The Wildcrafting Brewer: Creating Unique Drinks and Boozy Concoctions from Nature's Ingredients

This is a beautifully designed book, but that's just on the surface. Going deeper, there are tons of wonderful photographs and more importantly, great recipes. But it's not just the recipes, it is the information presented in a clear and concise format with many little funny jokes and other anecdotes that really make it a pleasure to read. Also, it sparks a curiosity in you and encourages you to not only run the recipes but to also go wild and create your own using the info as a basis upon which to build your own knowledge. I love that Pascal gives the Latin binomials when introducing a new plant as common names can be mistaken based upon different popular names used in different parts of the world and the country. He has even made sure to put a caution in for pregnant women, attesting to the thoroughness of his approach. I'm only about 1/3 of the way through and my mind is already exploding with ideas. The only problem now is picking one to start with as there are so many interesting choices available. If you haven't already gotten it, you be be well served to go ahead and get his first book (also on Amazon), because it is every bit as good as this one is and also as comprehensive as possible for a single volume. Pascal is a well-known forager in the Los Angeles area and provides for many elite and exotic chefs who want to work with ingredients that are not usually available to the general restaurant suppliers. They really push the envelope of modern cuisine with his help. I can only give this book 5 stars, but it deserves at least 10, maybe even 15.

Every aspect of this book—much like Baudar’s previous one—is top notch. From the exquisite photography that will seductively lure you into each unique drink, to easy-to-understand and thoroughly detailed instructions to create your own concoctions without fail. My favorite thing about the “recipes” is that they leave just enough room for creativity... which is extremely helpful when harvesting in other parts of the country or throughout the seasons when something might not be available. I also appreciate the attention to detail and the research that must have gone into perfecting the fermentation processes and understanding the flavor profiles of so many unusual wild ingredients. This book is an excellent introduction to those who may just be starting out on a home brewing journey but also a priceless inspiration to those more seasoned brewers who are looking to level up in their craft. I also found that there were plenty of fabulous methods that were non-alcoholic—perfect for introducing kids to their natural environment! The Wildcrafting Brewer will definitely be one of those books that will quickly be stained, wrinkled and fall apart from use in the kitchen, much like my copy of Baudar’s first book!

The Wildcrafting Brewer is an incredible book that foragers and homebrewers will love. Having been aware of Pascal Baudar’s work on social media I knew this book would be fantastic. The book is a nice laminated soft cover with about 290 pages. The layout of the book will take you from an introduction and going over the homebrewing essentials, to various flavors and methods for brewing beers, meads, sodas and more. There are lots of photos and wonderful explanations throughout the book.

As an inspiring Herbalist and Chef that’s fanatic about fermenting and brewing with a bountiful garden and access to properties for forging, I love this book. I pre-ordered the book in September, it just arrived today and I haven’t put it down. Like Pascal’s other book, they are simply divine, creative, and well planned. Think outside the box for any substitutes, let your creativity run wild. I apply the principles of wild yeast not only to brews but to artisan breads and foods. The book covers everything from wild yeast to brewing and fermenting beers, meads, wines, natural sodas and much more. I have been very fortunate to attend several of his workshops in the Los Angeles area and they are truly amazing. I am addicted to the juniper berry and piñon pine sodas as well as the Mugwort and lemon beer, and have started planting a variety of herbs/plants in the garden to use in my brews. I love my wild yeast starters Blueberry, Grapes, Prickly Pear and Juniper berries. If you love getting creative, this book will surely inspire! Well done!

Another fantastic book by forager Pascal Baudar! There are a number of great books about turning wild plants into alcohol drinks. Ellen Zachos's The Wildcrafted Cocktail: Make Your Own Foraged Syrups, Bitters,...

The book seems to be very heavy CA based but I have found a lot of good ideas and recipes to use for myself.

This is a wonderful book. The photographs are gorgeous. It really simplifies and demystifies how drinks are made. The addition of foraged ingredients opened up a whole new world for me. This book created a fun new hobby for me!

This book to me is pure magic. Firstly, the photography is very beautiful. Secondly, Pascal has a friendly and approachable writer’s voice. But most importantly, it encourages the reader to deepen her relationship with her place through creative brewing. Had I ever thought of foraging for wild yeast? I am Alaskan, and here in middle-late summer the woods is overflowing with abundance. I can not wait to get out there and see what I can make! Wonderful book!