Category: Beer Books

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Clubland

Pete Brown is one of my favorite beer and other beverage writers and he has a new book look at the Working Men’s Club, Clubland.

It “is a convivial guide on this journey through the intoxicating history of the working men’s clubs. From the movement’s founding by teetotaller social reformer the Reverend Henry Solly to the booze-soaked mid-century heyday, when more than 7 million Brits were members, this warm-hearted and entertaining book reveals how and why the clubs became the cornerstone of Britain’s social life – offering much more than cheap Federation Bitter and chicken in a basket.”

I hope there is a chapter about what a modern day Working Person’s club could be.

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Iris

Strange how life sometimes brings up a topic that you haven’t heard about then brings it up again. I was listening to the New York Times Book Review podcast and the writer Iris Murdoch was mentioned, then I heard about this…

Yup, a book that showcases the beermat collection along with pub related writings of, Iris Murdoch. You can check out the crowdfunding campaign HERE.

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A Book & A Beer – Foundation by Isaac Asimov

I have not read a lot of old school Sci-Fi. A bit of Heinlein, Dick and Asimov. But I was so taken by the visuals and dual (if not more) story arcs in the TV show version of Foundation that came out this year, that when I saw a pair of used Foundation books, I snapped them up.

First, I had to wrap my head around the amount of changes from page to streaming screen. Once, that was done, I needed to try to figure out why the additions and alterations were made. In that, I was less successful.

The book (one of a trilogy that spawned sequels then prequels) is very spare. Even Asimov admits that there is a lack of action. The fact that these stories were individual first then collected together shows a bit. There does seem to be a lack of spine down the center.

And yet, the world building is enchanting and the people sure but flawed since they are part of a multi-generational plan that you start to root for them and hope that they are indeed following Seldon’s plan.

To drink, I would suggest, since, we cannot drink beers from other planets that you instead lay in a supply of different beers from Ecliptic Brewing from Portland. Perhaps Starburst IPA or Orange Giant Barleywine. Suitably space themed for your own journey to Terminus.

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Hip, Hip Hooray!

You know me and books have a thing but I have been really looking forward to the new book from Em Sauter. You may recognize her work from her website AND store Pints & Panels.

She has a great artistic look. I especially like her renditions of hops. But she sneaks in fun stuff with her recommended pairings that I think are a tad out there, which I jive with.

Her book comes out next year and please do buy it.

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Beer Book Review – Dogfish Head – 26 Years of Off-Centered Adventures

It is hard to imagine craft beer without Dogfish Head. They are the Ur and Urkontinent of many craft beer givens that breweries basically start with these days.

And this 26 year history (did you think they would be so prosaic as to do 25?) ticks all the trailblazing boxes. First thing you will notice is that the book is heavy in weight of both cover and pages, as well as photos. They put money into quality which they have done with all their beers.

Second, they spent many pages on employee profiles. What book does that but in craft beer? You are not going to read about Coors employees, but to DFH that is important, so it is in the book.

You also can’t turn more than a few pages without reading about local focus on ingredients as well as charity and collaboration. Remind you of your local brewery? It should.

Now, I have to say that my introvert self would probably never work there but they have created a workplace that many live for which is really cool. And they have grown it thoughtfully as Sam’s mid-life mobile will attest. Restaurants, distilling and an Inn are evidence if that. Time will tell on the Florida expansion.

For those jaded by the current beer scene. Those put off by seltzers. Those who aren’t into craft beer anymore might just be rejuvenated by the words of Emerson and Calagione.

You can order your copy HERE. You might want to pick up some 90 Minute as well.

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Beer Book Review – Hawai’i Beer by Paul Kan

Island craft beer time, open your copy of Hawai’i Beer by Paul Kan and see if you agree with my review…

There are some books that you want more of and this book is one of them. It is part history, part inventory of breweries and part recollections from key people. Now that second part can’t be changed since the number of breweries was what is was.

The history section, especially the early part was quite fascinating. First beer brewed was out at sea and probably not very good. I wanted more about ingredient logistics and laws that helped or hindered the industry.

The last part where industry people were given the mic, could have been expanded in my view top because it is where some interesting stories and new to me news was at. It might have been good to compare Hawai’i to other islands that brew as well.

The addition of photos was good as well, but again, would have liked more.

All to say that, great job, fun read, gimme more.