International Beverage Company

Shot in high-definition format, the video features Sam Adams Senior Brewing Manager Grant Wood, who holds a degree in Food Science & Technology from Texas A&M University. It explains the process of turning barley, hops, water and yeast into a lager or ale. Among the insights:Yeast is the most important ingredient because it determines if the brew is ale or lager.

1. Water is crucial, too, and it must be free of organic substances and “off” flavors.
2. Key flavor compounds are packed into those little flower clusters called hops, which add flavor and a pleasant bitterness to the beer.