Jonathan Cook

Beer Terrain: From Field to Glass Jonathan Cook

Beer Terrain tells the story of the emerging farm to glass revolution on the New England and New York craft brewing scene. Just four years ago, if a brewery wanted to use local ingredients, they were limited to what farmers had on hand for other markets, such as honey or fruit. Today, the region fosters numerous small hop farms as well as several malt houses that use local grain exclusively. As a result, breweries are now able to capitalize on a growing locavore economy by creating beer from here.  While the cost of land in the northeast is among the highest in the nation, small farms are bucking a stagnant economy by marketing directly to the public as the growing number of both farms and farmers' markets demonstrates. The public wants local food and no drink is more of a meal than the liquid bread in a pint of beer. In recent years, craft brewing has grown at a 15 percent clip. In 2014, there are 2,700 craft breweries in the U. S. with another 1,500 in planning. Not since the 1880's have there been so many breweries all over the country. As more brewers try to get their brand noticed, incentive to distinguish one beer from another increases. Tapping the existing local food market by supporting small farms can help garner some attention for these start-ups. Back in the 19th century, brewers of the northeast had plenty of local malt and hops to choose from. Now, old meets new in a way that supports tradition and contributes to the future security of our farmlands. Whether it's the young mother who began her thriving and unique business by growing barley in her garden and malting it in her kitchen, or the incredible passion for the land of a brewer who began as a farmer himself, readers will be inspired by the dedicated characters in this story and the challenges they overcome.  Not only does this book tell the story of these people, their products, and the land that supports them, it also serves as a guidebook for readers who want to explore this terrain for themselves. With a resource section that illustrates the connections between the land and the beer, and photographs depicting the people at work and the landscape that shapes their lives and products, Beer Terrain will be a valuable companion on any New England vacation or staycation.