While perusing a second-hand book shop I came across a copy of Michael Jackson’s Beer Companion (the first edition from 1993). Having begun my study for the Cicerone® exam, I have learned that Jackson is near deity in the beer world. As I studied, I made a mental note that I should seek out his work and read it. [Studying for my PhD followed a similar track…make a list of books you need to read…and read them.] Most of the materials I already have encourage those studying for the Cicerone® exam to “read widely.” Imagine my bliss when I found Jackson’s book on the shelf for a mere $3.00.
Taking a quick look at it, I noticed that this first edition was written in the early 1990s, before the craft beer explosion of the 2000s took place here in the States. It’s a fascinating time capsule of sorts of the beer industry before it became “cool.” Most of his focus is on European beers. But the great element of this first edition is in his explanations of the history of beer and beer ingredients. As a history buff, I’m amazed by the connection between beer and civilization–as civilization progressed, so did beer; as beer technology changed, so did communities. The bulk of the book examines beer styles, their histories, characteristics, the key breweries that brew them. [There’s an extended section about Sierra Nevada and their Bigfoot Barleywine…I had no idea Sierra Nevada had been around that long.] I took a fast breeze through this section, but I feel I will be revisiting this section frequently prior to my exam. Despite its age, it seems a still indispensable addition to my growing library.