On the other extreme, Milwaukee Wisconsin, has a very soft water. This is why Miller Brewing, along with various other lager producers, chose that area to establish their breweries. Ken and Kimberly Anderson, owners of Anderson Valley Brewing Company , found that they had a well of pristine Boonville water on their property and built thier brewery literlly, on top of that site. When all four of the ingredients are mixed in a beer, each adds the following practical characteristics. Malted Barley results in either an alcohol flavor or sweetness in the beer.
Hops add bitterness, flavor and aroma.
Water can add crispness and tartness, in the example of hard water, and a smoothness in the example of soft water. Large amounts of yeast in beer can add a bread taste, while the process of fermentation can also produce many unique flavors. The glass or vessel you beer is served in can play an important part in pronouncing a beer's flavor and aroma. To start with, the glass needs to be clean and free of any detergents and sanitizing aromas. It is my preference that the glass be at room temperature, and also be dry.