This interesting, creative book blends academic scholarship with beer industry expertise to produce a unique sociological and psychological perspective on the function and meaning of beer, especially craft beers, in American society…. The authors critically assess the subjective meanings of authenticity, quality, and taste, which forces readers to reflect on the many taken-for-granted expressions of beer consumption. The authors also address the racial, class, and gendered dynamics of beer drinking, which provides an avenue for exploring how beer drinking reinforces cultural values while challenging the divisions underlying society. This well-written book blends academic arguments with a personalized style that allows general readers, beer connoisseurs, brewers, and industry specialists to understand the nuances of the beer industry and the social and psychological impact beer drinking has had on society. Highly recommended. General readers through faculty; professionals.

Choice Reviews

An important contribution to the growing body of literature on craft beer, Wilson and Stone offer a unique and approachable interdisciplinary perspective to better understand the ways in which cultural production is intertwined with consumer psychology. There is something here for the craft beer connoisseur as well as the advanced undergraduate student.

Nathaniel G. Chapman, Arkansas Tech University

A timely and enjoyable look at beer and its many pleasures through a fresh lens: that of the social and cultural phenomenon.

Josh Noel, Chicago Tribune and author of Barrel-Aged Stout and Selling Out: Goose Island, Anheuser-Busch, and How Craft Beer Became Big Business

This isn't just a book for beer lovers. It's a great, deep dive into beer, society, and everything in between. Regardless of your level of beer knowledge, the authors have crafted a wonderful guide into the inner workings of the industry and its connection to culture that should be required reading!

Ren Navarro, Beer. Diversity.