16 Top Reads About Brewing Beer at Home

Published: December 1, 2021

Have you always wanted to learn to make beer at home? Our list of the best beer brewing books will allow you to quickly find what you need.

Our non-fiction reads offer recipes for the perfect brew. Details about what you need to become a home brewer. You'll also find some tasty recipes and tips to brew which will allow you to make a tasty beer every time.

Books About Brewing Your Own Beer

1. How to Brew: Everything You Need to Know to Brew Beer Right the First Time

How to Brew

Written by: John J. Palmer

Published: May 17th, 2006

Pages: 347

Whether you are a first-time brewer or someone with years of experience, this book is for you. It contains everything that you need to know about brewing beer at home. John J. Palmer walks readers through the entire process in an easy-to-follow manner, complete with tables and illustrations along the way.

He also includes recipes for brewers who want to try something new! The author's tone is casual and friendly throughout the text, making it even more approachable for those just starting their journey into homebrewing.

2. Homebrewing For Dummies

Homebrewing For Dummies

Written by: Marty Nachel

Published: October 9th, 1997

Pages: 432

For those straight-up beginners, we didn't want to leave you hanging and feeling scared or overwhelmed, so we made sure Homebrewing for Dummies was right up near the top! However, this is near the top because it states it is for dummies, but there is also loads of information for long-time brewers.

You will find everything from what type of bottles to use to how to store your beer long-term. You'll learn about the different types of beers, their histories, and how they are brewed. There is also information on making wine at home as well as other alcohols such as mead.

Honestly, you will find out that you are brilliant when you buy this book and start brewing your beer among the other alcoholic beverages in it.

3. The Complete Joy of Homebrewing

The Complete Joy of Homebrewing

Written by: Charles Papazian

Published: September 23rd, 2003 (first published 1980)

Pages: 432

The Complete Joy of Homebrewing by Charles Papazian is the bible for homebrewers. The book covers everything from brewing basics to advanced techniques and recipes for all levels of brewers and detailed information on beer styles and ingredients.

This updated edition includes new material on traditional beers of other cultures, more than 100 updated pages with different recipes and techniques, a fresh design including color photos, and an index listing topics alphabetically. With this book in hand, you will be able to brew anything that your heart desires!

4. Radical Brewing: Recipes, Tales and World-Altering Meditations in a Glass

Radical Brewing

Written by: Randy Mosher

Published: May 6th, 2004

Pages: 324

Radical Brewing is a book about beer, but it's also so much more. It's the story of how one man came to understand his relationship with beer and why he decided to take it further than anyone ever had before. It shows all the trials and tribulations that go into making truly great craft beers.

Randy Mosher is an author who has written three other books on brewing, gastronomy, and design; however, this book may be his most personal yet. After reading Radical Brewing, you will be able to see what makes Randy tick and gain some insight into what goes on behind the scenes in the world of craft brewing today.

This book is not just for people who love drinking or making beer but rather for anyone who has a sense of humor in any way at all!

5. For the Love of Hops: The Practical Guide to Aroma, Bitterness and the Culture of Hops

For the Love of Hops

Written by: Stan Hieronymus

Published: December 16th, 2012

Pages: 321

Hops are an essential ingredient of beer, and they provide a bitter, slightly sour flavor that balances out the sweetness of the malt. They are also a versatile plant, found in many different beers and contributing different flavors depending on which part is used.

While hops have been around for centuries, they have recently gained more attention as craft brewers’ experiment with new varieties and techniques to create exciting new flavors.

This book by Stan Hieronymus explores these possibilities while providing insight into the history and science behind this beloved ingredient. His recipes are easy to use and fun.

6. Designing Great Beers: The Ultimate Guide to Brewing Classic Beer Styles

Designing Great Beers

Written by: Ray Daniels

Published: January 26th, 1998

Pages: 404

If you are interested in learning how to design great beers, this is the guide. Ray Daniels has been brewing beer since 1978 and knows what it takes to make a good brew. After years of experience, he wrote Designing Great Beers: The Ultimate Guide to Brewing Classic Styles, an excellent resource for new brewers or anyone who wants to improve their techniques.

