Cicerone Certified Beer Server Practice Exam

Which ingredient is responsible for the bitterness in beer?

1. Malt

2. Hops

3. Yeast

4. Water

The correct answer is: Hops

The ingredient responsible for the bitterness in beer is hops. Hops are the flowers of the hop plant, and they contain alpha acids that contribute to the bitterness of beer when they are boiled during the brewing process. This bitterness balances the sweetness of the malt, which is essential in creating a well-rounded flavor profile. Hops also add aromatic qualities and can impart various flavors, depending on the type of hops used. The degree of bitterness in a beer is often measured using the International Bitterness Units (IBUs), which quantifies the bitterness level. While malt contributes sweetness and body to beer, and yeast is responsible for fermentation and the production of alcohol and flavors, it is the hops that specifically introduce that characteristic bitterness. Water, while a crucial component of beer, does not contribute directly to bitterness.