What are malt beverages? And what sets them apart from other beverages?
Some of America’s favorite drinks include beer and malt beverages. At the same time, malt beverages and craft beers have similar production and consumption methods.
As such, the industry does its best to keep itself well-defined. One of the key characteristics of a malt beverage? You’re not supposed to drink it carbonated.
Let’s take a look at the answers to both of these questions.
What Is Malt?
Malt beverages are a type of alcoholic drink made from malted grain, which has been fermented and flavored to produce a specific beverage. Malt is a grain, usually barley or wheat, which has been allowed to germinate and then heated and dried.
It can make syrups, flavorings, and powders for baking and mashed to make a traditional Scotch whisky. There are a variety of malt beverages on the market that range in flavor, alcohol content, and color.
Whether you prefer dark, light, sweet, or sour, there is a malt beverage with the unique flavors you love.
What Are the Types of Malt Beverages?
There are several incredibly versatile types of beverages. They are available in a wide array of flavors and styles. It can be from a light and refreshing drink to fuller-bodied and hoppy.
Regardless of the type of malt beverage you enjoy, rest assured that you are enjoying a flavor-packed, refreshing drink. Here are some of the most well-known types of malt beverages:
Beer
Beer is one of the oldest and most popular types of malt beverages and has numerous variations. Some beers are darker or richer in flavor. They usually have a higher alcohol content.
The craft beer movement has also been gaining popularity and introduced newer and more unique beer flavors and styles.
Ale
It has a stronger hop flavor and a unique taste compared to lagers. Ale is typically served warm or cold, which affects how much flavor is released.
Some of the most common malt beverages include pale ales, India Pale Ale (IPA), brown ales, wheat beers, and porters. Pale ales are made with pale malt, a type of light malt.
Stout
It originates from England and Ireland. Stout was traditionally brewed with dark-roasted malts. Stouts are typically made with roasted barley, malt, hops, and yeast. They are typically darker in color and have a more full-bodied flavor than other beer styles.
Most stouts have a roasty flavor profile, with chocolate, coffee, and burnt caramel notes present. The mouthfeel is also heavier and creamier than other beers.
Non-alcoholic Drinks
Nonalcoholic drinks, also known as mocktails, include a wide range of malt beverages. From classic favorites like root beer and ginger beer to more creative concoctions like cream soda or lemon shandies, there are plenty of malt beverages to choose from.
There’s also Supermalt which is a non-alcoholic, caffeine-free malt drink. It was developed in 1972 for the Nigerian Army. Rich in B vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.
Discovering What Malt Beverages Are
Overall, malt beverages have caught the attention of many, offering variety and allowing for creative cocktails and drinks. For those looking for a night out with friends, malt beverages offer an accessible option.
If you’d like to know more about malt beverages, check out our malt beverage guide for everything you need to know.
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