Malt Liquor vs Beer: Breaking Down The Real Difference

Malt liquor is often sitting next to regular beer in the store, but it is not the same thing. If you have ever wondered why malt liquor tastes different or has more alcohol, you are not alone. Many beer enthusiasts like to try different types of alcohol, but when it comes to malt liquor it is easy to get confused about where it fits in. While it shares some similarities with beer, it has its unique qualities.

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So, how does malt liquor compare to beer, and what makes it stand out? This guide will break it down so you can truly understand what makes malt liquor special and appreciate the brew more the next time you grab a bottle.

Difference Between Malt Liquor And Beer

Alcohol Content

One of the biggest differences between malt liquor and beer is the alcohol content; malt liquor has a higher alcohol content, usually 6-9%, while beer has 4-5%. The higher alcohol content in malt liquor is due to the added sugars like corn or rice, which ferments into alcohol during brewing, giving that extra oomph.

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Ingredients

Both malt liquor and beer are brewed with 4 basic ingredients: water, hops, yeast, and barley, but malt liquor often has additional grains like corn, rice, or even sugar. These adjuncts not only increase the alcohol content but also make the taste smoother, sometimes sweeter, which is different from the barley-forward taste of most beers.

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Flavour Profile

Beer has a more complex and varied flavour profile with nuances from hops, malts and yeast fermentation. Malt liquor has a simpler, sweeter taste profile, often described as lighter with less bitterness. The sweetness is due to the adjunct grains used during brewing, which results in a smoother, more drinkable finish than regular beer.

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Brewing Process

Malt liquor and beer undergo the same brewing process: mashing, boiling, fermentation, and conditioning. But malt liquor ferments for a longer period. This longer fermentation allows more sugar to be converted into alcohol, producing higher alcohol content. Beer generally ferments faster and has lower alcohol output.

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Also Read: Draft Beer Or Draught Beer? Here Is How To Tell The Difference

Body And Mouthfeel

Malt liquor has a lighter body and smoother mouthfeel compared to most beers. This is because of the adjunct grains used, which make the drink less viscous and easier to drink. Beers, depending on the style, can vary in the body from light lagers to full-bodied stouts and have a more textured mouthfeel because of the more concentrated use of barley.

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Price Point

Malt liquor is generally sold at a lower price point than most premium beers. The use of adjunct grains like corn or rice, which are cheaper ingredients, helps lower the production cost and this is passed on to the consumer. Craft beers and higher-end options are priced higher because of the quality of ingredients and the brewing process. A 750ml bottle of a popular malt liquor like King Cobra (ABV 6%) might cost around ₹150-₹200 in India, while a similar-sized bottle of craft beer or imported lager like Corona or Hoegaarden can range from ₹250-₹350 depending on the brand and region. 

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Alcohol Flavour And Aftertaste

Malt liquor has a more pronounced alcohol flavour with a smoother and sometimes sweeter aftertaste. This is because of the high alcohol content and the adjunct grains. Beer, depending on the style, may have a bitter aftertaste because of the hops and a more defined balance between malt sweetness and hop bitterness. Malt liquor’s smooth finish makes it easy to drink quickly, while beer’s bitterness lingers longer.

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Malt liquor and beer share the same brewing process, but their differences in alcohol content, flavour profile, and ingredients make them different. Malt liquor’s higher alcohol content, and smoother, sweeter taste make it different from beer’s many flavours and bitterness.