The most common assumption of most people is that beer is made from hops. We have to say right away that this is total nonsense. First of all, beer is mostly made of water (about 90%), followed by malt, then hops and yeast. Hops are added to beer (into the wort) as a spice that balances the flavors. Hops give beer additional aromas, flavors and bitterness. There are also certain styles of beer made entirely without hops, for example Gruit beer. For a more detailed description of the beer-making process, check here.