Best Homebrewing Books: From Basics to Mastery, 10 Essential Reads!

Although I first learned how to brew from a friend and after a few more batches (good and bad) I finally picked up a homebrewing book. From then on I devoured them.

It’s true, I’m a book worm. So here’s my pick for the 5 best homebrewing books.

Top 5:

03/17/2023 05:02 am GMT

The Complete Joy of Homebrewing – Charlie Papazian

The first homebrew book I ever read, The Joy of Homebrewing, is a brewing classic. Charlie coined the phrase, “Relax, Don’t Worry, Have a Homebrew“, and repeats it numerous times in this book when the reader approaches a tricky subject matter.

His laid back, “it’s only beer” attitude is very reassuring.

You can certainly learn how to brew with this book, but Palmer’s book is better for a beginner looking for a step by step approach. The techniques in the Joy of Homebrewing are a little out of date and the organization of the book is confusing. That said, people swear by the recipes and having made a couple myself, I can back that statement up.

Reading this book is a right of passage into the homebrewing world, and Charlie deserves a place on every brewer’s bookshelf.

• Type: How to brew A – Z
• Level: Beginner to Advanced
• Recipes: Yes, extract and all-grain.

How to Brew – John Palmer

Palmer’s How to Brew is the best how to brew book out there. It clearly teaches the beginner how to get started with extract, moves them though to extract and specialty grains, then shows them how to upgrade to all-grain brewing. The book is written in a straightforward, no-nonsense style. Just the facts, and lots of ’em.

Like Charlie’s book, this one should be on every brewer’s shelf. It is one of those reference books that you’ll go back to time and time again no matter how experienced you are.

• Type: How to brew A – Z
• Level: Beginner to Advanced
• Recipes: Yes, all-grain and extract. (I goofed in the video where I said there aren’t recipes; there is a recipe chapter.)

Brewing Classic Styles – Jamil Zainasheff & John Palmer

Palmer is the how-to guy and Jamil is the recipe guy. Together they created a great brewing book in Brewing Classic Styles. This is not a book for the new homebrewer. It’s for a  brewer with a little experience who wants to advance his skills and learn how to brew different styles.

The idea is that it teaches you how to brew every one of the 80 BJCP beer styles. Homebrew Challenge anyone?

This book is very direct and you’ll speed through each type of beer. It lays out the guidelines for a style, gives you the key factors for brewing it, then provides a recipe.

• Type: Recipe Formulation/Skill Improvement
• Level: Moderate
• Recipes: Yes, extract and all-grain.

Designing Great Beers – Ray Daniels

Designing Great Beers is similar to Brewing Classic Styles in that it focuses on brewing according to style guidelines. Think of this book as a sequel to that one. 

It goes much more into depth about the key components of beer styles: types of malt, hops, yeast, water chemistry, fermentation temperatures, IBU’s, SRM’s, etc, etc.

This is a more advanced book and like How to Brew, it is one of those reference books that you’ll always go back to and learn something. It is big and packed with information.

What I really like about this book is that it uses actual data from National Homebrew Competition (NHC) to show you how the winning beers are made. 

Daniels provides tons of charts and graphs showing trends for real beers submitted to the NHC. For example, there is a table showing the most common hops used in the fruit beer category.  Very cool.

• Type: Recipe Formulation/Skill Improvement
• Level: Advanced
• Recipes: No

Radical Brewing – Randy Mosher

Last but not least is Randy Mosher’s Radical Brewing Radical Brewing. Where Brewing Classic Styles and Designing Great beers were more dry and scientific, Mosher’s book nails the art of brewing. 

The first third of the book is an intro on brewing and in my opinion isn’t necessary since it is a more advanced book, and the reader is likely to already know that information.

After that though, there are some real gems.

The book goes outside the box and teaches you things like:

• 12 ways to improve a stout
• How to barrel age beers
• Weird malt and adjuncts
• Brewing Belgian beers

This is also the most reader friendly of all the books. It includes color, images, and charts. There is a lot of information in here but it’s an easy read.  Top marks.

• Type: Unconventional Brewing/Skill Improvement
• Level: Advanced
• Recipes: Yes, extract and all-grain.

Honorable Mention: Extreme Brewing – Sam Calagione

I won’t do a full review but Extreme Brewing comes in at a very close 6th. Sam is founder of Dogfish Head brewery and teaches the tricks of the trade for making their off-centered ales.

Want the recipe for their 60 Minute IPA? India Brown Ale?  Midas Touch? They’re all in here.

The Homebrewer’s Essentials List [Doin The Most]

• The Complete Joy of Homebrewing
• Home Winemaking
• The Noma Guide to Fermentation
• Brewing Classic Styles
• The Complete Mead Maker
• Drink The Harvest
• The Flavor Bible
• Hop Variety Handbook
• So You Want to Start a Brewery?
• Wine Analysis and Production

Can’t find anything worth investigating in this list? Well cheers to your sir, as you are one well informed brewer. I challenge you with this list of Books on Beer to round out your expertise on the matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some top beer brewing books for those just starting with home brewing?

For those new to home brewing, “The Complete Joy of Homebrewing” by Charlie Papazian and “How to Brew” by John Palmer are among the best beer brewing books.

These books serve as a comprehensive guide on how to start brewing. Papazian’s book is a classic in the field, while Palmer’s “How to Brew” book is a straightforward, no-nonsense introduction to brewing beer.

Which beer making books are best suited for advanced brewers?

For those with more brewing experience, “Designing Great Beers” by Ray Daniels and “Radical Brewing” by Randy Mosher are among the best brewing books.

They delve deeply into the science and art of brewing, providing insights into brewing according to style guidelines and introducing unconventional brewing techniques.

Are there specific beer recipe books for aspiring brewers?

Certainly! “Brewing Classic Styles” by Jamil Zainasheff and John Palmer, and “Radical Brewing” by Randy Mosher are exemplary beer recipe books.

While “Brewing Classic Styles” offers guidance on how to brew each of the 80 BJCP beer styles, “Radical Brewing” introduces unconventional brewing techniques and recipes.

What sets “Designing Great Beers” by Ray Daniels apart from other beer brewing books?

A unique feature of “Designing Great Beers” is its use of actual data from the National Homebrew Competition (NHC). This beer brewing book provides charts and graphs showcasing trends for real beers submitted to the NHC, offering invaluable insights for passionate brewers.

What does “Radical Brewing” by Randy Mosher bring to the table for those looking for a how to make beer book?

“Radical Brewing” is not just any how to brew beer book. It delves into the artistry of brewing. With innovative concepts like 12 ways to enhance a stout, techniques for barrel aging beers, unusual malt and adjuncts, and the process of brewing Belgian beers, it stands out.

Moreover, it’s among the best books to learn how to brew beer, especially for those aiming to brew craft beer. Its reader-friendly layout, complete with vivid colors, images, and charts, makes it a favorite among many.