What makes beer alcoholic?

The alcohol in beer is produced through a process called fermentation. Here's how it works:

1. Yeast: Yeast is a microscopic fungus that plays the key role.

2. Sugar: Beer starts with grains like barley, which are malted (germinated) to release sugars.

3. Yeast Consumes Sugar: Yeast consumes the sugars in the wort (the liquid extracted from the grains).

4. Byproduct: Alcohol: As a byproduct of consuming the sugar, yeast produces ethanol (alcohol) and carbon dioxide.

5. Fermentation Ends: The yeast will continue to consume sugar until there's not enough left, or until the alcohol concentration becomes too high for them to survive.

In essence, yeast converts sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide as a way to generate energy for its own survival. The longer the fermentation process continues, the higher the alcohol content in the beer.

Let me know if you'd like to learn more about any of the steps in this process!