Beer

Beer is an alcoholic beverage made by brewing and fermenting cereal grains, most commonly malted barley, with yeast.

Beer is an alcoholic beverage made by brewing and fermenting cereal grains, most commonly malted barley, with yeast. It is typically flavoured with hops and is one of the world’s oldest and most widely consumed alcoholic drinks. The beer category includes many styles such as ales and lagers. Beer is widely consumed in Canada and is a significant part of Canadian retail, hospitality, and brewery culture.

Definition and composition

Beer is an undistilled fermented beverage made from cereal grains. Water, a fermentable starch source, yeast, and a flavouring such as hops are the basic components.

Brewing process

Brewing generally involves malting, mashing, boiling, cooling, fermentation, and maturation. During fermentation, yeast converts sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide.

Major beer styles

Beer is commonly grouped into ales and lagers, with many substyles such as stouts, porters, and pilsners. These styles differ in yeast, fermentation temperature, colour, flavour, and conditioning time.

History and cultural role

Beer is widely described as one of humanity’s oldest alcoholic drinks, with origins reaching deep into prehistory and early civilisations. It remains a major global beverage and a significant part of pub, restaurant, and home-drinking culture. Beer is widely consumed in Canada and is a significant part of Canadian retail, hospitality, and brewery culture.