Malt beverage is a broad term that encompasses a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Two examples of malt beverages are ALE and nearbeer. ALE is a type of beer brewed from malted barley, hops, and water. It is usually top-fermented and has a bitter taste. Nearbeer is an alcohol-free or low-alcohol beer that is made with malt and other ingredients, such as hops, but does not contain any alcohol.