Yes, cloudy beer is generally perfectly fine to drink. Its cloudiness does not inherently make it better or worse than clear beer.
According to one perspective, the presence of cloudiness in beer is simply a matter of preference, much like choosing orange juice with or without pulp. As stated, "cloudy beer is neither better nor worse than clear beer." It's described as "purely personal taste."
Think of it this way:
- Clear beer: Often achieved through filtration or cold conditioning, resulting in a visually bright beverage.
- Cloudy beer: May contain yeast, proteins, or other suspended particles depending on the style (like Hefeweizens, Wheat Beers, or certain New England IPAs) or brewing process (e.g., unfiltered).
The cloudiness itself doesn't indicate spoilage or a problem; it's often a characteristic of specific beer styles or an intentional choice by the brewer to retain flavor compounds or texture. Your enjoyment of it comes down to your own palate.
Key Takeaway:
- Cloudiness is not a measure of quality (neither better nor worse).
- It's about personal taste and often characteristic of the beer style.
(Information based on a source from 16-Aug-2016)
