Being a brewmaster is much like being a chef. There are hundreds of recipes at their disposal, but none are so defined that the brewmaster can’t add their own personal touch. Those slight distinctions and variations are what make today’s vast selection of beers so enjoyable.
So, with all the potential for variation, how does the industry determine what constitutes a style of beer—and how can a consumer know what they’re getting? Most beer styles are defined, generally, by the type and amount of malt, the alcohol percentage, the colour, the mouthfeel, as well as the type and amount of hops used.