According to Dow Water and Process Solutions, a subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Co., Midland, Mich., water makes up 90 percent of most beers and can determine the type of beer brewed. Historically, different types of beer have been brewed in different regions because of the mineral and calcium content in the local water source, the company says. Treating the water with reverse osmosis elements from Dow Water & Process Solutions removes the minerals to create a blank slate, allowing brewers to have control over the taste, quality and composition of the beer, it adds.

Click here to view the infographic about how water sources from around the world impact beer style.