Well, my friendly beer connoisseur, beechwood aging is a special step in the brewing process that ages and naturally carbonates your beer. The tally on good taste and less filling is in.

According to Budweiser officials, brew that is beechwood aged goes through two fermentation processes. In the first process, yeast and filtered sterile air are added to wort, the liquid result of the mashing process. The yeast converts the fermentable sugars created during the mashing into alcohol, natural carbonation (carbon dioxide) and several flavor-active compounds.

The fermentation and lagering process can take about a month, while ale fermentation can be completed in roughly a week.

Now listen closely, because this is where the magic happens and your taste buds appreciate the work.

The fully fermented beer is moved into an aging, or krausening, tank that is layered with beechwood chips.

Freshly-yeasted wort is added to the beer, and the secondary fermentation begins. The sealed tanks allow carbon dioxide pressure to build up, resulting in natural carbonation that makes your beer fresh and tasty. This secondary fermentation takes about three weeks to complete, Budweiser officials say.

The magic and splendor of beechwood aging is a result of the extended surface area provided by the beechwood chips.

As the beer flows through the lattice of beechwood chips and the yeast finishes its job of fermentation and production of natural carbonation, it settles on the chips. According to http://www.budweiser.com, the beechwood chips provide an extended surface area, allowing the yeast to maintain optimum contact with the fermenting beer.

This beechwood chip krausening permits the proper maturation of the beer’s flavor and results in a smoother-tasting beer. And no, it doesn’t make the beer taste woody. The chips also act as a natural filter, further refining the beer.

Beechwood aging is an expensive and uncommon process. Currently, the only major beer in the world to use such a process is Budweiser.

Well, there you have it. So, go ahead, enjoy your beer. But, as always, enjoy it responsibly.

Send your questions and comments for Pluck Gus to [email protected].