【Book Description】
Barley & Hops is a deep dive into the rich and evolving culture of craft beer—a world where brewing has become not just a process, but a way of life and a form of creative expression. Once seen as a simple, everyday beverage, beer is now being redefined by a new generation of brewers with refined tastes and imaginative minds. In their hands, beer has reclaimed its soul and substance, emerging as a vibrant topic among younger audiences and cultural tastemakers around the world.
More than thirty years ago, the modern craft beer movement began quietly in the United States, where passionate hobbyists began experimenting with ingredients and techniques from their homes and small workshops. Driven by a desire to push flavor boundaries and reconnect with traditional methods, they sparked a global phenomenon that soon spread across Europe, South Africa, Asia, and beyond.
What unites today’s small breweries and independent beer creators is a balanced embrace of innovation and tradition. While they honor time-tested brewing techniques, they also break conventions by incorporating local ingredients, spices, and even unconventional elements into their beers. This spirit of experimentation has transformed beer into a sensory adventure—where flavor is not limited to the bitter or sweet but opens up to a full spectrum of taste experiences.
Barley & Hops also highlights the visual artistry behind craft beer, where packaging plays an essential role. From the shape of the bottles and their color palettes to the illustrative label designs, each beer becomes a thoughtfully crafted visual statement that reflects the identity and story of the brewer. The book captures how branding and aesthetics have become integral to the modern beer experience.
Within its pages, Barley & Hops introduces readers to a wide range of international beer brands and the passionate individuals behind them. These brewers come from all walks of life—some were designers, others from rural communities—but all were drawn to beer by a shared love for craftsmanship and flavor. Through their personal stories, the book documents the journey from first experiments to fully realized breweries, offering a look into the mindset, dedication, and values that define the world of craft beer.
More than just a beer guide, Barley & Hops redefines how we approach drinking culture. It encourages readers to appreciate beer much like wine—pairing the right brew with the right moment or meal. From aperitifs to seafood pairings and even dessert beers, the book shows how diverse and dynamic beer can be at the table.
To deepen the experience, the book includes a glossary of key beer terminology and a collection of recipes, making it a practical and inspiring resource for both beginners and connoisseurs alike. Whether you're a homebrewer, a beer enthusiast, or simply someone curious about this global movement, Barley & Hops offers an engaging and comprehensive look into a world fueled by creativity, passion, and community.
In an age that celebrates individuality and hands-on experiences, beer has transcended its role as a thirst-quencher—it has become a culture, a language, and a lifestyle to be savored. Barley & Hops reveals that behind every great bottle of beer lies not only the aroma of hops and malt but also the universal desire for flavor, expression, and freedom.
【Book Details】
Author: Sylvia Kopp (Author, Editor), S. Ehmann (Editor), Robert Klanten (Editor)
Publisher: Die Gestalten Verlag
Dimensions: 28 × 24 cm
Binding: Hardcover
Pages: 256 pages
