Straightforward and opinionated, The Short Course in Beer is designed to turn the novice beer lover into an expert and the casual drinker into an enthusiast. Readers will come to understand the beauty of beer, understand the sources of its flavor, and learn which beers are worth our time and which are not. With tongue in cheek, the author examines beer's historic connections to the Crusades, the Hundred Years War, and modern-day soccer riots. He talks frankly (and joyfully) about the effects of alcohol on the body and brain, he defends beer from its enemies, and ushers it out of the frat house and into the dining room. He gives the low-down on making, tasting and understanding beer: this is truly the guidebook to the craft beer revolution. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter are designed to stimulate lively conversations, presumably over a glass of equally lively beer. This is a book for the legions of people who are discovering that beer is a delicious, highly affordable drink that's available in an almost infinite variety. At last-a beer course for smarties!