This comprehensive and authoritative guide aims to satisfy the curiosity of every beer lover who wants to know where their favourite brews come from. Learn fascinating facts about hundreds of individual beers and the breweries that make them -- from the ancient breweries of Bohemia through the exotic breweries of India and Japan to America's booming modern microbreweries. Explore the different styles and flavours; hoppy bitters, pale and mild ales, dark lagers, Pilsner and fruit beers -- and how they are developed. Practical tips are included too: the secrets of serving, storing and tasting beer; which beers best compliment different meals and recipes for beery cocktails and beer-drenched food. A comprehensive catalogue, broken down by region, takes you on a tour through the world's brews. Illustrated with over 600 colour photographs that comprehensively illustrate the world of beer production, history and culture, you should find this book an absorbing celebration of this ancient and satisfying drink.