From: Domenick Venezia (demonick@zgi.com) Subject: Re: How To Brew - In print Newsgroups: rec.crafts.brewing Date: 2001-11-16 07:51:21 PST >15 Nov 2001 13:08:42 -0500, "MDixon" wrote: >As much as myself and many others have pointed folks to www.howtobrew.com I >thought I would point out that it is now available in softcover. I just >purchased it from the ProMash website, they were happy to take my order ;) I have the book too. Here's my review: Use of visuals is excellent throughout the book. The sanitation chart, the hop list and utilization chart, 3 phases of fermentation are all excellent. The 2D temp/pH mash enzyme graphic is great. Very good use of photographs and diagrams. The photos all add something. I didn't see any that were gratuitous. The book is black and white (color wouldn't have added anything), but the use of gray background on charts and sidebars keep the organization clear. The fermentation pictures should calm some fears. It can all get pretty ugly and unlikely looking. John's diagrams are particularly good. He drew them himself. My favorites are the kitchen setups, fermenters, the wort chillers, and the manifolds. The technical scope is quite ambitious and pulled off well, from kit and extract brewing to metallurgy and lauter flow vectors. Technically the chapters dealing with mashing are impressive. "Understanding the Mash pH" is notable. The discussion of brewing water is the best I've seen. The inclusion of formulas (Tinseth! Yea!) lets the reader take his brewing to a new level all in one book. The metallurgy section was initially a surprise, but then quickly made sense. Anyone who really gets into brewing starts making their own gear, and needs to know about lead-free solder, and galvanic interactions. I love the book, and John's personal writing style. The general look and feel and voice is very accessible. The technical scope is good. I like the quick ramp-up to a higher technical level. The first chapter is very, very useful. Domenick Venezia Venezia & Company, LLC Maker of PrimeTab Seattle, WA (206) 782-1152 phone (206) 782-6766 fax demonick at zgi dot com http://www.primetab.com