Cicerone Certified Beer Server Practice Exam

Which of the following is a common characteristic of a Hefeweizen?

1. High bitterness

2. Fruity bananabread aroma

3. Dark color

4. Spicy hops flavor

The correct answer is: Fruity bananabread aroma

A Hefeweizen is a traditional German wheat beer that is known for its unique yeast profile, which contributes to its distinctive fruity and spicy aromas. Among the characteristics of a Hefeweizen, the fruity banana-like aroma is a hallmark. This aroma comes from the yeast strain used during fermentation, which produces isoamyl acetate, a compound that translates to banana flavors. The beer is generally light in color and has a cloudy appearance due to the suspended yeast and proteins, which distinguishes it from darker beers. Hefeweizens are typically low in bitterness, as they are brewed with minimal hop additions that provide flavor rather than strong bitterness. While there can be some spice notes from the yeast, the defining feature remains the fruitiness, particularly the prominent banana aroma, which is what makes this style recognized and beloved among beer drinkers.