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

What happens to the beer during the aging process?

- Art Dhemia

The aging or maturation process is designed to enhance the quality of the beer. The fermented beer is allowed to sit, undisturbed for a specified length of time which allows the yeast to settle and reduce the risk of off-flavours. Aging allows the aromatics to mellow. Ales require longer aging periods, anywhere from months to years, while lagers will mature in weeks.

- 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.