Cicerone Certified Beer Server Practice Exam

Which of the following is a trait of an American porter?

1. Gold color

2. Highly assertive bitterness

3. Lower to normal ABV (3.8-5%)

4. Roasty malt flavor

The correct answer is: Roasty malt flavor

The defining trait of an American porter is its roasty malt flavor. This characteristic comes from the use of darker malts, which impart notes of coffee, chocolate, and caramel. These roasted flavors create a rich and complex profile that is fundamental to the style. American porters often showcase a balance between malt sweetness and hop bitterness, but it is primarily the malt character that stands out. The emphasis on roasted malt contributed to the style's popularity, as it offers a satisfying depth of flavor that appeals to many beer enthusiasts. While other options reference traits commonly associated with other beer styles—such as a gold color, which is typical of lighter beers, or highly assertive bitterness, which is more characteristic of IPAs—the roasty malt flavor is a hallmark of what distinguishes American porters. Similarly, while American porters can have a range of alcohol by volume (ABV), they typically fall within a moderate range, but it is the flavor profile that ultimately defines the style.