Malt liquor is a type of mass-market beer with high alcohol content, most closely associated with North America. It is a strong lager or ale in which sugar, corn, or other adjuncts are added to the malted barley to boost the total amount of fermentable sugars in the wort. This gives a boost to the final alcohol concentration without creating a heavier or sweeter taste. Malt liquor is typically straw to pale amber in color and is often sweeter and heavier in the body than regular beer. It is usually made with cheaper, less flavorful ingredients than other beers, resulting in a sweeter, less complex flavor. Malt liquor typically has a higher alcohol content than regular beer, sometimes as high as 8-9% alcohol by volume (ABV), although it can be as high as 20% ABV in some instances. The term "malt liquor" lacks a stable definition, and its use varies from state to state in the US. Malt liquor is often consumed by young adults and has a reputation for being somewhat of a “party drink”.