Beer is a delicious, refreshing drink that’s been around for centuries. It’s made from water, barley, hops and yeast, and the brewing process is a simple one. This allows for a wide range of flavors and textures that make beer such a versatile beverage.
The specific ingredients used will affect the taste and color of the final beer. The malt (barley or wheat or oats) provides the sugars that yeast will consume and turn into alcohol and carbon dioxide. The hops add bitterness and flavor. And the water helps to dilute all of these elements and provide the necessary nutrients for fermentation.
Different ratios of these ingredients create a huge variety of beer styles. Some beers are light in color and sweet while others are dark in color and bitter. The bitterness of a beer is measured in IBU’s or international bitterness units.
In addition to being a tasty, refreshing drink, beer has many health benefits. Moderate consumption of beer can help prevent heart disease, promote weight loss and improve bone density. Beer also contains antioxidants that may protect against some cancers and other diseases. The many different flavors and styles of beer have helped keep this drink a popular choice for hundreds of years. With the rise of craft brewing, you can find beer to suit just about any palate or occasion.
