Clonebrews: Homebrew Recipes for 150 Commerical Beers

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Summary: This book pushes the envelope of brewing possibilities.
Review: "Clone Brews" is a text that serves both as a clear, easy-to-follow instructional book for brewers as well as a window to the world of exotic beer-making possibilities. Where else could I find recipes for brewing a beer from Thailand, Belgium and Bermuda in one book? Tess and Mark's descriptions of the histories and flavors of the beers are consise and enticing, and the recipes yield beers that are distinctive and delicious. Some of my favorites so far include Wild Hogge Ale from Bermuda, a Winter Warmer lager, New Zealand's Steinlager and a rich Bass Ale clone. Soon to emerge from the carboy is a much anticipated Doppio Molto (sp?) from Moretti. "Cent' an'!" to Mark and Tess for this terrific book, and can't wait for the sequel!

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Summary: I WOULD KILL FOR THIS BOOK!
Review: "I would kill EVERYONE in this room for a drop of sweet beer." This is because I am sitting here "COMPLETELY SURROUNDED BY NO BEER!" Once you read "Clonebrews" you will be familiar with the compelling force that inspired me to tell you about this wonderful book! As an amateur homebrewer with two years in the field and over 200 gallons of beer brewing experience; I can attest to the benefit and value of this fine text. Reading this book compelled me to make a thirty mile journey from my home to the MALTOSE EXPRESS. My endeaver was well fulfilled. I met Tess Szamatulski, one of the authors of the book. She was pleasant and professional, and her knowledge about homebrewing was astonishing! I highly recommend this book to every homebrewer!

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Summary: Don't waste your money.
Review: Although I was very displeased with this book I will give credit where credit is due. The recipes were well laid out with conversions from extract to mini-mash and all-grain. The perfect book for brewers of all experience levels. However, out of the 150 comercial recipes, most of them were very obscure brands. Most of which I have never even heard of. Bangkok Thailand, Seoul South Korea, Singapore, India, China and Nigeria are just a few of the countries they picked from. There are a few good ones however. Like Sam Adams, Yuengling Porter, Bass Ale, Anchor Steam, Guiness Extra Stout, Fosters Lager. But if you're hoping for a whole lot of beers you're farmiliar with this is not the book for you.

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Summary: Excellent book; super tips, recipes in standard format
Review: Clonebrews is a very well-written book for all levels of brewers. The genius of the book is that most or all recipes are designed to use light or extra light malt, thereby standardizing ingredients so that the specialty grains are the only malt variable which affects color and flavor of your beer. The recipes themselves produce excellent beer that is very close to the real thing. I've tried Murphy's Stout, Elm City Ale and one of their lagers with good success.

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Summary: wide variety of recipes, something for everyone
Review: Here you have 150 recipes for beers from around the world, I didn't even know some of those places drank beer! Each recipe is presented with three brewing methods; extract, mini-mash and All-grain. Looks like a wide range of styles tastes and flavors to try but not really enough information for a complete novice to work with, if you're on a limited book budget I'd recommend getting the Szamatulski's second book "Beer Captured" instead.

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Summary: Award Winning Recipes
Review: I am a Beer Judge and Brewer. I have been brewing for over 16 years. The recipes that are in this book come out exactly like the commercial beers. I just won two awards in the Best of Brooklyn competition on 2/26/2000. I won a first place with their recipe for Samuel Smith's Oatmeal Stout and a second place with their Affligem Tripel. The book makes it easy to create incredible beers. The comments that the judges give are great: "Nice beer, right on to the style".

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Summary: A good resource for brewing in general
Review: I bought this book planning on cloning a few commercial brews. The recipes, although very good, were not the best part of the book for me. It has ver helpful guidelines in the process of duplicating a style (as well as a specific brew). The formulas presented in the first few pages of the book cover most of the considerations necessary for the intermediate brewer. The six or seven pages of charts in the back of the book make it worth the cost of the entire book though. No longer do I turn through page after page of other books to find the specific gravity of flaked barley per every pound per gallon. Its all right there in the back of this book. Its a well-written organized book perfect for anyone attempting to achieve a style of beer as well as a specific label.

Rating:
Summary: A good resource for brewing in general
Review: I bought this book planning on cloning a few commercial brews. The recipes, although very good, were not the best part of the book for me. It has ver helpful guidelines in the process of duplicating a style (as well as a specific brew). The formulas presented in the first few pages of the book cover most of the considerations necessary for the intermediate brewer. The six or seven pages of charts in the back of the book make it worth the cost of the entire book though. No longer do I turn through page after page of other books to find the specific gravity of flaked barley per every pound per gallon. Its all right there in the back of this book. Its a well-written organized book perfect for anyone attempting to achieve a style of beer as well as a specific label.

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Summary: Excellent Book easy to follow instuctions
Review: I found evry thing in this book easy to follow. Every batch I have made from this book has come out perfect. My family and friends trully enjoy the end results. Thank you Mark and Tess. I will use your book for a long time.

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Summary: An Indispensable Book for the Home Brewer
Review: I found this book to be a "must have" in my homebrew library. The book begins with interesting and useful information about homebrewing...clearly showing the authors' knowledge about and love for beer making. The bulk of the book however, and probably why you would wind up buying it, is the recipe section. You will find recipes for making some of the world's finest beers. I have made a number of interesting and excellent beers following the recipes they include. They come out very, very close to the original. And because you made them, you might even enjoy these "clones" more than the original. The recipes themselves are clearly written and easy to follow. Homebrewers should really enjoy this book.