Cicerone Certified Beer Server Practice Exam

What flavor profile is commonly associated with light amber beer?

1. Bread crust, biscuit, graham cracker

2. Nutty, toffee, chocolate

3. Piney, citrus, resiny

4. Toast, caramel, pie crust

The correct answer is: Bread crust, biscuit, graham cracker

The flavor profile commonly associated with light amber beer typically includes bread crust, biscuit, and graham cracker notes. These flavors arise from the use of specialty malts that impart a mild sweetness and a toasty character without overwhelming the palate. Light amber beers are usually balanced and showcase a malt-forward profile that is not too rich but offers a pleasant complexity. Other flavor profiles mentioned may fit different styles of beer. The nutty, toffee, and chocolate notes are more characteristic of darker beers or brown ales, which contain more roasted malts that contribute those specific flavors. The piney, citrus, and resiny flavors are primarily seen in hop-forward styles such as IPAs, where the hop varieties used bring out those strong, aromatic characteristics. Lastly, flavors like toast, caramel, and pie crust may be present but are often found in beers with a deeper color and richer malt profile, such as amber ales or various British-style beers. Therefore, the association of bread crust, biscuit, and graham cracker with light amber beer accurately reflects the style's typical flavor profile.