Ontario Beer: A Heady History of Brewing from the Great Lakes to Hudson Bay
By Alan McLeod and Jordan St. John
History Press, Paperback, $21.99, 176 pp
This engaging book goes through the ups and downs of an oft-overlooked area in the world (with a beer history dating back to the 1600s) and helps illuminate why so many of the faithful planted a flag and stuck it out over time. Penned by two seasoned writers with serious beer chops, Ontario Beer is well researched and presented.—John Holl
By Dave Thomas
White Mule Press, Hardcover, $25, 214 pp
With a renewed interest in specialty grain and a rise in small operations growing and kilning malt, an industry veteran brings perspective and life to a necessary beer ingredient that is often overlooked. A must-read for the technical-minded beer drinker and maker.—JH
99 Ways To Open a Beer Bottle Without a Bottle Opener
By Brett Stern
Chronicle Books, Hardcover, $9.95, 108 pp
At the right angle and with the appropriate amount of force, any cap will release from the bottle. While mildly entertaining and well illustrated, save the money on this bookstore register impulse and buy a six-pack instead.—JH
Italy: Beer Country, The Story of Italian Craft Beer
By Bryan Jansing and Paul Vismara
Dog Ear Publishing, Paperback, $19.99, 172 pp
There is a big interest in the Italian beer scene these days, and to appreciate where it is today, it’s important to know the history. Relying heavily on the pioneers of the modern beer movement, this entertaining book gives insight into just what makes the Italian beer culture so vibrant. A must-read before traveling to the country to experience the beers firsthand.—JH
Mint Juleps with Teddy Roosevelt: The Complete History of Presidential Drinking
By Mark Will-Weber
Regnery History, Hardcover, $27.99, 300 pp
A fun read, Mint Juleps romps through American presidential history, bringing out all of the drinking quirks the members of the highest office indulged in. Not exactly the sort of book one sits down and spends a few evenings reading. Quite the contrary, it should be left out, picked up and opened at random to investigate the drinking patterns of that president. The research had to have been extraordinary given the endless tales about our commanders in chief’s enjoyment of alcoholic libations. Good counterpoint to the enduring temperance streak in American culture.—Daniel Bradford
Beer From the Expert’s Viewpoint
By Arnold Spencer Wahl and Robert Wahl
Reprinted by BeerBooks.com, Hardcover, $24.47, 509 pp
In this golden age of beer journalism, special attention is being give to the archives, the historical narrative of beer. Carl Miller and Beerbooks.com have done us a great service by reprinting one of the classics from the 1930s. Penned by the then-reigning deans of brewing education and research, this book covers an expansive territory, providing glimpses into the historical, social, cultural, moral and technical thoughts and understandings of the time. A must-read for anyone with an interest in the roots of our industry.—DB
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