What is the difference between a beer and a malt beverage?

The distinction between beer and malt beverages inherently lies in their composition and production process. Beer is specifically brewed using four primary ingredients: water, malted barley (or other grains), hops, and yeast. This fermentation process creates a range of flavors and styles, with varying alcohol content.

Malt beverages, on the other hand, are broader in category and often refer to drinks made from malted grains that may undergo additional processing. These beverages tend to have a sweeter taste profile, which can come from a higher level of residual sugars not fully fermented. Additionally, while many malt beverages can have an alcohol content comparable to or greater than that of traditional beer, they can also be crafted to be lower in alcohol.

This multifaceted nature of malt beverages means that they can include products like certain flavored drinks or coolers that are sweeter and might appeal to different consumer tastes. Understanding this differentiation is important for bartenders when recommending beverages to customers.