Cicerone Certified Beer Server Practice Exam

What is the primary flavor contribution of a traditional lager yeast?

1. Fruity esters

2. Spicy phenols

3. Clean, crisp profile

4. Caramel sweetness

The correct answer is: Clean, crisp profile

The primary flavor contribution of traditional lager yeast is a clean, crisp profile. This characteristic is due to the fermentation process that lager yeasts undergo, which operate at cooler temperatures compared to ale yeasts. As a result, lager yeast tends to produce fewer byproducts during fermentation, such as esters and phenols, that contribute to fruity and spicy flavors. This clean profile is particularly desirable in many lager styles, where the goal is to emphasize the malt and hop characteristics without overshadowing them with strong fermentation flavors. The crispness often associated with lagers is a hallmark of this yeast’s fermentation behavior, making it an essential element in the overall character of lager beers. In contrast, the other flavor contributions listed are typically associated with different yeast strains or fermentation methods. For example, fruity esters are more prominent in ales, spicy phenols are related to specific yeast strains that produce those compounds, and caramel sweetness usually comes from malts rather than yeast. Thus, the traditional lager yeast's contribution to a clean and crisp taste is what sets it apart in the brewing process.