With the growing number of beer styles available in the United States the terminology used to describe a beer’s taste has evolved as well. While often underestimated, beer is a complex beverage with a wide range of taste characteristics, which is why a conversation between two beer lovers is sometimes hard to distinguish from two wine connoisseurs discussing the latest vintage.
When Statista asked 854 beer drinkers in the U.S. about their favorite taste characteristics in beer, hoppy and malty were the most popular choices. Hops is one of the most prominent flavors in beer, which can give the drink a bitter, floral, or citrusy taste, depending on the variety of hops used. “Hoppy" beers are often described as bold, punchy or crisp, while those looking for a “malty” brew are after the more subdued, smooth taste often found in dark beers. Malts provide the beer with a rich, sweet flavor that can range from caramel to toffee.
As the following chart shows, the taste characteristics and preferences in beer are as varied as the people who drink it. Whether you prefer a hoppy IPA, a malty stout, or a chocolatey porter, there is a beer out there to suit your tastes.
