When you first get into brewing and beer culture, it can be like learning your first few power chords on electric guitar. Even a rank amateur can snap up some pretty quick and satisfying rewards.

But there is no replacement for expertise.

And The Comic Book Story of Beer coauthor Mike Smith, who has been a professional brewer for the last fifteen years, has his share of that. He has brought all that expertise to making this original graphic novel as accurate and enriching as a romp through the ages of beer can possibly be.

But Mike’s talents aren’t being wasted on the page. He is still head brewer at Back East Brewing in Bloomfield, Connecticut.

And Beer Advocate Magazine recently served up some gratifying acclaim for two of Mike’s recent co-creations.

Editors and magazine co-founders Jason and Todd Alström called Back East’s porter style a “benchmark-level brew” and their “Palate Mallet’ Double IPA a “creamy delight.”

Can’t wait for the reviews of the brand-new Summer Ale!

If you find yourself in similar strategic placement in the Northeast Corridor between Boston and New York City, look for both styles wherever you buy great beer.