A riddle that is dear to me

Question

I am but a basic, simple thing,
But joy to the hearts of many I do bring.
I am made up of four, without them I'm not,
If you name them first, then me you will spot.

To my first, you may not give a thought
But without it, all life would come to naught.
It's in you, it's around you, it's easy to see
It may seem quite boring, but it's vital to me.

My second does begin so grassy and green,
But then, when gold hair starts to be seen -
It's time for a bath to trigger new life
Then crank up the heat 'til sweetness is rife.

My third is a lady, old and bitter.
She wears perfume though, she's no quitter.
Sometimes she's abundant, sometimes she's rare,
Just as long as she's there, though, I don't care.

My last has a sweet tooth, impossible to quench,
He can get quite gassy, and produce such a stench!
He eats all he can, a bit like a vulture,
Still I keep him around, for at least he has culture.

Who am I?

Answer 1

Are you by any chance:

BEER

The first part being

WATER which may be boring but is essential to life

The second part being:

WHEAT or I guess any other grain you like which grows from green until it is gold and harvested.

The third being:

HOPS which are definitely bitter and used in differing strengths

The last being:

YEAST which eats sugar and produces gas... also "Culture" haha! :P