I just received this book yesterday and was disappointed by the content. Sam recruited some of the biggest and hottest names in craft brewing to contribute. Oliver Garrett, Michael Jackson, Vinnie from Russian River, and many more either contirbute a recipe or essay. However, most of these contributions are minimal and not as in depth as their personal publications. Issues such as brewing with spices and wood aging are discussed but in too little detail to really learn much.
The beginning of the book covers brewing for the very beginner. Other books cover this much better. I think a beginning non-technical brewer would do better with the Joy of Homebrewing while more studious brewers should get John Palmer's book. Food and beer pairing is covered but Oliver Garrett's book is better.
As for the extreme brewing aspects I would rather spend my money on Radical Brewing by Randy Mosher. It allows for your independent experiments and is much more educational.
Sam is beginning to show his hand as a marketing type who brews beers that are unique but just different instead of good. The book is set up to also sell homebrew kits designed to parallel the book. Look elsewhere for your brewing education. I was left with the thought of "Where's the Beef?" with this one.
