Great American Craft Beer: A Guide to the Nation's Finest Beers and Breweries

by Andy Crouch, Sam Calagione (Foreword)

Great American Craft Beer takes readers on a passionate and informative journey through the most palate pleasing ales and lagers produced in America today. Built on the inalienable truth that there is a beer out there for everyone, the book directs readers to focus on the flavors they already enjoy tasting, such as sweet fruits, roasted coffee, or bitter hops. More than 80 styles and 340 beer profiles are accompanied by full-color photographs and illustrations of the beers and beer labels. This unconventional approach allows drinkers of all experience levels to step right up to the bar and order their next pint with confidence.


If you like the taste of . . .
fresh oranges
tangy lemons
ripe raspberries
creamy pumpkin
toasted caramel
rich espresso
bananas
dark chocolate
smoked meats                              
Try . . .

Address Unknown IPA by Willimantic Brewing

312 Urban Wheat Ale by Goose Island Brewing

Raspberry Tart by New Glarus Brewing

Punkin Ale by Dogfish Head Craft Brewery

Anchor Bock by Anchor Brewing

Speedway Stout by Alesmith Brewing

Hefeweizen by Live Oak Brewing

Black Chocolate Stout by Brooklyn Brewery

Smokestack Heritage Porter by East End Brewing
Both a personal guide and companion to the exciting world of American craft beer, this unique book touches upon several subject areas, including not only beer, but food, travel, history, and the stories and personalities of those who brew America’s best beers. It includes 25 perfect pairing recipes and profiles of some of the best brewpubs in the country.

 

Genres: Beer, Nonfiction, Food, Food and Drink

320 pages, Hardcover

First published May 31, 2006

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Paul Falk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything, I mean everything you wanted to know about craft beer is here: history, recipes, mouth-watering pictures, food pairings - the works. I received this book as a birthday present from a friend. Well, there goes my stellar reputation. Cheers!

Nicely done Andy.

[Llalan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've already visited several of the breweries and brew pubs listed in this guide--Mr. Crouch seems to know what he's talking about. And the book even readies you for it before getting there by listing the flagship beer, the best brew, how to get there, and how long you can stay to eat or drink. Thanks, Andy!

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice basic information w/o too many details, this book sets a different path from older beer books. The journey is worth taking.

This book does a great job about beer flavors and suggesting styles for you to try.

Call it a craft beer 101 primer. Lots of good discussion on what is important with beer and enjoying beer.

[Dan C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Awesome book if you want to learn about all the different breweries and styles of beer that are available from smaller American breweries

[Ted Manahan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Out of date

[Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

As this was published in 2006, it is hopelessly out-of-date now (2024). Pick this up if you want to see a time capsule of the beer scene back then, but only if you see it on sale for cheap.

[William · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wasn't exactly a page turner...but I do love beer, so it acts as kind of a reference book as well.