Beer

Beer is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain.  Barley is the most commonly used grain, but wheat, oats, and many other grains are also used.  The grain is processed by sprouting it, which begins activation of enzymes that will convert the starch in the grain into fermentable sugars.  After the grain is sprouted, it is dried and kilned to varying degrees of color.  At this point, it becomes what is called "malt".  Unmalted grains are also sometimes use to make beer in conjunction wih the malted grain.