Cicerone Certified Beer Server Practice Exam

What should be checked to determine the cleanliness of glassware before a beer pour?

1. Head size and shape

2. Glass design

3. Microbial content

4. Weight of the glass

The correct answer is: Head size and shape

To determine the cleanliness of glassware before pouring beer, the focus should be on the head size and shape. A clean glass should allow for a proper formation of the beer's head, which is crucial for beer presentation and aroma. If the glass is not clean, it may inhibit the formation of the head and affect the beer’s overall taste and aroma. Cleanliness can be visually checked by assessing whether there are any residues, smudges, or film on the glass surface. If these are present, the head will not form properly, leading to a poor drinking experience. The other factors, while they may play a role in the aesthetics or usability of a glass, do not specifically indicate cleanliness. The design of the glass, for instance, does not relate to whether it has been washed properly. Similarly, microbial content can be an issue, but it's not something that can be visibly assessed in a practical bar setting without specialized equipment. Finally, the weight of the glass is not an indicator of its cleanliness. Instead, focusing on the quality of the head that forms when pouring beer provides a straightforward and practical method to ensure the glass is clean.