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Science Physics

Froth!

The Science of Beer

by (author) Mark Denny

Publisher
Johns Hopkins University Press
Initial publish date
Apr 2009
Category
Physics, Food Science, Beer
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9780801891328
    Publish Date
    Apr 2009
    List Price
    $39.95

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Description

Best Beer Book in the United States of America, 2009 Gourmand World Cookbooks Awards

Ever wonder where the bubbles in your beer came from, which way they are going, and why? Have you considered the physical differences among ales, lambics, and lagers? Do you contemplate your pint?

Accomplished homebrewer and physicist Mark Denny has crafted a scientifically sound and witty investigation of the physics and chemistry of beer. He recounts and explains the history of and key technological advances in brewing, provides basic instructions for making your own—including a scientific-yet-accessible account of the changes in appearance during each stage of the process—and looks at the fascinating physical phenomena contained within a pint of beer. Along the way he defines the main concepts and terms involved in the process and shows how you can subject the technical aspects of brewing to scientific analysis.
If you've ever been curious about how beer is made, why it froths so well, and what makes different types... well... different, then Froth! is for you.

About the author

Mark Denny is a theoretical physicist who has worked in academia and industry. He is the author of numerous books, including Lights On! The Science of Power Generation, Making Sense of Weather and Climate: The Science behind the Forecasts, and Making the Most of the Anthropocene: Facing the Future.

Mark Denny's profile page

Awards

  • Winner, Best Beer Book in the United States of America

Editorial Reviews

"Accomplished home brewer and physicist Mark Denny has crafted a scientific yet extremely accessible, investigation of the physics and chemistry of beer."

"A lively yet scientific examination of the physics and chemistry of beer."

"Froth! earns a solid 'A' for bringing science, brewing, and good writing together."

"Froth! is a nice read, garnished with just the sort of wit I'd expect from a British-born beer aficionado. It will be especially useful to home brewers, as it explains step by step how to make the stuff yourself."

New Scientist

"Books about beer tend to be either purely descriptive or wholly scientific. Rarely does a book combine the two, much less with genuine wit and charm. Froth!... is the exception. It is a great joy to read and contains a wealth of information for a wide audience... Highly recommended."

"Mark Denny’s beer book is different. Neither an 'ultra-technical account of the brewing process' nor a 'how-to plus a lot of recipes,' Froth! is a theoretical physicists exploration of the math and science behind the beer-brewing process. Packed with humor, history, and DIY enthusiasm, Denny shares with readers how he uses physics to home-brew his own beers that froth higher and taste better."

"Froth! offers a delicious blend of history and science that will delight beer aficionados and science buffs everywhere."

"Beer is intriguing enough, but Denny's enjoyment of the subject adds to the fun."

SpinSheet

"Anyone with an interest specifically in how traditional craft relates to science-based industry would also find Froth! an entertaining and illuminating case study."

Technology and Culture

"Denny provides a scientifically sound and often witty investigation of the physics and chemistry of beer."

JHU Gazette

"For a scientist, Denny's approach is delightfully down to earth... There's plenty for the beerophile in Froth!"

The Age

"Denny... keeps the book interesting with his light and informal writing style and a good sense of humor... Froth! is a perfect book for the home-brewing beer aficionado who is looking for more than 'Brewing 101' but less than a master’s degree in the subject."

Sacramento Book Review

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