Knights to Remember: Anheuser-Busch's Top 'Zythologists' Inducted Into Belgian Beer Society

ST. LOUIS âˆ' Nathaniel Davis and George Reisch from Anheuser-Busch were recently inducted into the Knighthood of the Brewers' Mash Staff for their contributions to beer. The ceremony took place in September inside the Town Hall of Brussels, Belgium.

Faithful to their traditions, Belgian brewers organize a series of festivities each year to pay tribute to the memory of the patron saint of brewers, Saint Arnold, which takes place in September during the Beer Weekend, staged on the Brussels Grand Place.

During these events, new honorary knights are "enthroned," including A-B's Davis, director of innovation and the company's chief zythologist for North America, and Reisch, director of brewmaster outreach for national retail sales and chief zythologist for the United States. (Zythology means the "study of beer" and is to beer what "oenology" is to wine.)

"This is a huge honor for George and me, and we are proud to be part of such a long and noble heritage," Davis said.

"We are fortunate to work in the best industry in the world, and it was really fun to be honored in this way," added Reisch.

Honorary knights are individuals who have "rendered loyal services to the brewing profession" and are "active members of the Brotherhood who, owing to their profession, birth or alliance, are closely related to the brewing industry."

Pictured are Davis and Reisch during the inauguration as they take the oath to further the values and virtues of Belgian brewing traditions. In the bottom image, the two sport the medals they received as they enjoy a glass of beer with the mayor of Brussels, Freddy Thielemans.

"The Knighthood of the Brewers' Mash Staff has been, throughout the centuries, representative of the dignity and the traditions of the Brewers' trade," said "The Grand Master" of the society, Ann Lefebre, in a letter inviting the two A-B brewing experts to join.

The Belgian Beer Weekend is organized by the Belgian Brewers and the Knighthood of the Brewers'' Mash Staff in collaboration with the City of Brussels. Among the beers served at the event included three of Anheuser-Busch InBev's Belgian beers available in the United States: Stella Artois, Hoegaarden and Leffe.