Centuries ago, brewers discovered the potential of an unassuming flower growing on vines. Now, it’s nearly impossible to find a beer without hops, which is why Brewers Publications tapped beer and homebrewing expert Stan Hieronymus to pen For the Love of Hops: The Practical Guide to Aroma, Bitterness and the Culture of Hops. 

Hieronymus applies his extensive research to explain the nature of hops, their origins and how brewers maximize their positive attributes throughout the brewing process. For the Love of Hops covers the basics of hop chemistry, then examines the important role farmers play and how brewers can best choose the hops they need.  It includes fundamental information about and descriptions of more than 100 hop varieties, along with 16 recipes from around the world, including from top U.S. craft brewers.

Hieronymus also explores hop quality and utilization, with an entire chapter devoted to dry hopping. Throughout, the author’s research and accessible writing style educate the reader on the rich history of hops and their development into an essential ingredient in beer.

As Ken Grossman, founder and owner of Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., writes in the book’s foreword, “This book is an amazing compendium on the hop, written at a level of detail that will captivate historians, chemists and brewers alike. Stan Hieronymus’ exhaustive research traces the history and evolution of many traditional and recently developed cultivars embraced and supported by craft brewers, and reveals a great deal about the dynamics driving the industry…. This book is technically sound, very well researched and footnoted, and digs into the use and history of hops in a deep and relevant way.”

Brewers Publications is the largest publisher of contemporary and relevant brewing literature. It supports the mission of the Brewers Association by publishing over 50 titles of enduring value for today’s craft brewers and homebrewers as well as titles that promote understanding and appreciation of American craft beer.

For the Love of Hops: The Practical Guide to Aroma, Bitterness and the Culture of Hops 
ISBN: 978-1-938469-01-5
Cover Price: $19.95

“This book is an amazing compendium on the hop, written at a level of detail that will captivate historians, chemists and brewers alike.  Stan Hieronymus’ exhaustive research traces the history and evolution of many traditional and recently developed cultivars embraced and supported by craft brewers, and reveals a great deal about the dynamics driving the industry.  Stan offers personal insight into the multigenerational families that continually strive to meet the ever-changing needs of the brewer.  This book is technically sound, very well researched and footnoted, and digs into the use and history of hops in a deep and relevant way.”  ~Ken Grossman, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

“For thirty years, I’ve smelled the hops, walked in the hop fields and talked to the hop growers that Stan has written about.  After reading this book, I realize how much more there is to learn about every brewer’s favorite flower.” ~Jim Koch, Boston Beer Company

“You can’t say one ingredient in beer is more important than another, however, hops are what consumers are looking for today.  Stan does a great job of telling the complex story of hops in a way that consumers and novice brewers can understand, while including the information that brewers with years of experience need.” ~ Vinnie Cilurzo, Russian River Brewing Co.