Discover the world of beer with Beerologist Allen Winn Sneath. You can even ask your own questions online.

What does the beechwood aging process mean?

- Travis

After the fermentation process is over, a number of beechwood slats are tied together and immersed in a tank where the beer undergoes a process called kraeusening. This is a labour intensive, second fermentation tradition developed by Bavarian brewers. The beechwood does not impart any particular flavour to the beer, but attracts impurities and promotes clarification of the yeast.

- The Beerologist

Allen knows his subject matter well. As an ad agency executive for over 25 years, he developed some of the Canadian beer industry's most memorable campaigns. He was a founding partner in the Algonquin Brewing Company, one of the country's first generation microbreweries. Allen is the author of Brewed In Canada, the only book documenting Canada's colourful 350-year-old brewing industry. The work was awarded the Quill & Tankard Trophy by the North American Guild of Beer Writers. Allen is available for informal and entertaining speaking engagements. You can contact him direct via email at ad-vantage@rogers.com.