Cicerone Certified Beer Server Practice Exam

What flavor characteristics are associated with German or Czech hops?

1. Earthy, herbal, woodsy

2. Piney, citrus, resiny

3. Floral, perfumy, peppery, minty

4. Nuts, toffee, chocolate

The correct answer is: Floral, perfumy, peppery, minty

The flavor characteristics associated with German or Czech hops are indeed floral, perfumy, peppery, and minty. These hops, such as Hallertau or Saaz, are known for imparting delicate and nuanced flavors to beer, which can often be described as herbal or floral. The perfumy aspect contributes to the aromatic qualities that enhance the overall sensory experience of the beer. The hint of mintiness and the possibility of peppery notes further characterize the complexity and uniqueness of beers brewed with these hops. The incorrect options highlight different hop characteristics or non-hop-related flavors. For instance, earthy, herbal, and woodsy flavors are more typical of some English or certain American hops rather than German or Czech varieties. Piney, citrus, and resiny notes are often found in American hops, particularly those that are used in hop-forward styles like IPAs. Nuts, toffee, and chocolate refer to malt flavors typically found in darker beer styles rather than hop characteristics. Thus, the distinctive floral and herbal properties of German and Czech hops align best with the choice provided.