Cicerone Certified Beer Server Practice Exam

Which of the following styles has the lowest level of perceived bitterness?

1. American IPA

2. American Pale Ale

3. Czech Premium Pale Lager

4. Wee Heavy

The correct answer is: Wee Heavy

The Wee Heavy style, a strong Scottish ale, is known for its rich malt profile and minimal hop character. Its flavor is primarily driven by caramel and toasty malt sweetness, which significantly masks any bitterness from hops. While all beers have some level of perceived bitterness, it is the malt-forward nature of Wee Heavy that results in a smooth, sweet finish, leading to a lower perception of bitterness. In contrast, American IPAs and American Pale Ales prominently feature hops, which impart higher levels of bitterness and citrus or pine notes. Czech Premium Pale Lagers, although more balanced, still maintain a noticeable hop character that lends some bitterness. Therefore, the overall profile of a Wee Heavy, with its focus on malt sweetness and very low hop presence, clearly results in the lowest level of perceived bitterness among the options presented.