Malt aroma & flavor
Some malt sweetness is present
North American Origin Lager Styles
American-Style Malt Liquor
Lager · Straw to gold
What to expect
Malt character: Some malt sweetness is present. Hop character: Not present.
Reading guide · The complete guideline attributes below preserve the source’s qualifications.Color · SRM
2–6
Pale / strawBlack
Straw to gold · Illustrative colors on the shared, uneven SRM scale.
Explore styles overlapping this color rangeAlcohol · ABV
6.3–7.6%
Reference scale, not a limit on official guideline values.
Bitterness · IBU
12–23
Measured bitterness; perceived bitterness is described in the guideline below.
Brewers Association 2026 · Printed guideline page 42 · PDF page 51. Color graphics are illustrative.
The guideline, in detail
Official style attributes, including what may be present and what should be absent.
Hop aroma & flavor
Not present
Perceived bitterness
Very low
Body & mouthfeel
Low to medium-low
Clarity
Appearance should be clear. Chill haze should not be present
Color
Straw to gold
Fermentation characteristics
Fruity esters and complex alcohol aromas and flavors are acceptable at low levels. Alcohol should not be solvent-like. DMS, diacetyl, and acetaldehyde should not be present.
Additional guideline notes & competition context
Beers of this style are varied in character. Some malt liquors are only slightly stronger than American lagers, while others approach bock strength.
Technical specifications, including gravity
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%) • Hop Bitterness (IBU) 12-23 • Color SRM (EBC) 2-6 (4-12 EBC)