A long, long time ago, in a land known as Sumeria located far far away, the people of the country began to notice that once bread or grain was left in water, the liquid began to ferment and an inebriating pulp resulted. This drink made people feel “wonderful, blissful and exhilarated,” according to the history books. With the ability to repeat this fermentation process, the Sumerians became the first culture to brew one of the most popular drinks found in American culture today. What was it, that the Sumerians termed “a divine drink” and was certainly a gift from the gods? It was beer.

Since its discovery more than 6,000 years ago, beer has swept the world in popularity. Surprisingly, according to Plato’s 2005 Beer Report, China is one of the largest beer consumers, with the United States second and Germany third. The Brewer’s Association Web site reports that the United States beer industry made $97 billion last year, which translates to 211,489,982 barrels of beer. Progressive Grocer, a Web site that provides statistics on beer consumption, found that nearly 40 percent of the U.S. population is regular beer drinkers.

It is no surprise about the popularity of beer among American consumers. The drink has been an important part of American lives even before the signing of Declaration of Independence. Virginia colonists first started brewing the ale with corn in 1587.

The drink received the praise of George Washington, who recorded a beer recipe in his notebook in 1754. Even through the Prohibition years, beer survived with the help of non-alcoholic “near beer” made by the major breweries.

And while beer may seem like a cheap beverage to consume at off-campus events for those of legal age, there must be much more to the drink that can account for its tremendous popularity.

One of the main selling points of beer is the variety of styles in which the drink is available; from dark to light, American amber to German Weizenbock. This range has only added to the growth of the industry.

The variety in beer comes with how the drink is brewed and exactly what is in the brewing mash. Hops, Humulus lupulus, is the essential ingredient which gives the drink its “beer flavor.”

Depending on when the hops are added to the mix alters their effect. If the hops are boiled with the beer, a bitter taste develops in the drink; but if added later, the bitterness is not as distinct. In some beers, the hops are added as late as the last three minutes of the boiling process. The hops plant is available in numerous varieties, thus creating the varied beer flavors.

For some of legal drinking age, a bitter taste in their drink is not appetizing, causing them to lean toward a wheat beer selection. Wheat beer is what beer enthusiasts believe the first beer was like.

The style of brewing with wheat began  in Europe, where the Belgium white ale is the poster-child for the wheat beer. Depending on the variety, wheat beer can contain 30 to 70 percent wheat malt, with the rest being barley malt. Because of the light flavor that wheat adds to the overall taste of the beer, fruit is often added to the drink, including a slice of lemon, when it is served at a bar. Some wheat beers even come in a fruit flavor, including cherry and raspberry.

Whether you prefer wheat or traditional beer, both have a limited shelf life and will taste better if those of legal drinking age consume the beverage before that date. Though some who can legally drink may not be picky about the quality of their beer, others should know that beer will remain fresher for a longer time if bought from the cooler instead of at room temperature. Beer kept at room temperature degrades and can become stale.

Also, some beer may be delivered cold to a store, and then allowed to warm to room temperature. This is automatically hazardous to the taste of the beer. The change of temperature shortens the life span of the beer because of the oxygen that enters and slowly alters the taste. This could result in a “bitter beer face” when consumed.

There is much more to beer than popping open a can to enjoy with friends off-campus. Festivals are held all over the world where brewers bring their newest concoction to be tasted and criticized, which could ultimately end up at the local liquor store.

The fun of a beer festival is brought to Arkansas by the Arthritis Foundation, who will host the 11th annual Foam Fest, a beer and wine tasting event on June 27. Though exact information about location is not yet available, previously the event has been held in the River Market district of Little Rock.

Beer is a world-wide phenomenon. To learn more about this drink and its variety of options, visit <www.beeradvocate.com>. This site contains everything there is to know about beer, from tasting and pouring, to where to purchase a specialty beer online. It even offers a magazine subscription.

As St. Patrick’s Day rolls around and those of legal drinking age practice an Irish tradition and consume beer at an off-campus event, remember the rich history of the drink and how far it has come from just being bread fermenting in water.