Beer is an alcoholic beverage made from malted grains, hops, yeast,
     and water. The grain is usually barley or wheat, but sometimes corn
     and rice are used as well. Fruit, herbs, and spices may also be used
     for special styles. In the distant past, the terms "beer" and "ale"
     meant different things. "Ale" was originally made without using hops,
     while "beer" did use hops. Since virtually all commercial products
     now use hops, the term "beer" now encompasses two broad categories:
     ales and lagers.