The popular success of microbrews is motivating more homebrewers to strive for that perfect quaff. Readily available equipment, well-stocked brewery supply stores, and dozens of web sites and publications have helped turn many a basement or kitchen into a mini-brewery. Now there''s a book that goes beyond the basics and gives practical, expert advice on how to craft a truly distinctive brew.

Secrets from the Master Brewers introduces 16 award-winning brewers and their art. Each offers invaluable tips on their area of expertise, whether it be which hops to use, how to combine malts, handle yeast, or how to brew a certain classic style, plus their own homebrew recipes. In addition, the authors -- whose Homebrewers Recipe Guide was selected by Food & Wine as one the Best Beer Books of 1997 -- present 35 of their own new recipes, plus a short guide to equipment upgrades.