Homebrewing

The American Homebrewers Association identifies water, malt, hops, and yeast as the four main ingredients in most beer. Each one affects a different part of the result, from fermentable sugar and bitterness to aroma and alcohol. [American Homebrewers Association ingredients guide](https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/how-to-brew/homebrew-ingredients/)

Brewer's yeast, including Saccharomyces strains, consumes fermentable sugars and produces alcohol and carbon dioxide during fermentation. Ale and lager yeast create different flavor profiles even when they ferment the same wort. [American Homebrewers Association ingredients guide](https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/how-to-brew/homebrew-ingredients/)

A basic setup includes a brew kettle, fermenter, airlock, thermometer, hydrometer, sanitizer, and bottles or a keg. The American Homebrewers Association recommends pitching yeast below 75°F (24°C), so temperature control is part of the basic process. [American Homebrewers Association equipment guide](https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/how-to-brew/homebrew-equipment/)

All-grain brewing mashes malted grain in a mash tun or brew-in-a-bag setup, while extract brewing starts with liquid or dry malt extract and skips the full mash. The American Homebrewers Association says an extract brew can take 2 to 3 hours, while a full all-grain brew day can take 6 hours or more. [American Homebrewers Association extract guide](https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/how-to-brew/5-benefits-of-brewing-with-extract/)