Cicerone Certified Beer Server Practice Exam

How should bottle-conditioned beers be stored to maintain quality?

1. Upright at room temperature

2. Upright at temperatures recommended by the brewer

3. Horizontally in a refrigerator

4. On their side in a dark place

The correct answer is: Upright at temperatures recommended by the brewer

Bottle-conditioned beers, which undergo a secondary fermentation in the bottle, are sensitive to storage conditions that can greatly influence their flavor and overall quality. Storing these beers upright at temperatures recommended by the brewer is optimal because it helps to maintain stability and prevents the yeast sediment, which typically settles at the bottom, from being disturbed when poured. When stored upright, the sediment remains undisturbed, allowing for a clearer pour while still retaining the natural carbonation and flavors developed during fermentation. Additionally, adhering to the specific temperature guidelines provided by the brewer ensures that these beers are kept within a controlled environment, which can prevent issues such as oxidation or off-flavors that may arise from temperature fluctuations or exposure to excessive heat. The other storage methods can compromise the quality of bottle-conditioned beers. Storing them at room temperature could lead to rapid aging or unwanted fermentation activity if the temperature is too high. Horizontally refrigerating the bottles can disturb the sediment, which is not ideal for a clear pour and can introduce unwanted flavors. Finally, keeping the beer on its side in a dark place, while it may seem beneficial for preventing light exposure, could also agitate the sediment and is not the recommended practice for beers that are bottle-conditioned.