What does mouthfeel in beer refer to?

Mouthfeel in beer refers to the texture and weight of the beer in the mouth, often described in terms of body (viscosity) and carbonation. Body indicates how full or rich the beer feels, which can range from light and watery to heavy and creamy. Carbonation contributes to the sensation of effervescence and can affect the overall perception of the beer's body.

The other aspects mentioned, such as temperature, bitterness level, and color and clarity, do not directly relate to mouthfeel. Temperature influences perception but is not part of mouthfeel, while bitterness levels pertain to flavor rather than texture. Similarly, color and clarity pertain to the visual aspects of beer, which are distinct from how the beer feels in the mouth. Thus, the complete understanding of mouthfeel encompasses body and carbonation, making the choice about body and carbonation the most accurate representation of what mouthfeel means.