Higher SO₄ = drier, crisper, more bitter. Higher Cl = fuller body, juicier, rounder malt.
< 0.5 : 1
Very Malty / Super Yeah
Very full body, sweet, soft, subdued bitterness
🍺 Pastry stouts · Sweet dark beers
SO₄ ~50 / Cl 150+ ppm
0.5 – 1 : 1
Malty / Juicy / Yeah
Pillowy, rounded malt, juicy hops, softer bitterness
🍺 NEIPA / Hazy IPA · Milk stouts
SO₄ 75–120 / Cl 150–200+ ppm
1 – 1.5 : 1
Balanced
Neutral balance between malt and hops
🍺 Everyday ales · Session beers
SO₄ ~100 / Cl 80–120 ppm
1.5 – 2.5 : 1
Slightly Hoppy
Noticeable hop character with some dryness
🍺 Balanced pale ales · Modern IPAs
SO₄ 150–200 / Cl 80–120 ppm
2.5 – 4 : 1
Hoppy / Bitter / Neah
Crisp, dry finish, enhanced hop bitterness & sharpness
🍺 West Coast IPA · American pale ales
SO₄ 200–300 / Cl 50–100 ppm
4+ : 1
Very Dry / Aggressive Neah
Sharp, pungent hops, very dry — can turn harsh if too high
🍺 Aggressive West Coast · Strong bitters
SO₄ 250–350+ / Cl <75 ppm