Any one who knows me I love free beer (if it’s good beer). And you’ll be guided to plenty of good beer, some of it free, if you pick up a copy of the newest edition of “Wisconsin’s Best Beer Guide,” by  Kevin Revolinski.

It’s an updated version of a book he put out a couple of years ago..a book Mike and I put to use during our many beer tours of Wisconsin. The book includes entries on all the breweries, micro-breweries, and brewpubs in the state. And since a few have closed and many have opened since the last edition of the book, you really need to pick this one up.

The book gives you all the skinny about the different brews available, food options…and even other tourist-y things to do nearby.

Some interesting things you’ll learn in this edition:

*Which microbrewery isn’t allowed to picture bovine animals in its advertising

*Which brewpub is so green it’s heated with solar panels

*which microbrewery is located in a campground

You’ll also find out tidbits like alternative uses for beer cans (I actually own one of those crocheted Point Beer hats), the difference between ales and lagers, and beer history going back to the formation of the glaciers.

What about the free beer? Many of the breweries have special offers when you show them your copy of the book (like a free pint of beer or a free tour).

I highly recommend this book for beer aficionados who like to venture beyond the ordinary. It’s well written, thorough, and often funny. But I do have one warning for you. It will make you thirsty.

Find out more about the book and the author here, or go see Kevin Friday (July 16th) at the Capital Brewery in Middleton.  He’ll be selling (and signing) copies of his book there, while you listen to bluegrass from Salt Creek.