who's something of a beer connoseur and he LOVES it-- the humour had the whole family on the floor and rolling. Reccomended- only if he'll share! Also, I should mention this was shipped beautifully from Target/Amazon- get the gift wrap, it's worth the $!

Mr. Beer Keg
I like the set up (I have two). Even though many suggest not to, I've used the included yeast, with proper results. I would suggest using the booster & any sugar replacement, as sugar gives that "cider" taste till you let it sit.<br /> Even reusing the "soda" bottle bottles, I've had some fine tasting beer.<br /> The kit is easy to use, you can order more stuff online. It's a good kit to start brewing your own beer. Just follow the instructions & use a wooden spoon! I'm glad to see Target is carrying this, as well as a supply pack-good job.<br /> Oh a neat guy gift, for certain.

Yummy!
I have no idea, what Mr Yuck is talkig about - I just tasted my second batch, the "Whispering Weizen", and it is FANTASTIC! Fun stuff for any beer lover! ... Read more

Asin: B00007G2IX
Subjects:  1. Gifts    2. Entertaining   

Mr. Beer Variety Pack Home Brew Mix, Set of 3
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $41.50
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Editorial Review

Home brewing with the Mr. Beer keg becomes an experiment inflavor with this variety pack. Three cans of beer mix--Vienna Lager,Canadian Draft, and Weizenbier--let the brewer sample different blendsof premium beers. Each can produces twenty 12-ounce bottles of beer.Also included are three single-use booster packs that containall-natural maltodextrins. True to its name, booster not only enhancesbeer flavor, body, and balance, but "boosts" the alcohol content of thebeer. After seven days brewing in the keg, and seven days of naturalcarbonation in the bottle, the beer is ready to be chilled and enjoyed.--Ann Bieri ... Read more

Features

• Combo variety pack for use with Mr. Beer home-brewing keg
• Includes 3 cans of assorted beer mix, and 3 booster packs
• Mixes are blended in New Zealand
• Booster enhances flavor and raises alcohol content
• Intended for use by home brewers aged 21 and older

Reviews (7)

beer makeing
mr beer is a ok start for someone that dont know if they would like to brew or not and cheep. but you get what you pay for .
i do suguest to all that would like to brew great beer to stop
and get into a beer system cost is about 60.00 to get started and buy a kit about 20.00 to 30.00 . you can make 2 cases of beer
at a time with one kit . i started with mr beer and move on to better brewing . better all the way around. 10 to 14 days iam drinking beer some take longer 5 to7 days before i bottle . if you have questions check a home brewing web site most will help you.

Good stuff
I bought the variety pack and brewed my first batch of Nut Brown ale.It was fairly easy to make except it didnt come with mixing instructions so I had to find them on the internet (I have a different beer maker than a Mr. Beer).Would have been nice to include those.
This mix is far better than the other beer mixes that I have tried.It tends to mix easier than the powdered stuff.Overall the beer was tasty, but it needed time to clear up.The first few drinks of it early on were ok but as the beer sat and cleared up it got a lot better, so give it time (2 weeks atleast).Happy Brewing!

Selling to minors
It is not illegal to sell this to minors as it contains no alcohol.Only after actually brewing the beer is it alcohol.The ingredients can be sold to anyone. ... Read more

Asin: B00005O68M
Subjects:  1. Beer    2. Home Brewing    3. Gifts   

Circle Imports Tavern Mug 20 Oz., Set of 4
Average Customer Review:

list price: $14.99
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Features

• Clear glass
• 3 3/4" Diameter (base) x 6 1/4" H
• 20 Oz. capacity
• Dishwasher safe
• Made in Italy

Reviews (1)

Nothing Fancy, but Sturdy
The Circle Imports Tavern mugs are well worth the $11.95 they are being sold for. However, throw in the $8.95 in shipping and handling, and you're beginning to pay more than what you bargained for.

First off, they are very sturdy and durable. They are heavy enough to know that you're drinking from a beer mug at least. Also, they are almost an exact replica of beer mugs you see in such restaurants like Applebee's, Ruby Tuesdays, etc. So they really aren't that inviting to drink from if that makes any sense.

Secondly, they are easy to hold and operate without liquid dribbling down your face (or maybe I'm the only one that's ever had that problem).

Overall, they are a good buy without the extra cost of shipping and handling, but I was a bit disappointed with the sheer plainness of the design. To avoid the high costs of shipping, I'd recommend buying this kind of item by simply going to your local Wal-Mart, Target, or K's Merchandise...or stealing one from Applebee's. ... Read more

Asin: B0000CFHBY
Sales Rank: 27630

Block Crystal Stockholm Collection Beer Mug
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $70.00 -- our price: $48.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Features

• Brilliant cobalt blue glass.
• Nonleaded glass.
• Other items available in this collection.
• Made in Poland

Reviews (2)

Wonderful Mug
First of all let me address the price.Replacements, LTD has this mug for about $15.00 at the time of my review.As a previous reviewer stated this item is one mug so Amazon doesn't have the cheapest price at the time of this review.

Now on to the mug, as you can see this is a beautiful mug that is hand blown and hand cut.It has a nice hefty weight to it and holds about 14 oz.Because it is hand cut the edges on the lip have corners not a rounded edge.The bubble in the bottom of the mug has a hole so air and what not will be able to get in the hole.Not sure if I am happy or not about that.The handle is an extension of the glass at the base that is then bent and pressed into the glass at the top.You can actually see the thumb print of the person who made the glass where it is pressed into the main part of the glass.

It is a beautiful and unique piece that I am using for my office water glass.I'd rate this lower if I couldn't get the mug cheaper but this is a must for blue glass lovers.

Only one?
This is for ONE beer mug. It's nice, don't get me wrong, but not nearly as heavy as I would have expected for the price. I ordered four and they came in a box that said 4 pc set. But Amazon confirmed that each one is sold individually. huh.
Update: The price was originally $70 for one. ... Read more

Asin: B0000DG9EL
Sales Rank: 37892
Subjects:  1. Drinkware    2. (Drink Ware)    3. Bar Glasses    4. Glassware