This book will teach you how to create any type of beer imaginable! It covers everything from recipes, ingredients, water profiles all the way down to designing your recipes with his easy-to-use software program called Promash. If that isn't enough, this book also provides tons of tips on troubleshooting common problems that brewers face when trying out new styles!

7. Yeast: The Practical Guide to Beer Fermentation

Yeast

Written by: Chris White, Jamil Zainasheff

Published: October 16th, 2010

pages: 304

Yeast is a critical component of the brewing process. Without yeast, beer would not exist. This book will teach you about all types of yeast and how to use them when making your beer at home. Yeast has been used in alcohol production for thousands of years, and this book will cover everything from ale to lager production.

The authors are experts in their field, so they know exactly what information the reader needs to brew excellent beers! The book covers topics such as yeast propagation, storage methods, pitching rates, and more!

It's time that you learned more about one of the essential ingredients in your homebrewing process - it's time you read Yeast: The Practical Guide to Beer Fermentation by Chris White and Jamil Zainasheff.

8. Malt: A Practical Guide from Field to Brewhouse

Malt: A Practical Guide from Field to Brewhouse

Written by: John Mallett

Published: December 30th, 2014

pages: 297

Malt is a fascinating grain. Not only do we use it to brew beer, but it's also used in bread and as an ingredient in many other food products like cereal and breakfast bars. Malt: A Practical Guide from Field to Brewhouse by John Mallett is an excellent guide that teaches you about the history of malt, how maltsters convert barley into malt, and how brewers turn malt into the wort.

The book covers the different types of malts (base malts, caramel, or crystal malts), what they're used for (color and flavor), and their flavors (nutty, biscuity). You'll learn about two-row versus six-row barley, kilning, roasting, enzymes; mash times; mashing, and so much more.

9. Brewing Better Beer: Master Lesson for Advanced Homeowners

Brewing Better Beer

Written by: Gordon Strong

Published: August 1st, 2012

Pages: 336

Brewing better beer is no easy task. Fortunately, Gordon Strong has written a book that will help you master the art of brewing at home. In this book, he focuses on European beers and how to brew them using over 100 recipes.

Strong provides an in-depth account of how to brew award-winning beers and offers expert advice on what equipment you need, recipes for classic styles, and techniques for creating your experimental brews.

If you've ever thought about brewing your beer but don't know where to start, this is an excellent book for you. And, if you're already an experienced brewer looking for new ideas and inspiration, this comprehensive guide is still going to be the perfect place to turn!

10. Simple Homebrewing: Great Beer, Less Work, More Fun

Simple Homebrewing

Written by: Denny Conn and Drew Beechum

Published: June 7th, 2019

Pages:  250

Homebrewing is a rewarding hobby that can lead to great beer, less work, and more fun. The process is simple enough for a complete beginner to make good beer with little fuss or trouble.

This book will teach you everything you need to know about the basics of homebrewing in clear language that doesn't assume any prior knowledge or experience on your part. There are plenty of books written by people who love homebrewing and want others to share their passion but may be too technical or dense for new brewers just starting.

This book has been designed from top-to-bottom specifically for beginners looking to start making beer at home without difficulty and with as little effort as possible while still producing something drinkable and enjoyable!

11. The New IPA: Scientific Guide to Hop Aroma and Flavor

The New IPA

Written by: Scott Janish

Published: May 22nd, 2019

Pages: 286

The New IPA: Scientific Guide to Hop Aroma and Flavor by Scott Janish is a must-have for any beer lover. The book provides an in-depth look at the science behind hop aroma and flavor, with helpful diagrams that make it easy to understand how hops work their magic on your tongue.

In this fun and entertaining book, you'll learn about the different strains of hops, why they're used in brewing, what flavors they impart into beer, and much more! He does this by interviewing some of the best brewers globally, using lab tests, and more.

Whether you're just getting started or are already an expert brewer, this guide will help you create better-tasting beers that people can't get enough of no matter how many times they’ve tried them.

