The reproduction of these sketches in the present form appears to be warranted by a growing demand for information concerning the process of brewing of which one of the two essays here referred to contains a popular description, often quoted not only in magazines and newspapers, but also in encyclopedias. That booklet, copyrighted by Mr. George Ehret, is now out of print; but with characteristic kindness Mr. Ehret has authorized the United States Brewers' Association to reprint the whole or any part of it, as present needs may demand. We have, accordingly, reproduced without abridgement everything relating to the processes of brewing, malting, refrigeration etc., and have only changed or amplified the remainder of the text in such a manner as to bring it up to date
As to the historical part, the sketches herein contained are not intended to go beyond the narrow limit indicated by the sub-title. They afford only random glimpses of the history of American brewing, but enough, probably, to create in the mind of the reader a desire to read those other books published by the Association, in which the subject is treated fully and comprehensively from various points of view.
G. Thomann
New York
November 1909