American-Style Malt Liquor – North American Origin Lager Styles

American-Style Malt Liquor Style

  • Color: Straw to gold
  • Clarity: Appearance should be clear. Chill haze should not be present
  • Perceived Malt Aroma & Flavor: Some malt sweetness is present
  • Perceived Hop Aroma & Flavor: Not present
  • Perceived Bitterness: Very low
  • Fermentation Characteristics: Fruity esters and complex alcohol aromas and flavors are acceptable at low levels. Alcohol should not be solvent-like. Diacetyl should not be present.
  • Body: Low to medium-low
  • Additional notes: Beers of this style are varied in character. Some malt liquors are only slightly stronger than American lagers, while others approach bock strength.

American-Style Malt Liquor Vital Statistics

  • Original Gravity (°Plato) 1.050-1.060 (12.4-14.7 °Plato)
  • Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (°Plato) 1.004-1.010 (1-2.6 °Plato)
  • Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 5.0%-6.0% (6.3%-7.6%)
  • Bitterness (IBU) 12-23
  • Color SRM (EBC) 2-6(4-12 EBC)

2020 Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines used with permission of Brewers Association.

Credit: 2020 Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines – Lager Styles – North American Origin Lager Styles – American-Style Malt Liquor