Possibly the world's most famous beer writer, British author Michael Jackson has made an enviable living surveying the lure and the lore of this most democratic of beverages. His classic coffee-table textbooks, The New World Guide to Beer and Michael Jackson's Beer Companion, offer highly regarded overviews of the world's styles, traditions, and techniques. Along with a television documentary series, numerous articles in trade publications, and extensive touring, Jackson's guides have established the other Michael Jackson as one of the great promoters of great beer.

With Ultimate Beer, Jackson homes in on the particulars: which beer, when, and why. After a concise overview of brewing ingredients and processes, Jackson explores a myriad of beers from every corner of the brewing world. His suggestions are organized by the situation in which they might best be enjoyed: from summer sippers to winter warmers, aperitifs to nightcaps. Enticing photography of each beer and its packaging accompanies Jackson's tasting notes, brief technical info, and product-specific tidbits. Then, Jackson indulges further with chapters on matching particular beers to particular dishes, and follows that up with a brief guide to cooking with beer.

The guiding principle of Jackson's writing--that which he shares with any beer enthusiast--is that beer, like wine, is best enjoyed when served at the right time, in the right conditions, and with the right dish. This book is Michael Jackson's very personal attempt to point the way to enjoying that Ultimate Beer. --Todd Gehman


New York Times
"Mr. Jackson, an engaging British writer, has already established himself as a - perhaps the - hops authority... Another in the large-format, visually stunning Dorling Kindersley series of food and beverage books, Ultimate Beer is chock full of almost life size color photographs of beers from around the world, and text that is equally cosmopolitan... His descriptions are so vivid...he seems to enjoy cooking as much as he does drinking. Instead of joining him at the pub, maybe you'd rather follow him home around supper time."


Washington Post
"Renowned beer guru Michael Jackson captures the glory of more than 500 of the world's best beers in his latest book, Ultimate Beer, with stunning photography as well as accurate and interesting descriptions of the beers."


Book Description
The ultimate guide to more than 450 classic brews, presented by the Beer Hunter(r) himself, Michael Jackson.


From the Inside Flap
What makes a great beer? Why do beers taste the way they do? For any beer style, which are the best brews available? And which beers do you drink to accompany which foods? Michael Jackson, the world's leading authority on the fast-developing world of beer and brewing, answers these and many other questions in Beer, the ultimate visual guide to the subject for both novice and connoisseur. THE BREWER'S ART While great wines are now appreciated the world over, the phenomenon of the beer connoisseur is relatively new. Yet great beers, created by master brewers from four basic ingredients - grains, hops, malt, and water - easily compare in variety, character, and texture with their better-known, grape-based counterparts. In this book, Michael Jackson examines more than 450 beers from around the world, explaining why they are superlative in their field and deserving of a connoisseur's attention. A Beer for Every Occasion Whether you are looking for a thirst-quencher, an alternative to champagne, an appetizer, or a nightcap, Michael Jackson recommends exactly the right beer for the occasion, with many other examples that you can try.


From the Back Cover
Appreciate the flavors and ingredients of beer, from the sharp, hoppy bite of an India Pale Ale to the rich, sweet malt of a German double bock. Learn to serve beers to complement a wide range of foods, from red and white meats, shellfish, and vegetarian specialties to chocolate and fruit desserts. Explore how cooking with different beers can enhance the flavors of both sweet and savory dishes. Discover and enjoy the unique characters of different styles of beer and choose the right one for every occasion.


About the Author
Michael Jackson's series of documentary films The Beer Hunter (r) has been shown on television in 15 countries, and sales of his books have exceeded three million copies worldwide. He was the first winner of the achievement award of the Institute of Brewing Studies in the United States. He is a professional member of the James Beard Foundation and has lectured at the Smithsonian Institution, the National Geographic Society, Cornell University and the Culinary Institute of America.END

FROM OUR EDITORS

The Barnes & Noble Review
December 1998

With the holidays right around the corner, beer will surely be the staple for many adults who rejoice in celebrating the season with kindred spirits. Just in time for the holidays, world-renowned beer connoisseur Michael Jackson has written a book that educates both novices and experienced beer drinkers alike. With Ultimate Beer,Jackson provides insight into the vast array of beers that are now being brewed around the globe. He answers common beer questions while also delving into more serious topics of interest to the experienced beer drinker.

Ultimate Beer is a lavishly illustrated exploration of beer from its historical origins to the present day. Jackson writes about the various brewing methods and distinctive characteristics associated with all beer types. Why do certain beers taste the way they do? What does a stout, ale, or pilsner taste like? What is the best time to enjoy a specific beer? These questions and countless others are answered as Jackson reveals fascinating aspects of beer history while guiding readers to more than 500 individual beers.

Whether you are looking for a simple thirst quencher, an alternative to champagne, an appetizer, or a nightcap, Michael Jackson recommends exactly the right beer for the occasion, with numerous other examples that you can try.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Ultimate Beer is a complete guide to every aspect of beer. Just as any wine can be consumed at any time, so can any beer, but like the grape, the grain has its favored moods and moments including the right beer for every occasion. Written for the novice as well as the connoisseur, Ultimate Beer elevates beer to the lofty status of wine and cigars. Encyclopedic presentation of more than 1000 beers from around the world. .Includes sections on beer and food and cooking with beer.

FROM THE CRITICS

Booknews