In addition to flavor, the character of malt has a large impact on what attribute of beer?

The character of malt significantly influences the color of beer due to the Maillard reaction and the degree of roasting that the malt undergoes during processing. Different malts contribute varying pigments and hues to the final product, ranging from light straw colors to deep browns or blacks, depending on how they were processed. For example, pale malts typically yield a lighter color, while roasted malts will impart darker shades. This aspect of malt is crucial in defining the overall appearance of the beer, extending beyond mere taste and adding to the visual appeal that many beer drinkers appreciate.

While carbonation, clarity, and aroma are also important attributes of beer, they are influenced by other factors, such as yeast and brewing techniques, rather than being directly tied to the malt character itself. Carbonation is primarily a result of fermentation, clarity can be affected by filtration and sedimentation, and aroma is influenced by hops and yeast compounds, making them less dependent on malt alone.