Cicerone Certified Beer Server Practice Exam

Which of the following beer styles would you expect to have the highest alcohol content?

1. Irish Stout

2. Best Bitter

3. British Brown Ale

4. Wee Heavy

The correct answer is: Wee Heavy

The highest alcohol content among the listed beer styles is typically found in Wee Heavy, which is a traditional Scottish beer style. Wee Heavy is known for its rich malt profile and often has an alcohol by volume (ABV) ranging from around 6% to 10% or even higher in some cases. This style emphasizes malt sweetness and complexity, which contributes to its higher alcohol content. In contrast, Irish Stouts, Best Bitters, and British Brown Ales usually have lower ABV ranges. Irish Stouts, for example, are typically around 4% to 5% ABV, focusing on dark roasted flavors. Best Bitters usually fall in the 3% to 5% range, showcasing balanced malt and hop characteristics, while British Brown Ales also tend to have an ABV that generally stays below 6%. Thus, Wee Heavy stands out in this comparison due to its rich malt content and potential for higher fermentation strength, leading to a greater alcohol concentration.