[Hickory]

I just picked up all 4 books of the Brewing Elements series and was wondering which book I should read first? I'm still new to brewing, only 6 extract brews to date, and I'm looking to expand my knowledge. Just curious which books y'all found most helpful.

[erockrph]

If you like hoppy beers I'd go with Hops first. Otherwise, I'd pick Yeast. Water and Malt can't hurt for an extract brewer, but they have much more impact once you start brewing all-grain.

[S. cerevisiae]

What other books have you read?

[leejoreilly]

While these are fantastic and very detailed ingredient-oriented books, they don't really focus on the brewing process, especially for a newcomer. There are MANY fine "Intro to Homebrew" sorts of books available; I'd recommend Palmer's "How to Brew" or Papazian's "The Complete Joy of Homebrewing" off the top of my head. Once you feel comfortable with the overall brewing process and understand ingredients in some context, you could plan to read them in this order: Malt, Yeast, Water, Hops. Actually, I suspect you'll jump around between them a lot.

[Hickory]

I have actually read both Palmer and Papazian's books twice. I feel like I have the basics down somewhat. I feel like I'm just throwing ingredients together without knowing what their purpose is. Even though I have enjoyed what I've made so far.

[narcout]

Personally, I would read Yeast before Hops or Water (I haven't read Malt yet so I can't comment on that one, hoping to start it soon though).

I feel like I'm just throwing ingredients together without knowing what their purpose is.

What helped me with this was brewing very simple recipes.  You can make some great beers with just one or two malts and a single hop variety.

[ynotbrusum]

Since you have read both of the "bibles"' I agree that Yeast would be the most helpful.  When you are ready to go all grain (try Brew in a Bag for the simplest transition), you can gain quite a bit from the others.  Finally, have your water tested or brew with RO, so that you can adjust it to the style you are intending to brew.  You can ask questions here on this forum and get answers to virtually any question you may have.

[TMX]

I have actually read both Palmer and Papazian's books twice. I feel like I have the basics down somewhat. I feel like I'm just throwing ingredients together without knowing what their purpose is. Even though I have enjoyed what I've made so far.

Designing great beers might be a good read for you. As well as the new book by Mosher.

[erockrph]

I have actually read both Palmer and Papazian's books twice. I feel like I have the basics down somewhat. I feel like I'm just throwing ingredients together without knowing what their purpose is. Even though I have enjoyed what I've made so far.

Designing great beers might be a good read for you. As well as the new book by Mosher.

+1 - also "Brewing Classic Styles". I still use those recipes as a starting point when I'm designing something new.

[Hickory]

I'm currently reading Classic Styles. Finished the chapters and looking through the recipes now. I have about 5 hours of dead time at my job throughout the day so I'm reading as much as I can.