Cicerone Certified Beer Server Practice Exam

What does the term "head retention" refer to in relation to beer?

1. The thickness of the foam

2. The color of the beer

3. The clarity of the beer

4. The volume of beer poured

The correct answer is: The thickness of the foam

The term "head retention" specifically refers to the ability of the foam on a beer to persist over time. It is an important aspect of beer presentation and is often associated with the quality of the beer itself. A thicker foam generally indicates better head retention, which contributes to the sensory experience of drinking beer, enhancing aroma and overall enjoyment. While the other options touch on different characteristics of beer, they do not relate to "head retention." The color of the beer pertains to its hue, clarity refers to how transparent the beer appears, and volume refers to the amount of beer in a glass. Each of these aspects can influence the overall perception of a beer but does not define head retention.