Right on guys, BALSA WOOD! Load up the stove with a few splits and it's pure enjoyment for the next 2-3 minutes.
The forester I had walk my property years ago said basically the same thing... He was not a fan of beech trees if your goal is growing timber. Said they can become insect prone and often lose the heartwood making them not desirable for timber.
Somebody must use it for something besides firewood...I seen a log truck go by today and better than half the load was beech...a biggun too! Was a little surprised to see that it was solid, not the usual hollow log...
I have heard it used for "blocking". Not sure exactly what that means. I assume it's for industrial crating applications?