Cicerone Certified Beer Server Practice Exam

Which of the following constitutes the majority of beer by weight?

1. Hops

2. Malt

3. Water

4. Yeast

The correct answer is: Water

Water constitutes the majority of beer by weight, typically making up about 90% to 95% of the total composition. Since beer is primarily a liquid product, the large quantity of water is crucial not only for the final beverage but also for the brewing process itself. It acts as the solvent for the ingredients, helps in the extraction of flavors, and influences the beer's profile, including taste and mouthfeel. While malt, hops, and yeast are all essential ingredients that contribute flavor, aroma, and fermentation to the beer, they represent much smaller proportions of the overall weight. Malt provides sugars that yeast ferments into alcohol, hops contribute bitterness and aroma, and yeast is vital for fermentation, but their individual weights are insignificant compared to the dominant weight of water.