The four pillars of beer: more than just water and malt
When you think of beer, you could imagine those long nights at the bar, but behind each sip of your favorite concoction, there are four fundamental ingredients: water, malt, hops and yeast. Each of them is full of nuances and possibilities that make the simple into sublime. Let’s discover it.
Water: the water element that nobody recognizes
It seems a bit absurd, right? Water is simply that: water. But if you thought it was all you needed, think about it again. This component seems harmless, but in reality it is the anonymous hero in the creation of beers. A fascinating book that unravels its mystery is ‘Water’ by Jhon Palmer and Colin Kaminski. Here, the authors immerse the brewers on their journey through water chemistry, from reading these complex profiles to how to understand how the pH can influence the taste you experience.
Malta: The soul of the foamy drink
If the water is the hero, the malt is the soul. Known as the heart of beer, Jhon Mallett’s book makes even a rookie interested in the incredible story of barley. From its cultivation to the magical process of malted, secrets are revealed here on how to transform simple grains into the nectar of the gods. From the chemistry of the must to the Maillard reaction, this book is an indispensable compass for any brewer obsessed with quality.
Hops: Green magic behind each spark
Did you know that hops not only provide bitterness, but also a universe of flavors and aromas? Stan Hariomus takes you by the hand in ‘Hops’, where he deepens how to choose the perfect hops and the crucial role of farmers. Through descriptions of more than 100 varieties and recipes that come from the best brewers around the world, this book is your map to navigate the fascinating world of hops and its use in the elaboration of beers.
Yeast: The little worker behind the magic
And finally, the yeast, that little organism that is responsible for true magic. Chris White and Jamil Zainasheff, in their work ‘Yaast’, offer an unparalleled guide that covers from how to handle yeast crops to build your own home laboratory. This is not only useful, it is essential to understand fermentation, a process that can do or undo to any brewer.
A toast to beer education!
Immersing yourself in the details of the elaboration of beer goes beyond just following a recipe. Each book mentioned is a treasure that contributes to beer passion. So, raise your glass of this golden drink, because now that you know the secrets of its ingredients, you can see it even more. Health for brewing wisdom and for the new adventures that these readings give us!
