Cicerone Certified Beer Server Practice Exam

What should you expect in terms of hop flavor from a traditional Saison?

1. Intense bitterness

2. Minimal hop flavor

3. Floral and citrus notes

4. Very herbal

The correct answer is: Minimal hop flavor

In a traditional Saison, the hop flavor is indeed typically minimal. This style emphasizes a balance between the malt sweetness and the yeast character, which often includes fruity and spicy notes. While hops are used for some bitterness and aroma, they do not dominate the flavor profile. Instead, the yeast and malt components play a more significant role, allowing the complexities of the Saison to shine. The other options might reflect characteristics found in some other beer styles. For instance, intense bitterness is more commonly associated with IPAs, whereas floral and citrus notes are often related to hop-forward styles and might be present but not predominant in a Saison. Similarly, while herbal notes can be found in some Saisons depending on the specific ingredients used, they are not a defining characteristic of the traditional style.