The fun and friendly guide to all things beer  Beer has always been one of the world's most popular beverages; but recently, people have embraced the rich complexities of beer's many varieties. Now, with Beer For Dummies you can quickly and enjoyably educate your palate—from recognizing the characteristics of ales, lagers, and other beer styles to understanding how to taste and evaluate beer. The author, a beer connoisseur, shares his own expertise on this subject, revealing his picks for the best beer festivals, tastings and events around the world as well as his simple tips for pouring, storing and drinking beer like an expert brewmeister. * New coverage on the various styles of beer found around the world including: real ale, barrel aged/wood aged beer, organic brews and extreme beer * Updated profiles on the flavor and body of each beer, explaining why beers taste the way they do, as well as their strengths and ideal serving temperatures * How to spot the best beers by looking at the bottle, label and a properly poured beer in its ideal glass * The essentials on beer-and-food pairings and the best ways to introduce beer into your cooking repertoire From information on ingredients like hops, malt and barley to the differences between lagers and ales, this friendly guide gives you all the information you need to select and appreciate your next brew.