Is it weird that I really like the design of the book jacket for the Complete Beer Course by Joshua Bernstein but that I think the inside design doesn’t really reach that level?
Nitpicky for sure but a coffee table book kind of demands a design that a simple novel or non-fiction book doesn’t require. The information provided within is absolutely fine. Bernstein personalizes the proceedings throughout making him a relatable guide through the book. But the flow of the book just keeps getting slowed with little boxes of fun facts throughout that combined with the graphics and photos make going from one paragraph to another a little more of a hunt than it needs to be.
I also did not like the chapter heading collage for each “lesson”. It was if someone slapped down a few representative labels and called it a day. I also would have liked more style coverage to replace the beer and food pairing section especially considering the fact that Bernstein was merely a conduit for that part of the book.
That being said, this is a really nice gift to give someone who is entering into the world of craft beer or someone who has started but could round out their education. The words work.