Beer Education Resources: Books, Courses, and Online Resources

Beer aficionados and those looking to expand their knowledge of the world of beer can find a plethora of educational resources at their fingertips. Whether you are a homebrewer seeking to refine your craft, a beer lover looking to deepen your understanding of various beer styles, or someone interested in pursuing a career in the beer industry, there are numerous books, courses, and online resources available to quench your thirst for knowledge.

Books

1. The Complete Beer Course by Joshua M. Bernstein

This comprehensive guide is an excellent starting point for beginners and a valuable reference for more seasoned beer enthusiasts. Joshua M. Bernstein covers various beer styles, brewing techniques, tasting notes, and food pairings, offering a well-rounded overview of the world of beer.

2. Tasting Beer: An Insider’s Guide to the World’s Greatest Drink by Randy Mosher

Considered by many as the quintessential beer tasting guide, Randy Mosher’s book delves deep into the art and science of evaluating beer. This resource covers everything from the historical background of beer to sensory analysis techniques, helping readers develop a discerning palate.

3. Brewing Elements Series by John Palmer and Colin Kaminski

This series consists of four books, each dedicated to a specific brewing element: water, malt, hops, and yeast. Written by renowned experts in the field, these books provide in-depth knowledge on each component’s role in brewing, enabling readers to fine-tune their brewing skills and create outstanding beers.

Courses

1. Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP)

The BJCP offers an internationally recognized certification program for beer judges. This extensive training program covers all aspects of beer evaluation, style guidelines, and technical knowledge. It is an ideal choice for those interested in beer competitions or aspiring to become professional beer judges.

2. Siebel Institute of Technology

The Siebel Institute, located in Chicago, is one of the world’s leading brewing schools. They offer a range of comprehensive courses, including the World Brewing Academy, Advanced Brewing Theory, and Brewing Microbiology. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced brewer, Siebel Institute provides a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience.

3. CraftBeer.com’s Beer 101 Course

CraftBeer.com, an educational arm of the Brewers Association, offers a free online course called Beer 101. This course covers topics such as beer ingredients, brewing process, serving, and tasting. It is a great resource for beginners who want to learn the basics of beer.

Online Resources

1. BeerAdvocate (www.beeradvocate.com )

BeerAdvocate is a well-established online platform that provides information on beer styles, breweries, and beer-related news. It also offers a vast beer review database, allowing users to find ratings and reviews for specific beers.

2. Brewer’s Association (www.brewersassociation.org )

The Brewers Association is a trade group representing craft brewers in the United States. Their website offers a plethora of resources, including style guidelines, industry statistics, and information on craft beer events. They also provide resources for homebrewers, including recipes and brewing tips.

3. Cicerone Certification Program (www.cicerone.org )

The Cicerone Certification Program is dedicated to educating and certifying beer professionals. Their website offers study materials, style guides, and practice exams for those looking to become certified beer servers or cicerones - experts in beer and food pairing.

In conclusion, the world of beer offers a never-ending journey of discovery and learning. Whether you prefer books, courses, or online resources, there are plenty of educational options available to quench your thirst for beer knowledge. So grab a pint, dive into these resources, and embark on an exciting beer education adventure!