What attribute of beer is largely influenced by the character of malt?

The character of malt has a significant impact on the color of beer due to the various types of malt used in the brewing process, which come in different colors and flavors. Malting grains involves the process of soaking, germinating, and drying cereal grains, primarily barley, which affects their color. The degree of roasting of these malts also plays a critical role; lightly roasted malts result in pale beers, while darker malts yield amber, brown, or black beers.

Malt not only contributes to color but also affects the overall flavor profile and body of the beer. However, in terms of specific attributes, color is the most directly influenced by malt characteristics. Other aspects such as bitterness are primarily determined by the hops used in brewing, while aroma can come from both the malt and hops, and carbonation is more a result of fermentation and conditioning processes rather than malt itself.