The Mad Fermentationist Gets a Book Deal

Many know Michael Tonsmeire better as the Mad Fermentationist, the moniker he goes by on his beer-centric blog. Soon, they may know him better as a published author.

The homebrewing expert just lined up a publisher for the book he is writing on sour brewing (he's been working on it since 2011, and had originally hoped to self-publish the project). Tonsmeire has lined up a deal with Brewers Publications, the house behind many beer-centric books. The projecting publishing date is fairly far off (2015, though demand could push it closer), and his deadline to submit the manuscript comes later this summer.

Tonsmeire tells Eater he's been homebrewing since he took a student-taught class on the subject during his senior year at Cranegie Mellon University. He moved to D.C. in 2006, soon after starting a blog and becoming interested specifically in sour brewing. His main inspiration was another book: Wild Brews by Jeff Sparrow, which has a Belgian bent. Tonsmeire will focus on American sour beers in his book, particularly those with mixed fermentations. "My goal is for it to be very practical for brewers and homebrewers; not too much storytelling," he says.

It's been a busy year for Tonsmeire — he's also working as a consultant for Modern Times Beer in San Diego, which will open in the next few months.
· The Mad Fermentationist [Official Site]

Michael Tonsmeire [Photo: Kickstarter]