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“THE SEARCH FOR GOD AND GUINNESS: A Biography of the Beer that Changed the World” by Stephen Mansfield.

I review books for Thomas Nelson Publishers and so I’m always excited when a new book is published for review…
However, I’ve never been more excited than when I heard that Stephen Mansfield was writing a history of beer-brewing in general, and (Arthur) Guinness in particular.

I have been brewing beer for nearly 10 years, so I’d already researched the material offered in his short history of brewing. However, I found myself drinking-in every word because Mansfield managed to make the history of brewing sound so exciting, pivotal, triumphant!

I particularly enjoyed his treatment of the Guinness brewing company. I was unaware of the company’s noble roots and its subsequent endeavours for social justice, fair treatment of workers, etc. After reading this book I have enormous respect for the Guinness family and the Guinness brand.

Unfortunately, (very unfortunately!) beer has received a bad name in Christian circles over the years. It has gone from being a drink that was cherished by the most godly men, to a mere vehicle on the journey to drunkeness. This book goes a long way to restoring beer’s one-time glowing reputation.

As a Christian, a pastor and a beer lover – I can wholeheartedly recommend the book.

I’ve just ordered my FREE copy of The Search for God and Guinness by Stephen Mansfield – courtesy of the Thomas Nelson ‘Book Review Blogger’ program.

I cannot wait to read this book – I anticipate that I’ll spend every second page thinking “why didn’t I write this!”.**

I’ll post a review on this blog as soon as I get the book and write the review. Until then, watch this video presentation from the author himself:

** The key answer to this question will be: “Because you’re not an author”.

I figured out how to brew my first batch of alcoholic apple cider when I was 11 years old.

Since then I’ve been a closet fan, savouring the taste of sweet, spicy, home-brewed cider only in the privacy of my own home or in the company of fellow cider fanciers…

See, in Australia, cider is viewed as the “girl’s drink” of brewed and bottled beverages. It’s what you drink if you can’t handle a beer.**

But now, the winds of change are in the air… New cider labels are appearing thick an fast on once beer-dominated shelves. England, or “Cider Mecca”, is sending over it’s finest brews for our enjoyment. Names like Gaymer’s, Magner’s and Scrumpie’s are gathering renown. The time has come!

I’ll ne’er abandon beer, but I admit…
Since my first hand-crafted brew, I’ve been a cider-phile.

Praise God for his beverage-gifts.

** To be fair to cider drinkers, most ciders are higher in alcohol content than beer.
Also, a mediocre cider is far more enjoyable than a mediocre beer, which frankly, is about as good as most Aussie beers get.
Just sayin’.