Final answer:
Humans first discovered the fermentation, taste, and effects of alcohol in various ancient civilizations. Grapes, berries, honey, rice, barley, and milk were used to produce alcoholic beverages thousands of years ago.
Step-by-step explanation:
Humans first discovered the fermentation, taste, and effects of alcohol in various ancient civilizations. Grapes, berries, honey, and rice were being used to produce alcoholic beverages in northern China around 9,000 years ago. Barley beer and grape wine were being made in the Middle East around 6,000 years ago. Wine has been produced for about 4,500 years, and evidence suggests that cultured milk products, like yogurt, have existed for at least 4,000 years.
Alcohol consumption was common in ancient Greece, Egypt, and Rome, although it was generally frowned upon. In Europe, beer and wine were the main alcoholic beverages until distillation became widespread in the 15th century, leading to the production of spirits like gin, vodka, and whisky.
Overall, the production and consumption of alcohol have been a part of human history for thousands of years, with various civilizations and cultures developing their own fermented beverages.