how to brew - palmer

[snails]

So i just started brewing this summer maybe a month ago, and from my stint with HBT and the time i've spent here it seems as if this book (howtobrew.com) is kind of the "bible" to homebrewing.

So, i was wondering if there is anything you dont like about it, or would do differently than palmer explains. I've only read the online version and section 1 and 2 of it, but i find it tough to believe that this book illustrates the best of homebrewing..

[blacklab]

There are others out there, like Papazian's. I feel that Papa's is a bit outdated. Palmer's is somewhat more up to date, but I feel like it's a bit too much info for the average beginner. It was kind of confusing to me at first.

I think that Palmer's is often referenced so much in online forums because a) it's pretty darn good, and b) it's readily available (online).

[ohiobrewtus]

Available online for free is the key. Shoot a beginner a link and they can usually find their answers.

[vtchuck]

There are others out there, like Papazian's. I feel that Papa's is a bit outdated. Palmer's is somewhat more up to date, but I feel like it's a bit too much info for the average beginner. It was kind of confusing to me at first.

When I started I read the print version cover to cover a couple of times. I still don't really get the water chemistry section, but I really liked the detailed step by step instructions for doing your first extract batch, first partial mash, etc. It was really easy to open the book and follow along. Well worth the $15 IMHO.

[blacklab]

When I started I read the print version cover to cover a couple of times. I still don't really get the water chemistry section, but I really liked the detailed step by step instructions for doing your first extract batch, first partial mash, etc. It was really easy to open the book and follow along. Well worth the $15 IMHO.

Yeah, I was mostly thinking about the science detail, which you can obviously skip. The step by step is nice, and is really what most beginners want.

[Ó Cairealláin]

I use the howtobrew.com website mostly as a free reference material. I learned more watching someone doing the brewing process than by reading about the process. After seeing it done, a lot of what I read made more sense.

[Dale]

When I started brewing Homebrewing For Dummies was a great introduction, which I then built upon with The Complete Joy... However, when I made the switch to all-grain the online version of Palmer's book was invaluable. If I were to recommend books for a beginner, I would say read ...For Dummies first, then How To Brew.

[Niedermier]

Finally bought a copy of this at the local B&N yesterday. Got home and was going to check the section on hydrometer use to see if I could explain why my Oktoberfest style ale came in at 1070. Turns out the damn copy of the book is missing over 30 pages. Just missing. Page numbers skip from 249 to 285. WEAK!!!

[rdwj]

I love Palmer's book. I still use reference it once in a while.

I like the approach he takes - he gets you brewing right away and then follows up with more details. If you're just starting - I would follow the directions in the book. Once you get comfortable with the process, you will begin to experiment and find what works best for you.

[Niedermier]

Once I get a copy with all the pages I cant wait to get into the technical details on mashing and water chemistry. Then I will at least be able to sort of follow what you guys are talking about.

[Rhoobarb]

When I started brewing Homebrewing For Dummies was a great introduction, which I then built upon with The Complete Joy... However, when I made the switch to all-grain the online version of Palmer's book was invaluable. If I were to recommend books for a beginner, I would say read ...For Dummies first, then How To Brew.
When I started, I did the same thing. There are some who put down HFD, but I actually preferred it to Papa Charlie. Then I found Palmer's online version of HTB and was really impressed. I really should get the print version.

[Evan!]

Once I get a copy with all the pages I cant wait to get into the technical details on mashing and water chemistry. Then I will at least be able to sort of follow what you guys are talking about.

wanna pay for shipping?

[Niedermier]

wanna pay for shipping?

Nah. Thanks though. I'm going to swing by another B&N on the way home and swap it out.

[Evan!]

Nah. Thanks though. I'm going to swing by another B&N on the way home and swap it out.

did I miss something? You bought a copy and it was missing pages?

[Niedermier]

did I miss something? You bought a copy and it was missing pages?

Yeah. A few posts up in this thread. Bought the copy yesterday and it was miising about 30 pages.

[Evan!]

sucks!