This is a must read book for any budding Kiwi craft brewer. Well written, and well presented, the book details how to get started, from extract brewing, through to various all grain techniques, fermenting, bottling/kegging, etc. And of course: the sampling, and possible fault finding, an essential step for improving the next batch!
I’m liking
Having had a few beer making lessons in town from Wellington’s Occasional Brewer, this was the perfect book for me, and perhaps the growing number like me whom appreciate the hoppy stuff, and wish to try making good beer from home. However, unlike other brewing books that I’ve skim read, a real point of difference is that it’s written with a Kiwi audience in mind. It is interwoven with interesting tips and anecdotes from icons within the local craft beer scene.
Things that made me go hmmmm
Only the danger of being inspired enough by the process. I must warn you of the likely research that will follow your reading into brew kettles, ferementers, some Motueka hops and associated beer equipment.
The conclusion
I found the book an inspiring read that I struggled to put down. Indeed, it was supposed to be my wife writing this review, but I managed to capture the book first. This is an excellent, relevant, carefully researched resource.
The Big Book of Home Brew: A Kiwi Guide by Michael Donaldson is published by Penguin NZ.
