Cicerone Certified Beer Server Practice Exam

Which of the following describes "body" in beer tasting?

1. The alcohol level of the beer

2. The taste intensity and weight of the beer

3. The clarity and appearance of the beer

4. The aroma of the malt used

The correct answer is: The taste intensity and weight of the beer

Body in beer tasting refers to the taste intensity and weight of the beer. It describes the sensation of fullness or richness in the mouth when tasting a beer, which often relates to the beer's malt content, viscosity, and overall texture. A beer with a full body may feel creamy and heavy on the palate, while a lighter-bodied beer might feel more crisp and refreshing. This characteristic significantly influences a drinker's overall perception and enjoyment of the beer. The other descriptions—alcohol level, clarity, and aroma—while relevant to beer, do not directly define "body." Alcohol content impacts the warmth and potentially the mouthfeel, but it does not define the overall fullness. Clarity and appearance focus on visual aspects, and aroma pertains to the scent profile, which are separate qualities in beer tasting.