Malt Liquor Is Not Beer?

How To Know The Difference.

It goes without saying that all of us have enjoyed a great beer in our lifetime and
some malt liquor without us knowing. Here’s a statement that you might not have
known before, malt liquor is not beer. While both are formed from very similar
ingredients and you might not notice a remarkable difference in taste, they are
quite distinct. Let’s take a look at what sets them apart, keep reading!

What is Malt Liquor?

Malt liquor is a type of beer that is brewed with a distinctive higher percentage of adjuncts like corn, rice, and dextrose and contains a higher alcohol content that can reach 8-9% alcohol by volume (ABV) compared to regular and normal beer. It is most often known to be stronger than regular beer and is sold in large bottles or cans. It is crucial to note that malt liquors are generally constituted from cheaper,less flavorful ingredients, thus resulting in a remarkably sweeter and less complex flavor.

What is it made of and what does it taste like?

To make beer, the brewing process first begins with grains which are usually barley heated, dried, and cracked in order to isolate the enzymes that are pivotal for brewing in a process that is referred to as “malting”. After that, the grains are mashed and steeped in hot water to help the enzyme activate and release sugar. The formed liquid is called wort, which is then boiled, and hops and some other spices are added to it in order to balance the sugar. As a final step, the wort is strained, filtered, and fermented with yeast for a number of weeks. The yeast helps in turning the sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide to give the beer its alcoholic content and carbonation.

The ingredients used to create malt liquor increase fermentable sugars in the wort and make it sweeter than other beverages since it is made with cheaper adjuncts like corn or rice rather than more expensive ingredients like hops. Malt liquor is brewed by following a process that is very similar to beer but it needs a higher amount of sugar and therefore requires a higher amount of alcohol by volume. Malt liquor has a sweet aroma with a slightly bitter finish and can sometimes have a sour smell since adjuncts are mainly used in the brewing process. Since Malt liquor is frequently formulated with a higher alcohol content than beer, this makes it more difficult to have control over your intake and consumption.

Malt liquor can sometimes be more expensive than regular beer, what might be the reason behind that?

Malt liquor is generally more expensive than beer because it has a significantly higher alcohol content. As a matter of fact, a standard 12-ounce can of malt liquor contains approximately 8% ABV in comparison to beers that only contain around 5% ABV. All in all, when you buy a malt liquor, you are paying for more alcohol per ounce. Moreover, malt liquor is often sold in larger containers than beer. A classic malt liquor can be 16 ounces or even more compared to beer cans which are 12 ounces. In addition, malt liquor is less refreshing than beer since it has a notably higher alcohol content. So, if you’re searching for a strong alcoholic beverage, malt liquor is the answer!

Why is malt liquor served in larger containers and what are some well-known malt liquor brands?

Malt liquor is usually sold in containers as large as 40-ounce bottles than beer because it has higher alcohol content and therefore needs more volume to have the same exact effect. Top-rated and popular malt liquor brands include Old English 800, Colt 45, Mickey’s Fine Malt Liquor, and St. Ides High Gravity Malt Liquor.

In conclusion, even though beer and malt liquor have a lot of similarities, there are notable key elements that separate one from the other and make it truly unique in its own way. So, if you feel like having a hearty drink with a quick, malt liquor is the best choice for you. Whereas if you want something refreshing and smooth at the same time, a beer is the solution!