Beer is defined as any alcoholic beverage made from the fermentation of sugars derived from grain.

An "Ale" is a style of beer, traditionally fermented at temperatures between 60 - 70 degrees, using ale yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), known as a 'top-fermenting' yeast because of the ability to form a layer of yeast on the surface during primary fermentation.

A "Lager" is also a style of beer, traditionally fermented at temperatures between 40-50 degrees, using lager yeast (Saccharomyces uvarum), and stored for a period of time at temperatures as low as 32 degrees. It is also known as 'bottom-fermenting' yeast because of it's tendency not to form a layer of yeast on the surface of the brew. 'Lager is from the German word meaning 'to store'.