Beer is a carbonated beverage made from a combination of water, grain, hops and yeast. There are many different types of beers, ranging from light to dark, with varying levels of alcohol and flavor.
What Is Beer Made Of?
There are a variety of ways to make beer, but the basic process is pretty simple. First, you’ll mash the grain to create the base liquid for your brew (wort). Then you will boil the wort, and then ferment it with yeast, which is a process that converts sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
The mash and boiling processes of beer are very similar across all styles, but there are differences. Extract brewing is the most common, but partial mash and all-grain brewing methods also exist.
When brewing, you’ll need a good quality source of water to make your beer. This is a crucial step, as different waters have varying levels of minerals and nutrients that can affect the overall taste of your beer.
You’ll also want to consider the type of yeast you’re using to brew your beer, as there are a variety of different strains that can make your brew taste differently. Ale yeasts, for example, tend to be more neutral in their character, which allows the beer’s malt and hop flavors to dominate.
Once brewed, your beer will need to undergo conditioning, which is a process where the beer is stored to give it a longer shelf life. Ideally, most commercial beers will go into storage for one to three weeks, but some beers can be aged for years to enhance their flavors and complexity.
