Alcohol was not discovered by a single individual but was likely discovered independently by multiple ancient cultures through natural fermentation processes. The earliest evidence of alcohol production dates back to Neolithic China around 7000 BC, where pottery vessels containing fermented rice, honey, and fruit were found. Parallel developments also occurred in other regions such as the Middle East, South America, and ancient Mesopotamia, with early alcoholic beverages being integral to social and ceremonial life.

The discovery of alcohol was likely accidental, resulting from yeast naturally fermenting sugar-rich foods like grapes, grains, and honey. Early humans observed the intoxicating effects of these naturally fermented substances and later began producing alcoholic beverages intentionally.

Thus, alcohol's invention is a collective, global phenomenon closely tied to the transition to agriculture and early human civilization, rather than a single discovery by one person or culture.