The Botany of Beer

Agriculture and beer are inextricably linked. Plant life and beer are as well, especially when beer and creativity are mixed. That is why The Botany of Beer is important.

This synopsis should convince you, like it did me, to dive into what the book offers…

“This book is a comprehensive and beautifully illustrated compendium of the characteristics and properties of the plants used in making beer around the world. The botanical expert Giuseppe Caruso presents scientifically rigorous descriptions, accompanied by his own hand-drawn ink images, of more than 500 species. For each one, he gives the scientific classification, common names, and information about morphology, geographical distribution and habitat, and cultivation range. Caruso provides detailed information about each plant’s applications in beer making, including which of its parts are employed, as well as its chemical composition, its potential toxicity, and examples of beers and styles in which it is typically used. The book also considers historical uses, aiding brewers who seek to rediscover ancient and early modern concoctions.”

Review – Local Source from Eagle Rock Brewery

This natural and plant based collaboration with the Theodore Payne Foundation pours a yellow/orange color. Nice biscuity aroma.  Has a nice crispness. I don’t know the (3) specific plants added but I am not really tasting Woolly Blue Curls or California Bay Laurel.  I do get a bit of sage. But I don’t know if it screams Black Sage to me. There is a bit of pepper-ish note as well. I sorta wanted it to be bigger and brasher from Eagle Rock.