Summer is firmly upon us with warm weather and lazy days ahead. While many of us will enjoy a day poolside while enjoying a great beer, there is no better time to learn more about our beloved liquid refreshment.

Summer is a great time to curl up with a great book and a great beer. There is an endless supply of great books devoted to craft beer. If you have ever wanted to learn more about craft beer, summer is the time to do it.

Here is a short list of great books to read this summer that will expand your knowledge and appreciation of craft beer:

1. Beer for All Seasons by Randy Mosher: Randy Mosher has a slew of great books under his belt dedicated to beer including the classic “Tasting Beer.” However in his latest book, Mosher dives into the topic of seasonal beers and discusses in depth what beers are great for each season and even more importantly why this is the case. If you are a craft beer lover who enjoys a big Russian Imperial Stout in the winter and light refreshing wheat beers in the summer than this is the book for you!

2. Modern Homebrew Recipes by Gordon Strong: Homebrewing is a hobby that has grown in popularity as the love of craft beer has taken off. This is a hobby that is fun and rewarding; after all you get to drink your efforts. Each year the American Homebrewers Association awards the Ninkasi award and Gordon Strong is the only recipient to win 3 years in a row, so this is a man who knows how to brew. His new book offers a wide array of recipes that are easy to understand and perfect for those looking to either enter the hobby or gain a new depth of knowledge within it.

3. Experimental Homebrewing by Drew Beechum and Denny Conn: Once the basics of homebrewing are understood, it is time to push the boundaries of beer. “Experimental Homebrewing” dives headfirst into this and is a great book for homebrewers who may feel a bit jaded or those who are looking for new inspiration. The term “beer” has changed in leaps and bounds with the craft beer revolution so your homebrew should as well and this is a great book to gain a deeper understanding of how to accomplish this feat.

4. American Sour Beers by Michael Tonsmeire: Sour beers have become the darling of craft beer in recent times. The wonderful tart yet refreshing characteristics of the beer offers something for everyone. Many of these beers have become extremely sought after with new breweries opening that offer only sour styled beers. If you are looking to gain a deeper understanding of what makes a sour beer or wondering how to brew your own, than this phenomenal book is the best place to start.

5. So You Want to Start A Brewery? by Tony Magee: If you have been homebrewing and are now thinking about taking the leap forward toward opening your own brewery the task may seem daunting. It is tough to open your own business no matter the field, but a brewery is a task unto itself. Who better to guide you through the ins and outs of the business than Lagunitas owner Tony Magee. Tony walks you through what to do, and more importantly not to do, when opening a brewery with practical down to earth advice. The book is also filled with great stories about some of Lagunitas best beers, a must read for all who love craft beer.

Whether you are a homebrewer, professional brewer, or craft beer lover learning more about beer is always an enjoyment. Just be sure to have a great beer on hand because reading about it will make you very thirsty!