Maintaining a beer blog – even a casual one like this – occassionally has its perks. Recently I was contacted by a PR rep regarding a new book from Tim Webb and Stephen Beaumont. A fan of their work, I jumped on this opportunity to receive a copy of The World Atlas of Beer: The Essential Guide to the Beers of the World.
Both Webb and Beaumont are accomplished beer writers. Beaumont is known for his prolifc nature across various publications such as Wine Enthusaist, The Celebrator, Whisky Advocate, The Globe and many others. Currently, World of Beer is the best place to get his latest updates. Tim Webb has written a number of highly regarded books about beer and travel – including my favorite companion to my Belgium trip, Good Beer Guide Belgium. He also spent six years on the board of CAMRA and co-authored the well-received Brew like a Monk. This new book – now available – show us what happens when two fantastic writers team up to celebrate a topic they are respectively quite passionate about, and the final product could not have turned out better.
Credit: World Atlas of BeerThe hardcover version of this book is a signifcant piece of work to behold – at almost 11.5″x9.5″ and over 250 pages it will rival most coffee table books in your home – if not in sheer size, then certainly in content. The impressive volume of data, gorgeous photography, infographics, brewery maps, pairing advice, and thoughtful tasting notes for over 500 beers make this one of the most comprehensive yet consise works on international beer that I have seen to date. The great beer writer Michael Jackson would have been proud to feast his eyes on such a masterful work. It is, after all, in his tradition that we continue to publish meaningful and respectful works about the greatest (though oft snubbed and under-appreciated) beverage in the world.
Neither Beaumont nor Webb is American (Beaumont is Canadian and Webb, British) – and I actually think that is an important aspect to the success of this book. While I, like many Americans, tout the greatness of the big, bold American brews, I am guilty of missing some of the finer points of the subtler brews; moreover, I may too be to blame for contributing to the overhype of those rarer types. Take, for example, the book’s brief overview of Westvletern which falls short of mentioning the American obsession of the Abt 12:
The brewery at St. Sixtus abbey retains open fermenters. These help to create a delicate, aromatic, “local” blond ale made with whole hops and best drunk by the cafe at the abbey gates. The heavier, light brown ales, 12 and the lesser 8, possess but do not enjoy cult status and may disappoint unless aged in the cellar for two years. [p. 56]
Credit: World Atlas of BeerThe book features this blurb on Westveleteren brews in a section regarding Trappist beers, seemingly where one should put such a thing. On the other hand, you will find Abt 12 mentioned on this lowly blog in several articles (not including this one) and often without substance – I’ve only tried it once. While I do find that particular beer to be worthy of at least some of the adoration, perhaps my over zealousness in this case exposes my greenhorn amateurism on the breadth of expansive knowledge of worldy brews. Every now and then I enjoy a humbling opportunity to tip my hat to a more disciplined and substantive approach- World Atlas of Beer allows me to do just that. This book manages to educate the reader while honoring the history and geo-diversity of beer, all the while maintaining a neutral and informative tone. Best of all, there’s something in here for novices and experts alike – be it a rare beer review or a history lesson on brewing.
Of course one must not forget the photography – the stunning shots of barley fields and landscapes that periodically span the fold – almost as if to steal your attention and suggest a pause or intermission for a moment of reflection. The photos alone stand as reason enough to consider adding this book to your library, I often found myself admiring some of the shots for an extended period.
There’s not much else to say – this is an outstanding publication. Consider this book for yourself, for a friend, behind your bar or front-and-center in your living room – you will not be disappointed.
