The Alaskan Bootlegger's Bible

Rating:
Summary: The Alaskan Bootlegger's Bible is exactly what it says it is
Review: A bible or reference for the home brewer, winemaker or moonshiner. With Leon Kania's direction you can go from a wanna-be to an artful expert in far less time than reading hard to follow technical manuals provided by your local brewing supply house (and lot's of information that is not availble anywhere regarding moonshine). With Kania's book it's all combined: wine, beer, liquor. The material (and there is a load of it) is presented in easy to understand everyday language that a complete novice can follow. Anecdotes from conversations with old moonshiners give this book a flavor of truth and down home common sense. Leon provides material lists and stresses the important items needed to SAFELY brew or distill and drives home the legal ramifications you face if you choose to ignore his warnings regarding distilling sprits. There are also instruction on how to malt your own grains safely and inexpensively. I was impressed by the years of knowledge presented in a fun manner. Leon even touches on the lost art of Jacking (distilling without a still, also illegal in the US). After looking for the proper book, finding "The Alaskan Bootlegger's Bible" reading it and putting it to work for me I am comfortable saying that Leon Kania is saving a lost art form by publishing and distributing this book. With the help of "The Alaskan Bootlegger's Bible" I proceeded step by step, referencing the material as I went and came out with an end product that I can be proud of. Thanks Leon

Rating:
Summary: Solid Foundation - Super Value
Review: I found this book to be extremely valuable, both in it's content and well - it's value! The author presents the art of making Wine and Beer in a simple yet entertaining package. This is the book to begin your quest for fine spirits. This book is a teriffic "How To" on a budget. Following the Alaskan Bootlegger's Bible I was able to create my first batch of Wine for under $20.00! I have since read numerous other "acclaimed" books on the subject and find myself returning to this book. Bottom it's money well spent for a lifetime of hobbies

Rating:
Summary: The Alaskan Bootlegger's Bible
Review: Just finished Leon Kania's book on home brewing, wine making and distilling. The subtle humor and the history of alcohol use and production makes for an enjoyable read whether you intend to brew or not. Along with the feeling of living in remote Alaska and fending for yourself under difficult conditions, it brings us back to the times when ordering a pizza meant going to the kitchen and kneading some pizza dough, while the kids made the sauce and grated the cheese. As one, who never lets the sun set on a day when I have not tasted the "Devil's Brew", I give Mr. Kania kudos on a great story and manual. I can see many more smoke trails rising over America as this book reaches the masses. Robert J. Emmert, Radio Talk Show Host, Fort Myers, Florida

Rating:
Summary: The Alaskan Bootlegger's Bible
Review: My third attempt to review what I consider a great read. Subtle humor, coupled with historical data and the feeling of living in outback Alaska all combine to make this instructional manual a great enjoyment whether you brew beer, make wine or distill whiskey. If you do, it takes you throught the processes simply and comprehensively. As one, who doesn't let the sun set on a day that the "Devil's Brew" doesn't touch my lips I give Mr.Kania kudos. I expect many more smoke trails rising over America as this book reaches the masses. Robert J. Emmert, Radio Talk Show Host, Fort Myers, Florida

Rating:
Summary: A Book with a Kick
Review: This was the Compleat Works on home brewing. I was looking for research material that would give me a fair idea on the mechanics of non-commercial distilling for a writing project, and after looking at several books, I chose this one, thinking I would be reading the least objectionable one. When I got it I sat down and read it right through and finished up with a good read and a reasonable knowlege (as in from 0 to 60 in 45 minutes) of the subject. The good read part is amazing, but even better is the information, which is given clearly and succinctly, without any techno-blather. By the time I got to the end of the book, I felt that I not only knew enough to brew my own, but suddenly I had the urge to do it. Thanks, Leon!