Most students are well versed in beerology: the study of beer. Almost any student can give a short lesson in the economics, basic chemistry, points of distribution, and social implications of this tasty beverage. For those of you that need a refresher, or want to know where to get the best brews in Sacramento, climb onto your barstool for the basics of beer.

Webster?s New World Dictionary defines beer as an alcoholic beverage usually made from malted cereal grain (as barley), flavored with hops, and brewed by slow fermentation. My preferred definition comes from totalbeer.net, a great beer website: “Beer: the liquid essence of heaven, ecstasy with bubbles, and the expression of civilization on this planet.” Either way, beer is recognized as the bubbling beverage of choice at most college gatherings, as it goes well with most foods and is available in many easy-to-carry containers.

Ales are one of the favorite beers among college students. Available in varieties that range from pale to brown to creamy or stout they all offer an experience of their own. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale has quickly gained mainstream popularity. Sierra?s Pale Ale (though a bit soapy for me) is sure to please a party crowd anywhere and is of fair value at retailers. Other ales of choice include Newcastle Brown Ale, Rogue River Dead Guy Ale, Arrogant Bastard Ale, and locally produced favorite Hoppy Brewing Company?s Liquid Sunshine Blonde Ale.

If lager were a family of beer the three favorite children would be Pilsner, Bock, and Helles. Pilsner is usually a dry, aromatic “hoppy” style beer that is typically low in alcohol. Some of the domestic favorites include Budweiser, Coors, and MGD. For the more adventurous try Beck?s or Labbatt Classic. Bock is typically available in the winter months and is known for its thick creamy character and high alcohol content. Some of my favorite bocks are produced by Sudwerks in Davis and available seasonally at the Davis and Sacramento locations. Jack Russell Farm Brewing in Eldorado Hills also makes an excellent bock called, ?Big Ass Bock.? You can visit the brewery and sample the other Jack Russell beers, or pick them up at the local Corti Bros. Not to be forgotten is the often over-looked Helles (German for ?pale? or ?light? and often labeled only as a lager). Some of the most popular and best drinking helles? on the market are Red Stripe Lager, Steinlager, Corona, and Heineken.

As an added bonus to any brew based adventure check out one of the many seasonal brews that are offered. A few to watch for that have a good track record are brewed by Samual Addams, Sierra Nevada, Lagunitas Brewing Company, Widmer Bros., and Pyramid.

Now that you know the basics of brew you can go out and buy the goods. Any grocery store is an obvious starting place but Sacramento has a few more interesting outlets to choose from. For beer that is sold direct from the brewery, on tap, and to-go in Sacramento, seek out Hoppy Brewing Company, Sacramento Brewing Co., Sudwerk Brewery, and River City Brewing Co.; all are listed in the phone book and most have web sites. Other locations of interest in Sacramento include Corti Bros., Ernie?s Liquor, Beverages and More, and Lichine?s Liquor and Deli.