Alcoholic drink jugs suggest that intentionally fermented drinks existed at least as early as the Neolithic period (cir. 10,000 BC). Many animals also consume alcohol when given the opportunity and are affected in much the same way as humans, although humans are the only species known to produce alcoholic drinks intentionally. Beer is a beverage fermented from grain mash. It is typically made from barley or a blend of several grains and flavored with hops. Most beer is naturally carbonated as part of the fermentation process. If the fermented mash is distilled, then the drink becomes a spirit. In the Andean region,
Realgar wine Realgar wine Realgar wine or xionghuang wine (Chinese: , "xiónghuángjiǔ") is a Chinese alcoholic drink that consists of Chinese cereal wine ("huangjiu", "yellow wine") dosed with powdered realgar, a yellow-orange arsenic sulfide mineral (AsS). It is traditionally consumed as part of the Dragon Boat Festival at the height of summer. A pesticide and insecticide used (particularly) against mosquitoes, realgar was considered to be a universal antidote against poison by traditional Chinese medicine, which therefore advocated its use for protection against disease, snakes, and evil spirits. The Dragon Boat Festival coincides with what Chinese astronomy considers the height of summer and