13 replies to this topic

[brewskee]

Noonan. Started reading this a couple days ago...haven't been able to put it down since. Two words: holy, shit.

[ncbeerbrewer]

Noonan. Started reading this a couple days ago...haven't been able to put it down since. Two words: holy, shit.

+1. This is a great book. Lots of good details and an enjoyable read especially for the technical brewer. Hope you continue to enjoy it as well. I need to read mine again too.

[BrewerGeorge]

It's a good book, no doubt, but I think much of the advice in it is overkill for most homebrewers. Specifically his very, very adamant instructions that fermenting beer must be taken off the primary yeast in just a few days. Many of us ferment lagers on primary yeast for much longer and not only experience no ill effects, but actually have positive results from it.

[drewseslu]

Fantastic book. Fix's Principles of Brewing Science is another good one.

[Sidney Porter]

I get annoyed with Noonan's "my way or you can't make beer" writing style... that being said a lot of good info in it.

[brewskee]

I get annoyed with Noonan's "my way or you can't make beer" writing style... that being said a lot of good info in it.

True, but damn this guy knows his shit!

[ThroatwobblerMangrove]

It's a good book, no doubt, but I think much of the advice in it is overkill for most homebrewers. Specifically his very, very adamant instructions that fermenting beer must be taken off the primary yeast in just a few days. Many of us ferment lagers on primary yeast for much longer and not only experience no ill effects, but actually have positive results from it.

If I remember correctly it took at least a week for my O'Fest to slow down on fermentation and I still let it hang out for a pretty good amount of time before moving to the lagering stage.

[3rd party JKor]

I've heard lots of good comments about this book over the years. I think it's about time I get it.

[Big Nake]

I had the pleasure of meeting him and talking beer with him at his place in Vermont. He said it again... many brewers leave their lagers in primary too long. I knew that was coming because I knew his position on that. I think he expects homebrewers to pitch enough healthy, active yeast that you could have a lager primary finish up in 4-5 days... which would be rare. Still, a good book and a great guy. My wife and I spoke with him for about an hour when we stopped in at Vermont Pub & Brewery. Cheers.

[3rd party JKor]

I had the pleasure of meeting him and talking beer with him at his place in Vermont. He said it again... many brewers leave their lagers in primary too long. I knew that was coming because I knew his position on that. I think he expects homebrewers to pitch enough healthy, active yeast that you could have a lager primary finish up in 4-5 days... which would be rare. Still, a good book and a great guy. My wife and I spoke with him for about an hour when we stopped in at Vermont Pub & Brewery. Cheers.

Anheuser-Busch doesn't even go to secondary until 7 days.

[ThroatwobblerMangrove]

Anheuser-Busch doesn't even go to secondary until 7 days.

that says something right there - if there was a way for AB to shorten their fermentation time without taking a noticeable quality hit they'd likely do it.

[denny]

It's a good book, no doubt, but I think much of the advice in it is overkill for most homebrewers. Specifically his very, very adamant instructions that fermenting beer must be taken off the primary yeast in just a few days. Many of us ferment lagers on primary yeast for much longer and not only experience no ill effects, but actually have positive results from it.

I'm in total agreement, George. It's quite an interesting book, but I've been able to disregard a lot of things he says and still make great beer.

[brewskee]

I'm in total agreement, George. It's quite an interesting book, but I've been able to disregard a lot of things he says and still make great beer.

I think the book serves more of the purpose of explaining whats ACTUALLY going on in a brew versus just winging it on brews. He really just wants people to make consistent batches, and the only way to do that is with the science.

[weave]

Excellent book. I liked it for the explanation of the chemistry involved in making beer. It is advanced, but not too advanced for someone looking for the next step but doesn't have a chemistry background beyond high school.