SleepySamSlim
Grandmaster Brewer
When I first got this book I was a bit disappointed: some of it just didn't make sense, the recipes are all 7gal boils (so conversions were required), some recommendations didn't make sense (doing mini-mashing etc.)
So I feel this book is not targeted for those new to brewing (as I was) as a plug and go recipe book. Its more for those who are moving to intermediate brewing and certainly for intermediate and advanced brewers. IMHO its just not a book for total noobs.
Once I got around 8 batches under my belt the book made more sense and my BSmith skills had improved so I could confidently adapt the recipes to partial boils etc. I now see it as a great book to get grounded in certain styles and learn some history about each of the styles presented. The recipes are all award winners and many are quite simple - which is a great reminder that the kitchen sink approach is not always the best.
And I can not say enough about Palmer's Mini-Mash process as a fairly easy way to move up from extract focused brewing (in Appendix C ). However - Palmer's writing in chapters 1 - 4 range from great to either confusing or just over my head.
This book is well worth the money if you have the basics down and are looking for direction and inspiration in your brewing.
So I feel this book is not targeted for those new to brewing (as I was) as a plug and go recipe book. Its more for those who are moving to intermediate brewing and certainly for intermediate and advanced brewers. IMHO its just not a book for total noobs.
Once I got around 8 batches under my belt the book made more sense and my BSmith skills had improved so I could confidently adapt the recipes to partial boils etc. I now see it as a great book to get grounded in certain styles and learn some history about each of the styles presented. The recipes are all award winners and many are quite simple - which is a great reminder that the kitchen sink approach is not always the best.
And I can not say enough about Palmer's Mini-Mash process as a fairly easy way to move up from extract focused brewing (in Appendix C ). However - Palmer's writing in chapters 1 - 4 range from great to either confusing or just over my head.
This book is well worth the money if you have the basics down and are looking for direction and inspiration in your brewing.