A recommended book?

[Goosey]

Hello. Can anyone recommend a book for a beginner on grain brewing? If not, a basic how-to book for a cretin?

I know I can find out tons on the internet (like here!) but I'd prefer sometimes to just sit down with a book (and a pint).

[ArmChair]

Have a look at the graham wheeler books, these are a font of knowledge with added recipes

[Belter]

I started with John Palmer how to brew.

Moved on to:
Yeast
For the love of hops
Wilds Brews
Farmhouse Ales
Designing great beers (not finished)

Next up:
Radical brewing
Cellarmanship
New brewing lager

My reading list is getting longer than I can finish them

Like yourself prefer reading from a book than the Internet.

[6470zzy]

Hello. Can anyone recommend a book for a beginner on grain brewing? If not, a basic how-to book for a cretin?

I know I can find out tons on the internet (like here!) but I'd prefer sometimes to just sit down with a book (and a pint).

You should take a look at the BIAB process, much less kit and a quick way to get into All Grain.

Cheers

[FUBAR]

Have a look at the graham wheeler books, these are a font of knowledge with added recipes

+1 like a lot of brewers I owe it to G.W for getting me to take up AG brewing,also he does not try to over complicate the brewing process and yes there are plenty of excellent recipes for you to try.

[Sean P]

+1 on the GW book I used it all the time when I first started for recipes and techniques. I had been waiting for the new book but amazon have had it on pre order for ages

[TC2642]

Yep, go with Wheeler, that's where I started off and I've never looked back.

[koomber]

How to Brew is really good if you're the kind of person who likes to read instruction manuals for stuff before you use it. Very detailed, but perhaps too much if you are just trying to get the hang of the basics. I'm the kind of person who loves detail so I was at home with it, but I can see how it would seem a bit OTT to others. Wheeler's book is great if you want to get up and making some great beers quickly with a good foundation in understanding, but I thought it lacked some of the detail compared to How to Brew (this is not a slight against Wheeler's book. I still read and use it all the time, I think they just went about the same goal in different ways.)

I found the Joy of Homebrewing by Papazian to be very hard going, but you might get on better with it.

Designing Great Beers is a bit of an odd one. Loads of details on how to brew to style, but no actual recipes (If I recall correctly). It's interesting but I wouldn't start out with it and it is getting on a bit now.

Radical Brewing is probably one of my favourites. Great to read for inspiration and it is really well written. I take it offshore with me to read in down time and to give me things to ponder. Loads of recipes, loads of crazy suggestions and a fun read to boot.

Clone Brews (2nd Edition) does exactly what it says on the tin. Heaps and heaps of clone recipes. Also comes with food suggestions which is interesting.

But anyway, back on point: Wheeler's book is ace, so is How to Brew, they just have different approaches (why not get both )

[lord.president]

Despite having found out the recipes don't work out with the specified amount of water (Beer Engine will sort this out) I still love The Homebrew Handbook. Not too much waffle to over complicate things and a good variety of recipes. I've made my first 2 AG's from there,both turned out alright.

[orlando]

But anyway, back on point: Wheeler's book is ace, so is How to Brew, they just have different approaches (why not get both )

Best advice. Wheeler's first then Palmer's. Both are a little dated now but will give you all you need to get up and running and pointing in the right direction. Any specific questions can be directed here.

[Goosey]

That's great, thanks all. I'll order them right away. They should keep me busy for a while

[gregorach]

No love for Dave Line's Big Book of Brewing?

[Horatio]

No love for Dave Line's Big Book of Brewing?

That's the book I learned to brew with! That and Brewing Beers Like Those You Buy. The section on water is a little overwhelming to say the least!

[Dave S]

No love for Dave Line's Big Book of Brewing?

Although dated, it was the first 'proper' book on AG brewing. I still have a great fondness for it. Must re-read the water section, I might understand it a bit more since delving more deeply into the subject. Must get it back from the friend I loaned it to about a year ago

[Aleman]

No love for Dave Line's Big Book of Brewing?

The section on water is a little overwhelming to say the least!

Overwhelming, more like total cr4p