Oxford Companion to Beer

Here at S & S Brewing Co. we (see I) have been looking for a clearing house of information on beer. A catch all go to source of information dangling at my fingertips where I can go for all things beer. I want the end all be all for every lick of information there is to know about beer. The search for this holy grail came to a brilliant and triumphant close yesterday, thanks be to The Amazing and Wonderful Wife.

Yesterday I celebrated another year, another ring on the tree trunk. On these occasions gifts are given to celebrate the day you joined everyone else on the 3rd stone from the sun. Such was the case yesterday when The Amazing and Wonderful Wife handed me a hefty gift and was almost giddy for me to open it. After the paper was torn away and my eyes fully swallowed up what the mighty tome on beer I have just been given, I realized this is it. THIS is what I've been looking for. What is it exactly? Well the jacket says it far better than my paltry vernacular and command of the english language could conceive of. "A truly groundbreaking work, The Oxford Companion to Beer is the most comprehensive reference book ever published on the subject of the world's most popular and diverse fermented beverage. Garrett Oliver has collected the vast knowledge and research of more than 165 beer experts from more than twenty countries. The result is a complete compendium of the world of beer, comprising more than a thousand entries, many of them covering subjects that have scarcely been written about before now. From the specifics of the brewing process to beer history, from hop and barley varieties to profiles of beer-producing countries and regions, and from beer styles, food pairing, and glass to barrel aging, dry hopping, and bottle refermentation, this book covers virtually every subject of interest to the enthusiast, brewer, or food and beverage professional. Not only are the entries expertly written, they are also attractively illustrated, with numerous photographs, postcards, etchings, paintings, advertisements, stamps and brocures. The outstanindg eclectic collection of images, some of which date back to before Prohibition also inclues a full-color insert."

It goes on to elaborate on the depth and breadth of the knowledge assembled - "There are over 200 entries for hops alone, covering their histories, genealogical lineages, growing habits, flavors, and uses. Some entries reach back to the beginnings of human society and others bring us right up to the moement, expounding on such cutting-edge subjects as the recent use of wild yeast strains by craft brewers." Oh ya. The Amazing and Wonderful Wife has yet again reinforced why she is The Amazing and Wonderful Wife. (She also set the bar pretty damn high for herself for Christmas!)