olut

Olut is the Finnish word for beer, a fermented alcoholic beverage produced by the controlled fermentation of sugars derived from malted grains, most commonly barley. Water, hops, and yeast are standard ingredients; other grains such as wheat or rye may be used. Beer is one of the world's oldest and most widely consumed beverages and has a long history in Nordic and Finnish culture.

Production begins with malting, mashing, and lautering to extract fermentable sugars from the grain. The wort is boiled with hops to extract bitterness and aroma, then cooled and fermented. Yeast converts sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Fermentation temperature and yeast type determine if the beer is an ale (higher temp, top-fermenting) or a lager (lower temp, bottom-fermenting). After primary fermentation, beers may be conditioned, carbonated, and filtered or unfiltered.

Styles vary globally; common categories include lagers and ales, with substyles such as pale lagers, pilsners, IPAs, dark beer, stouts, and Belgian ales. In Finland, a growing craft beer scene has explored local ingredients and experimentation, while traditional lagers remain popular.

Beer's history stretches back centuries in Europe and elsewhere. In Finland, beer is part of cultural life and is subject to alcohol regulation; the state controls the sale and distribution of stronger beverages through a national retailer, and producers and retailers follow taxation and labeling rules.

Typical beer ranges from about 4% to 6% ABV, depending on style, and provides calories largely from carbohydrates. It is most commonly served chilled in bottles or on draft, accompanied by food or social gatherings.