Rough idle, strong smell....... of beer?

[usajdm]

Ill keep it short.
Picked up a full stock 89 coupe(ka24e SOHC, 5-speed manual) from a co-worker.
Wife owned for about 15 years, then handed it over to their early 20's daughter as a commuter.
Been sitting since last October.
Offered it to me, telling me it had started running rough and producing a stronge "strange" smell.
Before bringing it home, swapped out oil, coolant, battery etc.
Hard time starting(expected) and after about a 10-12 mile drive home the smell of beer was intense.
Seemed to be most noticeable at front of vehicle, but cant confirm because of intensity.

All Im looking for is an experianced reply of the smell.
What it could be, where and what to look for.
A thorough "no- hands" look over has been done.
I seem to remember reading of a "beer" smell before, but couldnt pinpoint where.
Ive searched on this forum and a few others I frequent, but couldnt find anything about the beer smell.

Thanks alot in advance.