I want to become an expert in Belgian beers, especially the dubbels, tripps, and quads (but wouldn't mind learning about great geuzes, farmhouses, etc). I'm looking for a book to make this possible. I just ordered "brew like a monk" online. Any thoughts on the quality of this book? Are there other ones that are better or even a "How to Brew"/Palmeresque Bible of Belgian styles? Thanks! -Phil
Brew Like a Monk is the one I came here to recommend, though it is geared towards homebrewers and not comprehensive.
Have you tried searching for "Belgian Beer" in the book section on Amazon?? I've seen a couple at the Harvard Coop, but that won't help someone in Kansas. (Harvard Coop has been Barnes&Noble for over a decade now)
Yes, I have. I can get a hundred names of books. I'm just looking for THE Belgian beer book, if you will.
Good news. However, what did you mean "geared towards homebrewers?" I've come to assume every book on the market is geared towards homebrewers but the info is always translatable to large-scale (missing: Siebel education). Are there any books you know of that are 1) only for brewers that you suggest OR 2) (and even better) read by both brewers and homebrewers? Thanks
I think BLAM is definitely your book! Non-brewers might get lost with its focus on brewing technique and gravities and hop varieties and recipes and procedures, but I think it's just what you're looking for. Since you didn't post in the homebrewing section I didn't assume you were a brewer.
Michael Jackson's Great Beers of Belgium may not be the most comprehensive or up to date, but it's the most important. He literally created many of the "styles" that we take for granted today. Start there.
