Flavour Wheels

Living in South Africa more than a decade ago I used to drink Windhoek Larger, which was one of the few non-main stream beer choices available. Sometimes the beer would taste a bit like cardboard to me and it turns out that 'papery' taste indicates that the beer has oxidised and is stale. Recently I've discovered 'flavour wheels', which may help the discerning beer drinker appreciate and understand their beer better.

Simplistically there are two broad-based flavour contributions. One from the malt and other carbohydrates, which make up the foundation of what is fermented by the yeast. The other is the contribution made by the hops, adding bitterness, flavours and aromas. Naturally, flavour wheels have been expanded to cover so many different aspects and I also found a 'Malt Wheel', which may help you decide what components you like or dislike in your beer.