In beer judging, what is meant by "balance"?

Balance in beer judging refers to the harmony between malt sweetness, hop bitterness, and other flavors present in the beer. This concept is crucial because it determines how well different flavor components interact with one another. When a beer is well-balanced, no single flavor overwhelms the others, allowing for a pleasant drinking experience where the elements complement each other. This balance can include a variety of components such as the sweetness of the malt, the bitterness from hops, as well as other flavors like fruit, spice, or roastiness.

In contrast, the focus on just bitterness and sweetness or merely alcohol content fails to capture the full spectrum of flavor interplay. While these elements are significant, a comprehensive understanding of balance should also encompass other flavors within the beer. Moreover, the equal distribution of flavors can vary widely by beer style; some styles may naturally emphasize certain flavors over others, making balance a more nuanced concept than simply equal levels across the board.