Beer is world's third most consumed drink after water and tea. It is one of the oldest and most consumed alcoholic beverages. The history of beer is a long tale since beer has been with us almost since man learned to make fermented beverages. Manufacturing of beer is recorded in the written history of ancient Egypt and is one of the oldest beverages approximately dating back to the 6th century B.C. European monasteries also started making and selling beer by the end of 7th century A.D. During the industrial revolution production of the beer moved from domestic manufacturing to industrial manufacturing. During the thirteen century making the beer and selling beverages from home was a way of earning family income.

Beer is produced by brewing and fermentation of starches derived from cereals. Mainly the ingredients which required for making beer are water, wheat, corn, rice and malted barley etc. Sometimes herbs and fruits are also used to give flavor and color to the beer. Water is an important ingredient of beer because minerals in water influence the character of beer made from it. Water of different regions contains different mineral components as a result of that, quality of beer in one region is different from another region.

The process of brewed beer involves many steps, including malting, mashing, boiling, filtering, etc. Though this may sound difficult, it isn't that hard. Apart from making beer only in beer factories, brewing beer at home is getting popular these days, as the materials and equipments are inexpensive and the equipment setup is easy. You can easily find these equipments in your city and you can also get huge discounts on these equipments. The main advantage of brewing beer at home is that you can control the taste and alcohol level, as compared to the one which is made in the beer factory, which has a standard alcohol level in it. Also you can experiment and create hundreds of variations and can customize the beer according to your own liking.

Today there are many beer manufacturers in the market. Every beer lover is very particular about their favorite brand of beer. Not just the brand but also the glass that gives them a relaxing feeling and adds to their personality. Brands tend to become popular due to region, price, country and season. The following are the names of some of the best beer brands in India, Peroni, Stella Artois, Hoegaarden, Asahi, Foster's, Heineken, Leffe Blond, Kingfisher Ultra, Budweiser, Schneider Weisse, Corona Extra, London Pride, San Miguel Pale Pilsen and Carlsberg etc.

It is a known fact that heavy consumption of alcohol can lead to liver problems. But if alcohol is consumed in reasonable quantity it can reduce the risk of cardiac diseases. There are studies which proves that beer with low quantity of alcohol possess the anti-cancer properties and also reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It is also said that brewer's yeast is rich source of nutrients. So enjoy your mug of beer and find another way of staying fit.

There is more to a beer festival than just rounds of beer being served by tavern wenches in costumes. Such festivals are celebrations dedicated to beer, beer brewing and the making masters of this great drink. It is a chance for new brews to be unveiled and tasted by crowds before it is released in mass quantity.

This great drink festivals are also great ways to meet fellow drinkers alike and learn more about the history of your favorite brew. If you have never been to a festival before, then you are definitely missing out on a great adventure and the chance to learn more.

What is so alluring about such festivals? The fall is a huge time for these festivals to take place and areas around the country have their own versions of Octoberfest. The art of brewing beer creates many strong flavors and patrons are treated to new varieties from their favorite manufacturers.

Even small micro breweries are producing different varieties to entice you to try a nice cold beer. One of the greatest attracting factors when it comes to such festivals is that you get free beer. Sure you may have to pay an entrance fee but once you have the wrist band, the world of this great drink is yours for the tasting.

If you are looking for a beer festival near you or you simply want to find out if there is one being held in a particular month, then there is a website just for you. That website is "Beer Festivals" and it has links to festivals held each month. You also get the chance to check out destinations where you can see the masters of beer brewing hone their craft.

If you are in the mood for a great book that tells you all about Michigan breweries, then the website owner Paul Ruschmann has penned a novel all about Michigan breweries. It is definitely a must read for those who live in or near the state and want to experience all that great tasting drink has to offer.

Beer brewing is a science. It takes a lot of hard work and time. When you visit a beer festival you get the chance to taste what the brew masters have done. Check out the above website and find a time that is convenient for you. You may have to travel a bit but the journey will be well worth it to experience new blends of beers. You may be surprised and come home with a new favorite.