Cicerone Certified Beer Server Practice Exam

What type of beer is most likely to have a fruity aroma and a light body?

1. Pilsner

2. Berliner Weisse

3. Brown Ale

4. Stout

The correct answer is: Berliner Weisse

Berliner Weisse is a style of beer known for its refreshing and tart characteristics, which often include fruity aromas. This style typically has a lower alcohol content and is brewed with a significant proportion of wheat, contributing to its lighter body. The use of specific yeast strains, such as those that produce lactic acid, enhances its sour notes, often leading to a profile that includes hints of lemon, green apple, and other fruit-like aromas. This combination makes Berliner Weisse particularly light and effervescent, aligning well with the question's criteria for fruity aroma and a light body. In contrast, while Pilsners can be crisp and refreshing, they usually have a more pronounced hop bitterness than the tartness and fruitiness of a Berliner Weisse. Brown Ales and Stouts, on the other hand, are typically heavier and richer, often featuring malt-forward profiles with flavors and aromas of chocolate, caramel, or toffee, which do not align with the description of being fruity and light.