What kind of wizard-like alchemy is brewing at Anheuser-Busch these days? This strange connection between the ancient Pen Tsao Ching, Paulinia cupana, and contemporary society! Might you find magical fog creeping across the floor of the brewery, with static charges of lightning bolts leaping from stainless-steel lauter tuns?

The famed Emperor Shen Nung, reputed discoverer of tea as an herbal drink, wrote The Classic of Herbs, or Pen Tsao Ching. Within those mystic pages lay secrets of ginseng, an herb believed to enlighten the mind and increase wisdom.

Modern science categorizes ginseng as an adaptogen – a substance that assists the body in restoring good health. It is used to naturally lower cholesterol, increase energy and endurance, boost the immune system, reduce fatigue and alleviate stress. As an effective anti-aging supplement, ginseng works to increase mental and physical capacity.

Leap across the globe to the Brazilian rainforest, where guarana, or Paulinia cupana, lives in all its vine-like beauty. Native Indians refer to it as an “elixir of youth” and “gift of the gods.” A fabled red berry decorates this graceful vine, legendary for building stamina and staying power, while calming and soothing the whole body, relieving physical and mental stress. Guarana stimulates brain function, aids concentration and, reputedly, has aphrodiasical effects.

Then add the natural love affair with caffeine, the darling of coffee and Coca-cola.

What does all this have to do with Anheuser-Busch?  B^E, or “B to the E”, is the delightful new energy beer for highly social adults – those who demand a bit more out of life...who aren’t willing to settle for the same-old-same-old. These people are innovative and tolerant, and love variety! They expect more, and Anheuser-Busch has recognized them as a powerful force, deserving of attention.

This innovative, new brew has a malt base, balanced with selected hops. What sets it apart is the addition of caffeine, ginseng and guarana, for a blend as complex as a Belgian ale. Delivered in a slim-line 10-ounce can, the contempo-designer graphics knock your socks off!

My recommendation is that you pour it into a tulip glass or brandy snifter. This will enable you to fully appreciate the rich fruit aromas – cherries, blackberries and raspberries. Clear your mind of how you “thought” beer should taste. An uncommon fireworks-display of flavors will explode on your palate: a touch of malt-hoppiness, blended with the lightly sweet-tart palate of citrus – berry. The “WOW” factor!

You ask for the stats? 22.5 grams of carbs – 54 milligrams of caffeine (equal to about a half-cup of coffee) – 6.6 percent ABV – 203 calories – and enough caffeine, ginseng and guarana for a Vulcan Mind-Meld with the Dalai Lama.

Anheuser-Busch calls it a bit “outside the boundaries of taste.” The synergistic properties that exist between this specialized balance of malts, hops, and herbs creates natural harmony for the innovative set. It is not surprising that A-B was ranked first overall in quality of products and services in Fortune Magazine’s 2004 “America’s Most Admired Companies,” chosen from a list of almost 600 companies.

For those who live a bit “outside the boundaries,” B^E is a natural!

Cheers!