Cicerone Certified Beer Server Practice Exam

What attribute of beer is primarily affected by the amount of water used in the brewing process?

1. Color

2. Clarity

3. Flavor

4. Body

The correct answer is: Flavor

The correct answer is flavor. The amount and mineral content of water used during brewing have a significant impact on the overall flavor profile of the beer. Water chemistry influences various aspects such as the sweetness, bitterness, and mouthfeel of the beer, depending on the specific brewing salts and minerals present in the water. For example, higher sulfate levels can enhance bitterness, while higher chloride levels can contribute to a fuller, sweeter body. While color, clarity, and body are influenced by other factors such as malt selection and the brewing process itself, flavor is the most directly impacted attribute by the water used in brewing. This is because the water interacts with the malt and hops, extracting different flavors based on its composition.