rice wine vs rice beer?

[phatch]

It seems to my completely alcholol illiterate mind that rice wine is a misnomer and should be a rice beer as it is fermented from grain but not distilled to something stronger.

Anyone know what's up with this naming?

Phil

 

[cape chef]

Phil,

I had to do a little research but I think I found a couple links that may help.

That was a great question you posed.

http://www.philrice.gov.ph/media/arc.../news_beer.htm

http://www.takarasake.com/tradition/

 

[phatch]

Parallel fermentation in a single ferment. So it's really it's own thing entirely and the wine name is a western appellation for something similar. Got it.

Wonder what the rice process would produce with wheat or barley?

Phil