Book Reviews
For me, the great collection of beer recipes in the second half, generously peppered with the personal stories of the brewers who make them, stands as the shining heart of this book. The raw brewing talent that is represented in this compendium is stunning and a testament to Jen's ability to connect with other brewers.
I was so thrilled to hear Jen Talley was selected to write this book for the Brewer's Association. Jen always struck me as someone who could create anything despite whatever barriers were in her way. Way back in the early days of craft brewing, instead of seeing brewing in a low-alcohol state as a constraint, Jen found creativity and flavor. Her sincere and loyal passion for low-proof and sessionable beers resonates through this book, which contains an immense breadth of knowledge, history, and brewing recipes shared by Jen's brewing colleagues and Jen herself. It is clear from this lovingly crafted book that every brewer should embrace the art of brewing session beers, if not for the challenge, then for the reward of being able to drink more than one and still enjoy oneself. Thanks Jen—I will have another!
A veteran of low-ABV ‘session’ brewing, Jen Talley brings an enormous amount of practical and technical information to this subject. It's obvious her time at Squatters Pub Brewery in Utah fostered respect for the art and soul of brewing beers under 4.0% ABV. As someone who has been at this business of brewing for over 20 years, I can honestly say this book provided some keen insights into the thought processes and execution behind these fickle beer styles. I guess you actually can teach an old dog new tricks. I for one cannot wait to share this information with my brewers.
After growing ever bolder with high-alcohol beers in the US, it feels as if session beers have brought back beers for us to drink and enjoy. Session Beers looks back to those authentic and exciting lower-alcohol beers that were there before the term “session beer” existed. Also, no wonder that a brewer experienced at brewing below 4% ABV in Utah wrote this book. Way to go, Jennifer!