The New World Guide to Beer

Jackson ( Simon & Schuster Pocket Guide to Beer ) argues convincingly that it's time the great beers of the world found their rightful place alongside fine wines. To this end, he offers a beer drinker's grand tour, focussing on Northern and Central European countries and the British Isles, but including the U.S., Canada, Australia, Asia and Africa. The author describes each nation's brews, their origins and the brewing process; provides instructions for proper serving and imbibing; and surveys the history of famous and little-known breweries and watering holes (addresses included). He urges us to seek out exemplary regional brewers and the new ``microbreweries''which produce specialty beersspringing up across Europe and North America. Travelers are bound to savor his suggestions on beer-tasting jaunts (e.g., stopping off along Belgium's Bruegel route to enjoy the area's refreshing wine-like Gueuze brews). Amply illustrated with maps, black-and-white and color photographs, fine art and reproductions of antique beer advertisements, coasters and labels, this exceptional guide is as rewarding to scan as to study. (Jan.)