What general category does beer fall under in terms of alcohol type?

Beer is classified as a fermented beverage due to the process it undergoes during production. The primary ingredients in beer are grains, usually barley, which undergo fermentation by yeast. This fermentation process converts sugars from the grains into alcohol and carbon dioxide, resulting in the beverage we know as beer.

In contrast, spirits and liquor refer to distilled beverages that contain a higher alcohol content, such as vodka, whiskey, and rum. Wine is made primarily from fermented grapes or other fruits, which distinguishes it from beer. Therefore, categorizing beer as a fermented beverage properly reflects its production process and the natural fermentation that defines it. Understanding these distinctions is critical in recognizing the broader classifications of alcoholic beverages.