12. Homebrew Beyond the Basics: All-Grain Brewing and Other Next Steps

Homebrew Beyond the Basics

Written by: Mike Karnowski

Published: March 4th, 2014

Pages:192

It's time to take your beer brewing skills to the next level. Unlike many brewing books, this one has loads of fun photos that will help you see exactly what you do next if you are new. If you are a pro, then you can go straight to the recipes and try something original.

Homebrew Beyond the Basics: All-Grain Brewing and Other Next Steps is an excellent guide for beginners and those who want more challenge, flavor, and control over their homebrewing.

Author Mike Karnowski breaks down the basics of all-grain brewing, provides recipes for some fantastic beers to get you started with this new process, and walks you through the entire brew day from start to finish.

13. The Brew Your Own Big Book of Homebrewing: All-Grain and Extract Brewing * Kegging * 50+ Craft Beer Recipes * Tips and Tricks from the Pros

The Brew Your Own Big Book of Homebrewing

Written by: Brew Your Own

Published: January 5th, 2017

Pages: 240

Your excitement for the next big football game is just about to reach a boiling point. It's time to start thinking of what you will make for your friends and family this year! If you are still on the fence about what tasty brew will be gracing your party, then Brew Your Own Big Book of Homebrewing might have precisely what you are looking for.

This book is filled with easy-to-follow recipes that will teach anyone how to brew their beer at home in no time! It also incorporates photos to help you see exactly how to set everything up.

All these beers can be made without any prior experience or knowledge of brewing whatsoever. What better way to spend your Saturday than by getting everything set up and then spending some quality time crafting something delicious? The best part is that once you get going, you’ll never want to stop!

14. Beer Craft: A Simple Guide to Making Great Beer

Beer Craft

Written by: William Bostwick and Jessi Rymill

Published:  May 10th, 2011  

Pages: 176

If you're a beer lover or just curious about the process of making your favorite beverage, this book is for you. Beer Craft: A Simple Guide to Making Great Beer by William Bostwick and Jessi Rymill walks readers through what it takes to make great beer at home. The book covers everything from ingredients, equipment, and recipes to tips on fermentation and bottling.

It's an easy read with plenty of illustrations that will have you well on your way to brewing delicious craft beers in no time! We love this one because it shows you how to use your stovetop to make your beers instead of buying expensive gear.

That way, you can see if you enjoy it and then start building up your brewing stash slowly and easily. Heck, they even show you how to create your own labels and bottle caps!

15. American Sour Beer: Innovative Techniques Mixed Fermentations

American Sour Beer

Written by: Michael Tonsmeire

Published: July 7th, 2014

Pages: 400

Most people are just now starting to enjoy the delicious sour beers being produced as they become more and more popular. This book discusses the sour beer brewing process and how it is being used in America. He includes information about different varieties of sour beers and their origin, as well as a step-by-step guide to creating your own American Sour Beer.  

Tonsmeire's tone in this is friendly, and he uses easy-to-understand language for someone who has little knowledge on the topic without being too basic for those who have experience with sour beers. The author also included an appendix at the end of his article, which provides more resources for learning about American Sour Beers.

This book would be beneficial for anyone interested in learning more about the basics of American Sour Beers or wanting some insight into making their version at home.

16. The Secrets of Master Brewers: Techniques, Traditions, and Homebrew Recipes for 26 of the World's Classic Beer Styles, from Czech Pilsner to English Old Ale

The Secrets of Master Brewers

Written by: Jeff Alworth with a foreword by Stan Hieronymus

Published: March 21st, 2017

Pages: 304

Jeff Alworth's book, The Secrets of Master Brewers: Techniques, Traditions, and Philosophies of Craft Beer, is an in-depth look into the world of beer. The author gives us a glimpse into how brewers worldwide have developed their unique techniques to create some of our favorite beers.

From Germany to New Zealand, Jeff offers us insight into what makes each country's brew so unique.

This book will take you through history with stories from today about everything from barley wine to lambics. The interviews with the brewers, and their experiences, really make this book stand out. There are also recipes to make your brews just like the classics from Europe.