What is the difference between beer and beer drink

The term "beer drink" exists only in Russia, it was included in the technical regulations for the production of beer and related beverages. This concept includes all beer where the content of unmalted grains and other "foreign" additives is more than 20%.

Short answer to the question

In short the main difference between beer and beer drink means that no foreign ingredients can be used in beer, except for the classic ones (malt wort, brewer's yeast, hops, water).

It is worth mentioning that classic beer is made from malt (germinated grain), usually barley. But in addition to classic beer, varieties are also brewed with the addition of unsweetened grain, t. in. е. not sprouted. This is done solely to obtain the original taste, and not because of savings, as some people believe.

In the USSR, such varieties usually had the prefix "original" or "special" in the name, and the content of unsalted malted beans in them could reach 50%, this was determined by GOST and no one was confused by this fact. Suffice it to recall such popular Soviet varieties as Leningradskoye or Klinskoye (not to be confused with the modern brand), where rice hulls were used to brew the wort.

According to the Reinheitsgebot formula, beer should contain nothing but water, malt and hops. But depending on the manufacturer, the same composition may be written differently on the label.

1. Water - drinking water, purified drinking water.

2. Malt - barley malt, light barley malt, brewing light barley malt, light barley malt.

3. Hops - hop products, hops + yeast.

If the drink contains other components (maltose molasses, sweetener E950, starch molasses, etc.). п. ), it will no longer be called beer, it will be a beer drink.

Update: 24.01.2016

Category: Beer, Cider, Ale