Drink Beer, Think Beer - by John Holl Hardcover

Book Synopsis

From an award-winning journalist and beer expert, a thoughtful and witty guide to understanding and enjoying beer

Right here, right now is the best time in the history of mankind to be a beer drinker. America now has more breweries than at any time since prohibition, and globally, beer culture is thriving and constantly innovating. Drinkers can order beer brewed with local yeast or infused with moondust. However, beer drinkers are also faced with uneven quality and misinformation about flavors. And the industry itself is suffering from growing pains, beset by problems such as unequal access to taps, skewed pricing, and sexism.

Drawing on history, economics, and interviews with industry insiders, John Holl provides a complete guide to beer today, allowing readers to think critically about the best beverage in the world. Full of entertaining anecdotes and surprising opinions, Drink Beer, Think Beer is a must-read for beer lovers, from casual enthusiasts to die-hard hop heads.

Review Quotes

"Drink Beer, Think Beer - released early this month - is a broad and intelligent overview of the current trends, good and bad, that drive the industry of the world's second most popular beverage."

--Marin Independent Journal

"A lovely, quick read that will benefit anyone aspiring to be more critical about their beer drinking."

--The Takeout

"Craft beer as a trend, industry, and culture is relatively new. But beer as a beverage has been around since the Agricultural Revolution. In Drink Beer, Think Beer John Holl attempts to uncover where beer came from and how modern brewers are experimenting with the beverage"--Hop Culture, Best Beer Books for Fall 2018

"Few people on the planet have spent more time thinking and drinking beer, and as a leading journalist covering the beer industry John Holl has already done much to shape our thinking about the subject. In this must-read book, Holl distills his wisdom and shares everything he's learned."--Jeff Alworth, author of The Beer Bible

"Holl's book is a kaleidoscopic look at beer, the making of beer, the drinking of beer, and the culture that has evolved with the craft beer industry. In the act of telling his story, he unveils all the mysterious language of the alchemists who frequent brew pubs across America."

--Roanoke Times

"Holl's good-natured and useful handbook offers helpful tips for the novice drinker, and topics of debate for beer connoisseurs. This is an excellent look at contemporary beer making, marketing, and consumption."--Publishers Weekly

"If you think craft beer is too geeky, too precious, and deeply in need of a reality check...John Holl is way ahead of you. You're ready; buy this book."--Lew Bryson, author of Tasting Whiskey

"In his latest book, John Holl invites discerning drinkers to join him in a frank conversation about craft brewing's recent successes and future challenges. Brevity and pithiness are two of its biggest strengths, and the fact that it covers so much ground means you'll finish the last page with, as promised, plenty to think about. I'd pair it with an Old Ale, a style well suited for sipping and contemplation."--Ben Keene, editorial director of Beer Advocate

"Informative overview of the economic and cultural transformations surrounding the world of beer...The book is clearly written and...will appeal to neophyte beer drinkers and foodies."--Kirkus

"John Holl doesn't just offer an ideal primer on beer--he tells you why you should care about it in the first place, with good humor and insight gained from years of experience. For those who haven't had the pleasure of bellying up to the bar with one of beer's brightest, this is the next best thing."
--Daniel Hartis, editor of All About Beer Magazine

"John Holl's wonderfully informative yet remarkably fun, approachable, and relatable prose is truly for anyone who enjoys beer-from casual drinkers to full-on beer nerds and everyone in between. Holl hits all the major points for a seriously useful crash-course in glorious beer geekdom. Drink, think, and cheers!"--Lauren Buzzeo, Managing Editor at Wine Enthusiast Magazine

About the Author

John Holl is Senior Editor of Craft Beer and Brewing Magazine and formerly the award winning editor of All About Beer Magazine. The author of The American Craft Beer Cookbook, he's judged beer competitions around the world, co-hosts the Steal this Beer Podcast and his work as appeared in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and Wine Enthusiast. Holl lives in Jersey City, New Jersey. JohnHoll.com