Cicerone Certified Beer Server Practice Exam

Which beer quality is least likely affected by hops?

1. Bitterness

2. Flavors

3. Color

4. Aroma

The correct answer is: Bitterness

The quality of beer that is least likely affected by hops is color. Hops primarily contribute to the bitterness, flavor, and aroma of beer. They are responsible for imparting bitter compounds to balance the sweetness from the malt, as well as unique aromatic and flavor characteristics based on the type of hops used. Color, on the other hand, is mainly influenced by the malt used in the brewing process. Different types of malt contribute various shades ranging from pale yellows to deep browns and blacks. While some specialty malts can impart a darker hue to the beer, hops do not typically play a role in impacting the color of the final product. Thus, color is the characteristic least influenced by hops.