First published in 1991, Michael Jackson's mammoth bible of the great beers of Belgium has grown over the years to include more than 750 photographs and more than 500 pages of text. It has become an encyclopedia of sorts for the styles and brands available, where they can be found and the history behind them.
This is the 6th edition, and the first published since Michael's death in 2007. It has been revised and updated for the American edition (which is currently the only version available).
It's a very readable book, and at times seems more like a travelogue than a book about beer. Mr. Jackson was well travelled in Belgium - and one gets the idea that he knew everyone in the world of Belgian brewing and had been to each one of the breweries for the beers he writes about. How one could find the time for so much research is certainly a mystery...although he started nearly 40 years ago.
Surely one of the most comprehensive books on beer every compiled, with stories, history, tasting notes and amazing photographs. Can easily be read cover to cover or simply used to look brands and breweries up.
Even at 500+ pages you won't find every Belgian beer listed here. Newer and smaller breweries have been notably left out, but the bulk of the big names and enduring classics are well documented.
Simply put, anyone with an interest in Belgian beer ought to have a well flipped through copy somewhere in their home. If there are any negative points, it would be the lack of inclusion of some of the emerging new Belgian brands.
Samples from the book can be found on the publisher's website here.
