Written by Charles W. Bamforth
Format: MP3 Written by: Charles W. Bamforth
Narrated by: Richard Ferrone
Length: 4 hrs and 4 mins Format: Unabridged Release Date:12-17-10
Publisher's Summary Legendary beer expert Charlie Bamforth presents the most compelling social history of beer ever written: where its come from, and where its headed. From centuries-old cultural values to radical new approaches, craft brewing to globalization, its an amazing story. Bamforth tells it all with humor, behind-the-scenes insight, and sheer joy!
"I wanted to like this book, I really did." As an avid homebrewer and lover of almost all beers, I was excited to listen to this book. Unfortunately, it was a real disappointment and one of the very few audiobooks I quit listening too, even after making it more than half-way through. The book is ver disjointed with no central thesis or point other than "beer". The first several chapters focus on the consolidation of the global beer market, and the political aspects of the downfall of the traditional British brewer-owned pub, as told from a corporate insider's perspective- not terribly interesting. Throughout the book much attention is paid defending the big industrial brewers and their amazingly consistent products. The chapter on the American craft beer movement was very interesting. Later the section on beer quality was amazingly devoid of anything of interes. Ferrone's narration was excellent- one of the better narrators I've listened to.
"Disappointed" I was disappointed that this seemed much more about corporate history and about the author (with a nice commercial for the corporation that brews Sierra Nevada) than it was about beer itself, which the title and subtext implies. A brief skim about medical research on alcohol and an even briefer tips about beer itself seemed thrown in to justify the title. I was sorry to waste my money and time on it.
"Not worth your time" What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you? This is more of an bitter ramp than a history of beer or description of the brewing process or a support for the pub culture. Save your money and buy another book. What was most disappointing about Charles W. Bamforth’s story? His lack of ability to develop a theme and point and promote in a positive way the brewing process and the rich history of the development of beer. The author seems bitter. Did the narration match the pace of the story? Good narration
"A useful modern history of beer conglomeration" A unique view of the modern beer industry & its consolidation affecting the mass market beers delivered in the west.