The Colors of Craft Beer

The Colors of Craft Beer: A Palette of Styles and Flavors

The color of craft beer is not just an aesthetic matter, but tells a lot about the recipe, the style, and the aromatic profile of each beer.
From the bright clarity of Lagers to the opaque depth of a Stout, each shade anticipates a unique sensory experience.

Light Beers

Colors: straw, golden, light yellow
Typical styles: Pilsner, Helles, Kölsch, Blonde Ale, American Pale Ale
Characteristics: fresh, drinkable, with notes of grain, flowers, citrus, or delicate hops.

Amber Beers

Colors: light amber, copper, deep orange
Typical styles: Amber Ale, Bock, Vienna Lager, English IPAs
Characteristics: more pronounced malt, hints of caramel, dried fruit, biscuit, balanced hops.

Dark Beers

Colors: brown, mahogany, deep black
Typical styles: Stout, Porter, Dunkel, Schwarzbier
Characteristics: complex, with roasted notes, chocolate, coffee, licorice, sometimes smoky or creamy.

What Determines the Color of Beer?

The color mainly comes from the type of malt used and the degree of roasting. Light malts give golden and light beers, while darker and caramelized malts provide deeper shades and more intense aromatic profiles.

The color can also be influenced by special ingredients (such as fruit, grape must, or spices) and particular production techniques (such as barrel aging).

Why is Color Important?

Because it anticipates the character of the beer. A light beer tends to be fresh and thirst-quenching, an amber one enveloping, a dark one intense and reflective.
Observing it in the glass is the first step of a mindful tasting.

On Maltese, you will find craft beers of every color and style, selected from small Italian and international breweries. Let your sight guide you… and then your taste!