One reason for the inconsistencies in the literature could stem from the fact that much of the previous research has traditionally treated alcohol as a single entity rather than separately measuring the effects of beer, cider, red wine, white wine, Champagne and spirits. Yet, even when broken down in this way, the research yields mixed messages. For example, one study has suggested that drinking more beer contributes to a higher waist-to-hip ratio.

Beer not only predates the pilgrims in the Americas, but it played a decisive role in the pilgrims choosing to make landfall in Massachusetts — they were running low. With its long-standing history of production and consumption, with only a brief interlude for the national experiment in Prohibition, beer comes as close as any other beverage to being a national beverage. Despite this august history, the new documentary Brewmance – directed by Christo Brock -- picks up its story later.